Road traffic estimation from cellular network monitoring

Abstract

Traffic information systems play an important role in the world as numerous people rely on the road transportation network for their most important daily functions. This dissertation proposes general system architecture for processing and predicting accurate, timely traffic information via existing mobile telecommunication network. It also specifically addresses the challenges with estimating traffic conditions using traditional methods. This dissertation introduces architecture to design and implement of a Mobile Telecommunication Network Based Traffic Calculating and Estimating Method. The proposed system will be built on top ofthe existing cellular network infrastructure. It can be identified as an efficient, low cost and real-time method. Based on concept that ‘many road users are also the customers of a cellular operator’, this study demonstrate how specific road conditions are mapped to certain signaling patterns in the cellular core network. In order to estimate the road traffic, signaling is collected from the core network of an operational mobile network. Based on the explorative analysis of real signaling and traffic data; normal and abnormal road conditions are mapped into mobility signals in a real cellular network. This method will increase the accuracy and helps to build an optimal or near optimal Road Traffic Monitoring System. This study will provide the base to build the complete and accurate traffic estimation and control system by giving mobile signaling traffic models. Thus, with the increasing competition among the service providers, providing valued services will be a key factor in retaining and attracting customers.