Improving the Accuracy and Quality of Wireless Coverage Measurements using Autonomous Drones and Wheeled Robots

Wireless measurements are critical to the deployment of advanced wireless systems such as WiFi, 4G LTE, and 5G. Detailed measurement data are required to map the level and quality of coverage for service level agreements (SLA), to characterize interference prior to and after deployment, and to characterize and optimize handoff regions. These often- repetitive measurements are time consuming, labor intensive, and prone to human error, especially when performed repetitively. Traditional methods include pushing a cart or carrying a backpack and laptop for performing wireless measurements. This paper discusses the work we are doing to improve the wireless coverage measurement process through automation. For small to medium indoor venues we are experimenting with wheeled robotic platforms, and for large venues such as stadiums, we are experimenting with using UAV's (drones) for mapping wireless coverage. Robot and UAV based platforms provide superior localization and higher resolution and quality data than conventional manual methods.