PCNM: A New Platform for Cellular Networks Measurements and Optimization

In this paper, we present PCNM, a new mobile platform for cellular networks measurements. PCNM is based on a set of techniques that tailors theoretical calculations and simulations to the real cellular network environment. It includes: (a) modules that measure different parameters of a base station (BS) such as localization, cells identification, time advance information, reception level and quality, (b) a new protocol that optimizes the task of network measurement by monitoring a set of mobile nodes and finally © the ability to extend an existing cellular network by adding new base stations. We evaluate our genetic algorithm used to reduce the nodes mobility and optimize the measurement extraction of N base stations using k mobile sensors (k >= 1). We show how connecting real measurements (using mobile sensors in a collaborative way) to theoretical and prediction methods is of high benefits for cellular networks maintenance, extension and performances evaluation.