Measurement-based method of optimizing the placement of antennas in a RF distribution system

A method of building a coverage database for optimizing, the placement of permanent antennas and for simulating the coverage provided in a coverage area by an arrangement of permanent antennas of a communications distribution system, said method comprising the steps of:

• a) storing in said database an indicator to a map of said coverage area, said map including a location of an obstacle within said coverage area;
• b) placing a test antenna at a test antenna site within said coverage area, said test antenna site being chosen from a set of potential installation sites for said permanent antennas and a set of potential communication unit locations;
• c) measuring a signal strength from said test antenna at a measurement location within said coverage area, said measurement location being chosen from said set of potential installation sites and said set of potential communication unit locations;
• and
• d) storing said signal strength in said database.

A method of selecting an optimal subset from a set of potential installation sites for permanent antennas in a coverage area of a wireless communications distribution system, said coverage area comprising an architectural category, said method comprising the steps of:

• a) selecting from a coverage database a closest stored coverage category, said closest stored coverage category being a stored coverage category architecturally similar to said architectural category;
• b) selecting from said coverage database a measurement result for said closest stored coverage category;
• c) choosing a subset of a set of potential installation sites, said subset being characterized by a coverage parameter;
• d) computing a utility value of a utility function for said subset, said value depending on said coverage parameter and said measurement result;
• and
• e) if said utility value is an optimal value of said utility function, choosing said subset as said optimal subset.

A method of optimizing the coverage provided in a coverage area of a wireless communications distribution system by an arrangement of permanent antennas, said coverage area comprising an architectural category, said method comprising the steps of:

• a) selecting from a coverage database a closest stored coverage category, said closest stored coverage category being a stored coverage category architecturally similar to said architectural category;
• b) selecting a stored optimal subset of installation sites for said closest stored coverage category;
• and
• c) selecting an optimal subset of installation sites for said architectural category, said optimal subset being substantially identical to said stored optimal subset.

An apparatus for optimizing the placement of permanent antennas in a coverage area of a wireless communications distribution system, said apparatus comprising:

• a) a test antenna;
• b) a measuring means for measuring the strength of a signal from said test antenna;
• and
• c) a storage means for storing said strength, said storage means being capable of communication with said measuring means;
• and
• d) a selection means for choosing an optimal subset of installation sites from a set of potential installation sites for said permanent antennas, said selection means being capable of communication with said storage means.