Method and device for the automatic redeployment of the geographic coverage of a wireless telecommunications network

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method for automatically redeploying the geographic coverage of a wireless telecommunications network interconnecting a plurality of wireless mobile devices to a common back-office (102). The method comprises steps consisting of: - partitioning (204) the geographic coverage area of ​​the wireless telecommunications network into sub-areas; - assigning (206, 208, 210) a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station (104-1) to each sub-area, each mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station being connected to said back-office via a wireless link, and being positioned at a geographic location providing wireless network coverage over said sub-area to a set of mobile wireless devices (106-1); - determining (214) the loss or degradation of quality of wireless network connectivity between a set of mobile wireless devices and the back-office;- determine (408, 606) a new geographic location for a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station to provide or improve wireless network connectivity between said set of mobile wireless equipment and the rear base; and - deploy (414, 614) a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station to said location. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for the automatic redeployment of the geographic coverage of a wireless telecommunications network Scope of the invention

[0001] The invention is in the technical field of telecommunication networks, and relates more particularly to a method of automatic redeployment of the geographical coverage of a wireless telecommunication network interconnecting a set of mobile wireless equipment to a back-office. State of the Art

[0002] The technical problem addressed by the present invention is that of the loss or degradation of the quality of wireless connectivity between a set of mobile wireless devices (MWDs) and a back-office (BO) when these MWDs move geographically over time. Indeed, as each of these MWDs moves geographically over time, some may fall outside the wireless coverage area offered by the network as initially deployed, thereby losing connectivity with the BO.

[0003] Furthermore, following these movements, the local density of EMs can also vary over time, and can trigger an overload of certain parts of the wireless network, and therefore a potential degradation of the quality of service (QoS) for some EMs, or on the contrary can cause geographical areas to appear covered by the wireless network when no EMs are present in that area, thus making the network coverage inappropriate with regard to the needs of the EMs.

[0004] Solutions addressing this problem include the one proposed in the Applicant's patent application, published under number FR3117727 and entitled "Method and device for the automatic deployment of a communication network." A method for the automatic deployment of a communication network is presented, designed to maintain wireless connectivity between a moving mission vehicle (VM), whether piloted by a person, remotely operated, or moving autonomously, and a rear base (RB). The method relies on a set of Autonomous Robotic Communication Relays (ARCRs) capable of moving autonomously along the VM's trajectory and forming a linear mesh / multi-hop wireless communication network between the VM and the rear base (along the VM's trajectory).The process allows for the automatic control of the positioning of each of the RCRAs along the VM's path, as well as the addition of a new RCRA if necessary, in order to preserve wireless connectivity between the VM and the BA, and to ensure that it is of high quality. Sufficient to bidirectionally transmit the data required by the VM's mission between the VM and the BA, even if the VM moves. This method allows the VM to remain connected to the BA even if direct wireless connectivity between the VM and the BA is lost (for example, at the edge of radio signal coverage), through the automatic deployment of RCRAs to maintain this connectivity. Thanks to this method, the VM can travel greater distances or enter more hostile environments (e.g., highly metallic environments that restrict radio signal propagation) while maintaining high-quality connectivity with the BA.This process also includes a fallback mode allowing, when the VM reverses direction along its initial trajectory, an automatic fallback of the RCRAs along this same trajectory and a progressive dismantling of the mesh / multi-hop network formed by the RCRAs via the removal of the RCRAs from the mesh network as soon as they are no longer needed to preserve quality connectivity between the VM and the B A. .

[0005] However, this solution does not directly solve the problem addressed by the present invention since it only allows connectivity with the rear base to be maintained for a single mobile vehicle and not for a set of mobile equipment.

[0006] Also, attempting to address the problem targeted by the present invention using only the method described in this patent application would then require considering each mobile device (MD) as a VM and therefore associating with each MD a set of RCRAs aimed at maintaining connectivity between said MD and the BA. However, this approach would present a significant drawback, which is the need for a very large number of RCRAs in order to be able to serve a sufficiently large fleet of mobile devices (MDs).

[0007] Also, there is a need for a solution that overcomes the drawbacks of known approaches and that allows for maintaining quality wireless connectivity between a back-office and each of the equipment in a set of mobile wireless equipment.

[0008] The present invention addresses this need by providing a solution for automatically redeploying the geographic coverage of a wireless telecommunications network serving a set of mobile equipment connected to a back-office. Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is a method for automatically redeploying the geographic coverage of a wireless telecommunications network interconnecting a set of wireless mobile equipment (EM) to a back base (BA).

[0010] Advantageously, the method of the invention makes it possible to automatically redeploy (i.e., without human intervention) the geographical coverage of a telecommunications network wireless communication, in order to maintain at all times a quality connectivity between each of the mobile devices and a back-office despite the geographical movement of these mobile devices over time.

[0011] The method of the invention also makes it possible to maintain quality connectivity between the different mobile equipment of the same set despite their movements, by routing communications via the rear base.

[0012] The method of the invention also makes it possible, despite the movement of the mobile equipment, to maintain quality connectivity between each of the mobile equipment of the same set and a back network, that is to say a third network connected to a back base, by routing communications via the back base.

[0013] The solution is based on an innovative network architecture consisting of a set of mobile vehicles equipped with a wireless base station (VMSSF) responsible for providing wireless network coverage to the various mobile equipment (ME), each of the VMSSFs being connected to the BA via a wireless link, either directly or through one or more mobile wireless relays, these relays being able to move autonomously to maintain at all times the connectivity between a VMSSF and the BA.

[0014] To achieve the desired result, the method of the invention relies on a set of mobile vehicles each equipped with a wireless base station and noted (VMSSF), each mobile vehicle of this type being responsible for providing wireless network coverage to a set of mobile equipment, each of the VMSSF being connected to a common back base via a wireless link, either directly or through one or more mobile wireless relays (RCRA).

[0015] In one embodiment, the RCRA relays are capable of moving autonomously to maintain at all times the connectivity between a VMSSF mobile vehicle and the rear base according to a method described in the aforementioned patent application.

[0016] The method of the present invention makes it possible to automatically determine whether the deployment of a VMSSF is required in a given area, to define the position where to deploy this VMSSF and to manage the automatic deployment of the VMSSF to this position in order to provide wireless network connectivity in this area or to improve connectivity in this area.

[0017] Advantageously, the method of the invention also makes it possible to automatically determine that a VMSSF is no longer useful in a given area and therefore to manage its return to the rear base, with a view to a possible future redeployment to another geographical area.

[0018] In the specific case where the system no longer has enough VMSSFs available (or no longer has enough mobile wireless repeaters available to deploy a VMSSF in a given area), the method also makes it possible to trigger a possible rapa sorting of an already deployed VMSSF, thus freeing up new resources, to allow the deployment of a VMSSF in a new targeted area.

[0019] In one embodiment, the invention implements a method based on the use of a single mobile back-office to maintain wireless network connectivity between mobile equipment and the back-office network despite the movement of mobile equipment over long distances.

[0020] In one embodiment, the invention implements a method based on the use of two mobile back bases to maintain wireless network connectivity between mobile equipment and the back network despite the movement of mobile equipment over long distances.

[0021] The industrial application areas of the invention are numerous. The invention is applicable in all scenarios where wireless network coverage must be provided to a set of mobile equipment moving in an environment, potentially over long distances, and where a fixed communications infrastructure usable by the mobile equipment does not exist.

[0022] The invention addresses this need by enabling the automatic deployment (without human intervention) of temporary network coverage in the environment where mobile devices operate. This network coverage is itself self-reconfiguring to provide the network connectivity required by the mobile devices at any given time, while minimizing the necessary resources. The network coverage thus provided by the solution is therefore mobile and has variable coverage / extent / geometry.

[0023] By way of non-limiting examples, some scenarios in which the use of the present invention is advantageous are:

[0024] Relief missions: to provide wired network coverage in a disaster area (earthquake, fire, flood, etc.), potentially very large, and lacking pre-existing communication infrastructure, to enable different mobile responders (men, vehicles, robots, etc.) to carry out their mission (search for victims, etc.) thanks to this temporary wireless network with self-reconfiguring coverage.

[0025] Security missions: such as the surveillance of an area (border...) by a set of mobile interveners.

[0026] Industrial missions: such as, for example, providing temporary and self-reconfiguring wireless network coverage on a construction site (by definition constantly evolving) or for the dismantling of a critical installation (nuclear site).

[0027] To obtain the desired results, an automatic redeployment method for the geographic coverage of a wireless telecommunications network is proposed. interconnecting a plurality of wireless mobile devices to a common back-office, the process includes steps consisting of: - partition the geographical coverage area of ​​the wireless telecommunications network into sub-zones; - assign a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station to each sub-zone, each mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station being connected to said back-office via a wireless link, and being positioned at a geographical location offering wireless network coverage over said sub-zone to a set of mobile wireless equipment; - determine the loss or degradation of quality of wireless network connectivity between a set of mobile wireless equipment and the back office; - to determine a new geographical location for a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station to provide or improve wireless network connectivity between said set of mobile wireless equipment and the rear base; and - deploy a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station to said position.

[0028] The process can operate according to alternative or combined embodiments.

[0029] In one embodiment, the step of determining the loss or degradation of quality of wireless network connectivity between a set of mobile wireless equipment and the back-office includes steps of continuously monitoring (a) the attachment of the mobile equipment of each set of mobile equipment to the mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station to which the set is attached, (b) the location of each of the mobile equipment and (c) the risk of overloading the wireless cells of the mobile vehicles equipped with a wireless base station.

[0030] In one embodiment, the step of monitoring the mobile equipment attachment parameter (a) consists of detecting when a mobile device is no longer under the wireless network coverage of any mobile vehicle equipped with a deployed wireless base station, and reconfiguring the wireless network.

[0031] In one embodiment, the step of reconfiguring the wireless network includes steps consisting of: - determine the last known location of the mobile equipment disconnected from the wireless network; - define a new geographical sub-zone near the last known location of said mobile equipment; - verify that at least one mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station remains available to serve said new sub-zone; and

[0032]

[0033]

[0034]

[0035]

[0036]

[0037] - deploy said at least one mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station available in said new sub-zone. In one embodiment, the step of monitoring the parameter (a) of mobile equipment attachment consists of detecting when a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station is not in use, and reconfiguring the wireless network. In one embodiment, the step of reconfiguring the wireless network includes steps consisting of: - determine that no more mobile equipment is connected to the mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station that is detected as not in use; - deactivate the wireless cell of said mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station and reset the settings of said wireless cell; and - to return the mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station to a storage area. In one embodiment, the step of monitoring the parameter (c) of risk of overload of wireless cells, consists of determining the location of the mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station that has issued a notification of risk of overload, and reconfiguring the wireless network. In one embodiment, the step of reconfiguring the wireless network includes steps consisting of: - define a geographical position near the location of the mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station that has issued a notification of risk of overload, in order to deploy a new mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station; - verify that there is at least one mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station available and not deployed; - define the parameters of the wireless cell of said new mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station; - deploy said new mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station at the defined geographical location; - activate the additional wireless network coverage offered by said new mobile vehicle equipped with a deployed wireless base station. The process may further include steps to determine that a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station is no longer useful in a given area and to return it to the rear base. The process may further include steps to determine a new geographical location for the rear base and to move said rear base to the new geographical location.

[0038] The method may further include steps consisting of determining a geographical position for a second back base, moving said second back base to the geographical position, deploying a new wireless network interconnecting the plurality of wireless mobile equipment to said second back base.

[0039] The invention also relates to a device comprising means for implementing the steps of the process of the invention.

[0040] According to variant embodiments of the device of the invention, the mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station is a land or air or amphibious or aquatic vehicle, said vehicle being remotely piloted or self-piloted (without human intervention).

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment, the wireless communication network is implemented according to a Software Defined Networking (SDN) architecture comprising an SDN controller having a North Interface and a South Interface, implemented at the level of a central system (at the level of a rear base or a server connected to the rear network). The SDN controller is capable of managing, via its South Interface, the configurations of SDN equipment consisting of the rear base(s), the mobile vehicle(s), and all the relays, and is capable of implementing, in the form of an SDN Service via its North Interface, the steps of the process of the invention.

[0042] The invention also relates to a computer program product which includes code instructions enabling the steps of the process of the invention to be carried out when the program is executed on a computer. Description of the figures

[0043] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0044] Fig. 1 illustrates an application environment of the invention, implementing several mobile vehicles equipped with a wireless base station (VMSSF) connected to a back base (BA), providing wireless network coverage to a plurality of mobile wireless equipment (EM);

[0045] The [Fig.2] is a flowchart of the steps carried out for an initial deployment of a wireless network in the context of the invention;

[0046] Fig. 3 is a flowchart of the general steps taken to trigger the automatic redeployment of the wireless network in the context of the invention;

[0047] The [Fig.4] is a flowchart of the steps taken to trigger the automatic redeployment of the wireless network in one embodiment;

[0048] The [Fig.5] is a flowchart of the steps taken to trigger the automatic redeployment of the wireless network in one embodiment;

[0049] The [Fig.6] is a flowchart of the steps taken to trigger the automatic redeployment of the wireless network in one embodiment;

[0050] The [Fig.7] is a flowchart of the steps carried out by the process of the invention in an embodiment with movement of a rear base;

[0051] The [Fig.8] is a flowchart of the steps carried out by the process of the invention in another embodiment with displacement of two rear bases;

[0052] Figures [Fig.9a] to [Fig.9i] illustrate different examples of implementation of the process of the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0053] Figure 1 illustrates an environment 100 for implementing the invention, using the example of three mobile vehicles equipped with a wireless base station (VMSSF: 104-1, 104-2, 104-3) connected to the same rear base (BA: 102), either directly or via autonomous robotic communication relays (RCRA: 108). Each mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station (VMSSF) provides wireless network coverage to a plurality or set of mobile wireless devices (EM: 106-1, 106-2, 106-3).

[0054] In the context of the invention, a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station (VMSSF) is characterized by the following elements:

[0055] A VMSSF is a vehicle remotely operated automatically (i.e., without human intervention) from the rear base (RB), or from a server located in a 110 rear network connected to the RB. The VMSSF can thus be automatically repositioned at a given geographical point, for example by indicating the geographical coordinates of this target point or by indicating a trajectory to follow.

[0056] A VMSSF is equipped with a wireless base station enabling it to provide wireless network connectivity in a geographical area near its location. Any type of wireless transmission technology can be used for this wireless network coverage offered by the VMSSF, such as, for example, radio transmissions in any type of RF band (WiFi, 4G, 5G, etc.), transmissions on the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum (for example, LiFi transmissions), or even acoustic transmissions (underwater).

[0057] In one embodiment, a VMSSF (as well as the rear base) can be configured to implement a method for establishing and maintaining a high-quality wireless link between the BA and the VMSSF when direct wireless connectivity between the two can no longer be ensured. This method, which may, for example, conform to that described in the Applicant's aforementioned patent application, then makes it possible to maintain connectivity between the VMSSF and the BA through one or more mobile wireless repeaters (MWRs) capable of moving autonomously along the VMSSF's trajectory. Again, any type of wireless transmission technology can be used between the VMSSF and the BA, such as, for example, trans Radio missions in any type of RF band (e.g., ad-hoc WiFi transmission), transmissions in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., LiFi transmissions), or acoustic transmissions (e.g., underwater). Within the scope of the present invention, the implementation of such a method remains optional in that it is not necessary as long as the VMSSF and the BA remain connected to each other via a direct wireless connection offering sufficient range to cover their relative distances.

[0058] In the context of the invention, a rear base (RB) can take different forms such as, for example: - A server on the internet or a platform in the cloud ("cloud"); - A server deployed at an intervention site; - A fixed or mobile server, for example deployed in a vehicle of any type (a truck, for example).

[0059] The BA can be connected to a back-end network via any type of transmission technology (for example via a satellite link).

[0060] The BA is typically associated with a "storage area" that can accommodate a set of VMSSFs for future deployment in the field to deploy the wireless network. For example, the BA can be positioned on a truck (as illustrated in [Fig. 1]) and the storage area can be a platform / trailer associated with the truck. When the VMSSFs are stored in the storage area, the wireless cells associated with these VMSSFs are deactivated. In one embodiment, the same storage area can accommodate both the VMSSFs and RCRAs.

[0061] Thus, the present invention can be implemented with variants of these configurations and can be applied to multiple scenarios defined by new missions.

[0062] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the 200 steps involved in the initial deployment of a wireless communication network in the context of the invention. The wireless network is deployed to cover a predefined initial geographic area, according to the following steps:

[0063] Step 202: Define an initial geographical area in which the wireless network is to be deployed such that all the EMs to be served by the wireless network are initially located in this geographical area. It is then assumed that the initial locations of each of the EMs are known.

[0064] Step 204: Partition the initial geographic area into multiple sub-areas, each geographic sub-area to be covered by a separate VMSSF. The size of each sub-area can be defined based on the maximum radio range achievable by the wireless base station with which the VMSSF is equipped, taking into account the wireless propagation conditions specific to the targeted sub-area.

[0065] Step 206: Define the location of each of the VMSSFs in charge of a sub-zone. Typically this location can be defined for example as the central point of the sub-zone in the assumption that the VMSSF is equipped with a wireless base station ensuring omnidirectional coverage (by being equipped with an omnidirectional transmitter / receiver for example).

[0066] Step 208: Define the parameters of the wireless cells offered by each of the VMSSFs (for example the frequency band) in particular with a view to avoiding, minimizing interference with the VMSSFs of neighboring sub-zones, for example by allocating disjoint frequency bands to the VMSSFs covering neighboring sub-zones, but potentially slightly overlapping each other in order to ensure continuity of wireless coverage in the area.

[0067] Step 210: Deploy each VMSSF at its designated location. This step can be performed according to the method described in the Applicant's aforementioned patent application in order to maintain the VMSSF's connectivity with the BA.

[0068] Step 212: Configure the wireless cell parameters thus defined for each of the deployed VMSSFs and activate the wireless cell of each of them, so as to activate wireless network coverage in the sub-zone of each VMSSF.

[0069] Step 214: Continuously monitor (a) the attachment of the EMs to each of the different VMSSFs deployed, (b) the location of each of the EMs and (c) the notifications of risk of overload of the wireless cells of the VMSSFs.

[0070] The attachment of an EM to a VMSSF, i.e., to the wireless base station with which the VMSSF is equipped, can be easily detected thanks to the protocol / nominal operation of the wireless technology used for the link between the EM and the VMSSF. The VMSSF can then easily transmit this attachment information to the system responsible for centralizing this information for all EMs (and the different VMSSFs) and for implementing the present method.

[0071] The described methods can be implemented at the back-office level or at the level of equipment located in the back-office network (for example, a server).

[0072] Once connected to a VMSSF, each EM which can determine its location at any time during its movement, can send this location information back to the system in charge of centralizing this information for all the EMs and in charge of carrying out the present process.

[0073] Each EM can be equipped with a positioning system enabling it to know its position in its environment at all times. Any type of positioning system can be used, such as, for example, (i) satellite positioning systems (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS), (ii) positioning systems via a ground-deployed radio infrastructure, such as, for example, a UWB (Ultra Wide Band) positioning infrastructure, (iii) positioning systems using external vision. using one or more cameras, notably via SLAM (“Simultaneous Localization And Mapping”) techniques, or (iv) hybrid systems mixing several localization techniques such as satellite systems, SLAM systems, or systems using other types of sensors (inertial units, compasses, accelerometers, odometers...).

[0074] The monitoring state 214 of the different parameters (a) of EM attachment, (b) of EM location, (c) of overload of the wireless cells of the VMSSF, allows when it is detected that it is necessary, to automatically redeploy the wireless network according to the redeployment method of the invention.

[0075] Automatic redeployment of the wireless communication network can be triggered according to different situations which can be detected, and which are described with reference to Figures 3 to 6.

[0076] The [Fig.3] is a flowchart of the steps which allow, from the continuous monitoring of the aforementioned parameters (a), (b), (c), to detect different situations to trigger the automatic redeployment of the wireless network in the context of the invention.

[0077] A first situation related to monitoring parameter (a) EM attachment involves determining 302 when an EM is no longer within the coverage of any VMSSF currently deployed in the overall coverage area of ​​the wireless network. When this situation is identified, the method allows for an automatic reconfiguration of the wireless network 304. Monitoring parameter (b) EM location is used to determine the location of the new VMSSF to be deployed near the location where the now disconnected EM had left the wireless network coverage area. The network reconfiguration is described in detail with reference to [Fig. 4].

[0078] A second situation relates to monitoring parameter (a) EM attachment, and consists of determining 306 whether a VMSSF is unused, i.e., whether the wireless cell of a VMSSF is unused. When this situation is identified (detection that a VMSSF is unused from the moment no EM is attached to its radio cell), the method allows for an automatic reconfiguration of the wireless network 308. The network reconfiguration is described in detail with reference to [Fig. 5].

[0079] A third situation relates to monitoring the parameter (c) of the risk of overload of the wireless cells of the VMSSF, and consists of determining 310 whether the wireless cell of a VMSSF is at risk of overload. When this situation is identified, the method allows an automatic reconfiguration of the wireless network 312 to be initiated. The network reconfiguration is described in detail with reference to [Fig. 6].

[0080] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the steps taken to trigger the automatic redeployment of the wireless network in the event that it is determined that an EM is no longer under None of the currently deployed VMSSFs have network coverage and are therefore outside the overall wireless network coverage provided by all deployed VMSSFs. This process then allows for the deployment of a VMSSF to support the identified EM (Emergency Management) system that is no longer under network coverage.

[0081] Following the movement of an EM from its initial location (i.e., its location during the initial deployment of the wireless network), the EM may move out of the sub-area covered by the VMSSF to which it was initially attached. It may then enter a neighboring sub-area and reconnect to the new VMSSF serving that sub-area, thus maintaining its connectivity. In this case, the initial VMSSF notifies the central system responsible for implementing the process of the EM's detachment (once out of coverage), and the new VMSSF, in turn, notifies the central system of the EM's reconnection to this new VMSSF, thereby confirming to the central system that the EM is still connected to the wireless network.

[0082] It may also happen that the EM, during its movements, completely leaves the overall area covered by all the VMSSFs deployed in the initial geographic area, and thus loses connectivity with the wireless network. In this case, in the absence of notification of attachment to a new VMSSF, the central system may detect that the EM is no longer under coverage and that a redeployment of the wireless network is necessary to allow the EM to regain coverage.

[0083] The central system then proceeds according to the following steps to ensure this redeployment:

[0084] Step 402: Determine the last known location of the EM currently disconnected from the wireless network.

[0085] Step 404: Define a new geographical sub-area (outside the global geographical area currently covered by the wireless network) near the last known location of the EM.

[0086] Step 406: Verify that sufficient resources remain to serve this new sub-area, i.e., that at least one VMSSF remains available and undeployed (and, if applicable, that enough RCRAs remain to cover the distance between the BA and this new sub-area). If insufficient resources remain, then the process is stopped and the network is not redeployed. 420

[0087] If sufficient resources remain to proceed with the network redeployment by adding the new sub-zone previously defined, then the process continues with the following steps:

[0088] Step 408: Define the location of the new VMSSF in charge of this new sub-zone. Typically, this location can be defined as the central point of the sub-zone, assuming the VMSSF is equipped with a wireless base station providing omnidirectional coverage. The process then allows the following to be defined: rameters of the wireless cell offered by this new VMSSF (the frequency band for example) in particular in order to avoid or minimize interference with the VMSSFs of neighboring sub-zones.

[0089] Step 410: Deploy the new VMSSF at its designated location (using, if necessary, the deployment method described in the Applicant's aforementioned patent application, in order to maintain the VMSSF's connectivity with the BA). The method also allows the defined parameters of the newly deployed VMSSF's wireless cell to be configured and its wireless cell to be activated, thereby enabling wireless network coverage in the sub-area of ​​each VMSSF.

[0090] Step 412: Determine if the EM (which was previously disconnected) connects to the new VMSSF thus deployed.

[0091] Step 414: If the EM reconnects to the new VMSSF and thus regains connectivity, the central system is notified by the new VMSSF that the EM is once again connected to the wireless network, and the central system can also obtain the EM's location information again. The wireless network deployment has been successfully completed, thus allowing the EM to regain network coverage.

[0092] Step 416: If the EM does not reattach (for example after a predefined time), then the central system can proceed to repatriate the VMSSF that had been deployed in the new sub-area.

[0093] Step 418: The process loops back to step 404 to define a new sub-area in which to redeploy the VMSSF and attempt to reattach the EM. If, after several unsuccessful attempts (configurable parameter), the EM has still not been found or has not reattached, the search process is stopped and the network is ultimately not redeployed.

[0094] It should be noted that the method described for managing the first situation also advantageously addresses a situation where a given VMSSF becomes faulty or inoperative, such that it can no longer provide wireless network coverage (this occurs during a failure, destruction, etc., of the VMSSF). In this case, the central system (by determining the failure of the VMSSF or the absence of renewal of the EM attachments to the VMSSF) effectively determines that the EMs that were previously covered by said VMSSF are now uncovered, and it can then proceed with the redeployment of the wireless network in that area (thus allowing the faulty VMSSF to be replaced by a new one).

[0095] In the general context of the first situation described, the extension of the wireless network to cover a new sub-zone by deploying a VMSSF is triggered only when the disconnection of an EM is detected by the central system. This can then result in a relatively long period during which the EM remains without network coverage, precisely the time it takes for the coverage extension in the new sub-zone to be implemented. In order to overcome this problem, and ideally avoid any disconnection of the EMs, a variant "variant 1" of this process allows the central system to anticipate a possible loss of coverage of an EM and to initiate in advance the deployment of the network coverage extension (via the deployment of a VMSSF) in a new sub-zone towards which the EM is currently moving.

[0096] In this variant, the central system continuously monitors the attachments of the EMs to the various deployed VMSSFs and the location of each EM, but in addition, it also collects additional real-time information on the speed and orientation / direction of each EM. The central system integrates a trajectory prediction module for each EM, which allows (on a regular basis) the prediction of the future trajectory of a given EM, taking into account its past trajectory, its speed, its orientation / direction, and possibly additional terrain-related information (such as the presence of a road on which the EM is moving).Thanks to this trajectory prediction, and knowing the current global coverage area of ​​the network, the central system can then determine (regularly) (1) the time T when said EM is likely to leave the coverage area and (2) the last predicted location L of the EM when it will lose / leave this network coverage (corresponding to the point of intersection between the predicted trajectory for the EM and the perimeter of the network coverage area).The central system can then monitor this time indication T and decide to deploy (in advance) a network coverage extension (via the deployment of a VMSSF) in a new sub-area located near point L (the exit point of the EM in the coverage area) as soon as T is less than a reference value Tref. This reference value could, for example, correspond to the time required (estimated by the central system) to deploy the network coverage extension in the new defined sub-area. Thus, the network coverage extension can be implemented before the EM loses network coverage.

[0097] If, however, the central system no longer has sufficient resources (in terms of VMSSF and any RCRA to be associated) in the storage area, the central system can then send an alert to the EM indicating the risk of losing connectivity within a time period T if it continues its trajectory beyond location L, so as to encourage it, if possible, to revise its trajectory.

[0098] Naturally, once the coverage extension is deployed (via a new VMSSF), the central system continues to predict the future trajectory of said EM and if it turns out that the new extension area is no longer appropriate or necessary (and that there is no other EM attached to the VMSSF), the central system can proceed with the repatriation of the VMSSF concerned.

[0099] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the steps taken to trigger (308) the automatic redeployment of the wireless network in the event that it is determined (306) that a wireless cell of a VMSFF is not in use and then organize the repatriation of the VMSFF.

[0100] Following the relocation of EMs, it may happen that a VMSSF finds itself without any EMs attached to it (for example, if all EMs have migrated to other sub-areas). The central system may then decide (for example, after a configurable period of time) to repatriate the unused VMSSF in order to recover resources (the VMSSF and any associated RCRAs) for future redeployments to new sub-areas.

[0101] To ensure the return of a VMSSF, after detecting 306 that no EM is connected to the VMSSF, the method in one embodiment performs steps consisting of:

[0102] Step 502: Disable the wireless cell of the VMSSF, and reset the settings of this wireless cell.

[0103] Step 504: Repatriate the VMSSF by instructing it to automatically return to the storage area.

[0104] In the event that the deployment of RCRAs was necessary to enable the deployment of the VMSSF to its previous location, then an automatic return of these RCRAs to the storage area can be implemented by applying the fallback method defined in the Applicant's aforementioned patent application.

[0105] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the steps taken to trigger the automatic redeployment of the wireless network in the event that it is determined that a wireless cell of a VMSSF is at risk of overload, and to organize the deployment of an additional VMSSF in support.

[0106] Following the movement of EM, a VMSSF may then find itself in a situation where its wireless cell risks being overloaded because of a number of EM to serve exceeding the cell's capacity, thus requiring the deployment of an additional VMSSF nearby in order to bring additional resources to the sub-zone.

[0107] The central system then proceeds according to the following steps to ensure this redeployment:

[0108] Step 602: After detecting that a VMSSF is at risk of overload when a new EM attempts to attach to it while the number of connected EMs is already at its maximum capacity relative to the VMSSF's configuration for supporting a maximum number of simultaneously connected EMs, the VMSSF can then refuse the attachment of this new EM (so as not to penalize the quality of connectivity of the other EMs) and notify the central system of the risk of overload.

[0109] In an alternative embodiment, rather than refusing the attachment of the new EM, the VMSSF can accept the attachment of this new EM but allocate radio resources to it only to the extent that this does not disrupt the communications of the other EMs in the sub-area (the new EM then has a degraded connection). The VMSSF can then notify the central system of the risk of overload and the implementation of this degraded mode for the said new EM. The central system can then send an alert message to the EM to (a) notify it of its implementation of degraded mode and (b) recommend a direction to follow in order to join a nearby sub-area likely to offer it a better connection (to a VMSSF that has not yet reached its maximum number of connected EMs).

[0110] Step 604: After receiving an overload notification, the process makes it possible to determine the location of the VMSSF (noted VMSSF 1) that issued the notification.

[0111] Step 606: The process allows the position of the new VMSSF (denoted VMSSF 2) to be defined, which must be deployed near VMSSF 1 in order to increase the network resources available to the EMs present in the sub-zone of VMSSF 1 and which is currently at risk of overload. The location of VMSSF 2 can, for example, be defined so that it is as close as possible to VMSSF 1 while ensuring that any risk of collision between the two VMSSFs is avoided.

[0112] Step 608: The process verifies that sufficient resources remain to deploy the new VMSSF 2 to this new location; that is, that at least one VMSSF remains available, not deployed in the storage area, and, if applicable, that enough RCRAs remain to cover the distance between the BA and this new location. If insufficient resources remain, then the process is stopped and the network is not redeployed.

[0113] In one embodiment, assuming that the new EM causing the risk of overload has not yet been placed in degraded mode (the connection has been accepted but with a minimal service that does not disrupt communications from other EMs in the sub-area), the VMSSF can then activate degraded mode for said new EM while notifying the central system. The central system can then send an alert message to the EM to (a) notify it of its being placed in degraded mode and (b) recommend a route to follow in order to reach a nearby sub-area likely to offer it a better connection (to a VMSSF that has not yet reached its maximum number of connected EMs).

[0114] If sufficient resources remain to deploy the new VMSSF 2 to the new location, the process continues with the following steps:

[0115] Step 612: Define the parameters of the wireless cell offered by the new VMSSF 2 (the frequency band for example) in particular in order to avoid, to minimize interference with VMSSF 1 and the VMSSFs of neighboring sub-zones.

[0116] Step 614: Deploy the new VMSSF 2 at its defined location (using RCRAs if necessary to maintain VMSSF 2 connectivity with the BA).

[0117] Step 616: Configure the defined parameters of the wireless cell of the newly deployed VMSSF 2 and activate its wireless cell, so as to activate the additional wireless network coverage offered by the new VMSSF 2 in the sub-area jointly served by the two VMSSFs (VMSSF 1, VMSSF 2). The EM that is the source of the risk of overload is thus able to detect the additional wireless cell provided by the new VMSSF 2 and connect to it, so as to have a quality connection to the wireless network.

[0118] In an alternative embodiment, assuming that the new EM which is the source of the risk of overload has been previously placed in degraded mode with the VMSSF 1, the central system, as soon as the deployment of the new VMSSF 2 has been carried out, can notify said new EM of the deployment of the new VMSSF 2 and instruct it to connect to its wireless cell in order to quickly recover a quality connection to the wireless network.

[0119] The general principle of the third situation is that determining the risk of overload in a wireless cell is based on exceeding a maximum number of EMs that can be simultaneously connected to the same wireless cell. This approach, although simple to implement and reasonably realistic, can nevertheless sometimes result in the issuance of an ill-considered overload alert at the central system level (and the refusal to admit the new EM, or its placement in degraded mode). Therefore, an alternative embodiment consists of taking into account, in greater detail, the network resources actually available at the level of this cell, allowing the new EM to be admitted to the cell without risk of disrupting the quality of communications of the other EMs connected to the same cell.

[0120] Thus, determining the risk of overload in a wireless cell of a VMSSF is based (1) on the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements of the different EMs and (2) on all the wireless resources available at the cell level (without taking into account a maximum number of EMs per cell). If the QoS requirements of a new EM entering a sub-zone can be met by the wireless cell, this new EM can be admitted and attached to the cell; if not, then it is not admitted (or admitted only in degraded mode with a reduced allocated QoS level and therefore reduced service), and an overload risk alert is then transmitted to the central unit so that it can proceed with the deployment of an additional VMSSF in the sub-zone.

[0121] In another embodiment for the third situation, the central system, knowing the location and trajectory information of the EM, can anticipate the future movement of an EM between a first area covered by a first VMSSF and a second area covered by a second VMSSF. It can therefore determine in advance whether this movement presents a risk of overloading the second VMSSF. If the risk of overload is confirmed, then the central system can, again in advance, deploy an additional VMSSF in the EM's future destination area and thus make more resources available in that area so as to serve this additional EM upon its arrival without any overload. The new EM is then handled by the newly deployed VMSSF.

[0122] According to one embodiment, in the event of insufficient storage resources during the redeployment of the wireless network, the relative priority of the EMs is taken into account. In this variant of the method of the invention, different priorities can be allocated to the different EMs, the priority corresponding to the level of criticality of the network connectivity from the point of view of the operational functioning of the EM (i.e., its ability to perform its mission).Thus, if (a) the central system no longer has sufficient resources (VMSSF and RCRA) to deploy a new VMSSF to maintain connectivity for a high-priority EM1 that is leaving network coverage, and (b) there is another VMSSF serving a single EM2 with a lower priority than EM1, then the central system may decide to repatriate the VMSSF serving EM2 (while informing EM2 of its impending loss of connectivity and prompting it to move to a nearby sub-area) in order to recover sufficient resources to cover EM1. Prior to this repatriation, the central system will assess the resources (particularly the number of RCRAs) available with this repatriation to ensure they will be sufficient to redeploy the network at the EM1 level.If this is not the case, then the central system will need to identify other potentially usable resources (for example, another lower-priority EM operating alone under another VMSSF) in order to proceed with the redeployment.

[0123] A variant of the invention makes it possible to take into account the relative priority of EMs for the management of attachments to the wireless cell of a VMSSF, and for the implementation of the degraded mode for an EM.

[0124] In this embodiment, where different priorities are allocated to the different EMs, the central system can then take these priorities into account to provide network connectivity with priority to high-priority EMs over others. Thus, if a high-priority EM enters the coverage of a wireless cell and the central system detects a risk of overload, it can then grant network access to that EM. A new high-priority EM is rejected (or put into degraded mode) and another EM in the same cell with a lower priority is rejected (or put into degraded mode). This helps to preserve the connectivity of the high-priority EM as much as possible, while also allowing for the redeployment, if possible, of additional resources (VMSSF and RCRA) within this sub-area to restore a satisfactory level of connectivity for the lower-priority EM that has just been rejected (or put into degraded mode).

[0125] The various embodiments of the automatic wireless network redeployment process have been described for a back-office that remains fixed over time. However, in certain scenarios, the average distance between the back-office and the various mobile devices may increase significantly over time, potentially resulting in a permanent lack of resources (VMSFF and / or RCRA) to service the mobile devices for a significant portion of their mission.

[0126] In order to overcome this problem, two variants of the method of automatic redeployment of the wireless network according to the invention make it possible to ensure the continuity of wireless network connectivity for all mobile equipment even when they move so far from the back base that the latter no longer has sufficient resources (VMSSF and RCRA) to serve them.

[0127] In a first variant, the process is based on a mobile back-office (and its storage area), and allows minimizing the resources required with a disadvantage of introducing a temporary interruption of network connectivity, while the back-office is being relocated.

[0128] In a second embodiment, the method is based on the joint use of two mobile back-office systems (and their storage area). This embodiment requires more resources but offers the advantage of avoiding temporary interruptions in network coverage for the mobile equipment.

[0129] The [Fig.7] is a flowchart of the 700 steps operated by the process of the invention in the embodiment with movement of a single rear base.

[0130] In an initial step 702, while the wireless network is already deployed to serve the various EMs, the method makes it possible to determine that there will be a shortage of resources (VMSSF and / or RCRA) to serve the EMs. This determination can, for example, be made on the basis of knowledge (by the central system) of the EMs' mission, for example when the trajectory of the various EMs is known a priori, such as in the case of an EM convoy moving from an initial location to a final location.

[0131] Knowing this trajectory a priori and all the resources (VMSSF and RCRA) available to the BA, the central system is configured to determine from which point on the trajectory of the EM (denoted location L1) it will enter a situation of resource shortages to maintain quality connectivity between the EM and the BA. Thus, when the central system determines that the EM are approaching this L1 location (or that the convoy will reach it within a Tl delay), it can determine that it will soon run out of resources and then proceed to redeploy the wireless network, as indicated in the following steps.

[0132] The central system is also configured to define a ZI zone near Ll, and then decide to proceed with the redeployment of the wireless network (according to the following steps) as soon as the EM have reached this Zl zone.

[0133] According to this configuration, the steps for redeployment, while the central system continuously monitors the various parameters (a) attachment of the EMs to each of the different deployed VMSSFs, (b) location of each of the EMs and (c) notifications of risk of overload of the wireless cells of the VMSSFs, consist of:

[0134] Step 706: Determine when all EM have reached the Zl area near the location Ll which has been determined.

[0135] Step 708: Alert all EMs that the network will be redeployed and that this redeployment will involve a temporary loss of network coverage. Optionally, the central system can indicate the duration of this interruption (the time required to complete the wireless network redeployment).

[0136] Step 710: Proceed to shut down the wireless network by disabling the wireless cells of the VMSSF.

[0137] Step 712: Store in memory the information concerning the last location of the VMSSF and the last configuration of each of the wireless cells (for example their frequency band).

[0138] Step 714: Proceed to repatriate all VMSSF (and associated RCRA) to the storage area.

[0139] Step 716: Determine if a new location closer to the previously determined location Ll exists for the BA (corresponding to a destination allowing the average distance between the EM and the BA to be reduced significantly).

[0140] Step 718: Move the BA (and its storage area) to the new location. The BA can be moved, for example, automatically, remotely controlled by the central system.

[0141] Step 720: Once the BA has arrived at its new location, the process allows the network to be redeployed to the same location and with the same configuration (stored in memory by the central system) as that which was in place before the temporary deactivation of the wireless network. The central system thus redeploys the VMSSFs to the same locations as before and reinstates the configurations. Figures of the different radio cells of these VMSSF.

[0142] The EM under cover then rediscover the availability of the wireless network and connect to it.

[0143] If some of the situations 1, 2 or 3 as described above appear while the BA is now at its new location, the central system then proceeds to a redeployment of the network according to the corresponding basic process (304, 308, 310).

[0144] The [Fig.8] is a flowchart of the steps carried out by the process of the invention in the embodiment with displacement of two rear bases.

[0145] This method is an alternative to that of [Fig. 7] and offers the advantage of avoiding temporary interruption of network coverage for the EM while the BA reaches its new location. To achieve this, it relies on the combined use of two mobile BAs (BAI and BA2), each associated with its own mobile storage area.

[0146] In an initial 802 step, while the wireless network is already deployed to serve the various EMs, based on a first BA called BAI, the process makes it possible to determine that there will be a shortage of resources (VMSFF and / or RCRA) to serve the EMs. This determination can, for example, be made on the basis of knowledge (by the central system) of the EMs' mission, for example when the trajectory of the different EMs is known a priori, such as in the case of an EM convoy moving from an initial location to a final location.

[0147] Knowing this trajectory a priori and all the resources (VMSSF and RCRA) available to the BA, the central system is configured to determine at what point on the trajectory of the EMs (denoted location L1) it will enter a resource shortage situation in order to maintain high-quality connectivity between the EMs and the BA. Thus, when the central system determines that the EMs are approaching this location L1 (or that the convoy will reach it within a delay T1), it can determine that it will soon run out of resources and then proceed with the redeployment of the wireless network, as described in the following steps. The parameter T1 can be chosen such that the delay T1 is slightly longer than the time required to deploy the second BA (denoted BA2) to its new location.

[0148] The central system is also configured to define a ZI zone near Ll, and then decide to proceed with the redeployment of the wireless network (according to the following steps) as soon as the EM have reached this ZI zone (for example ZI is chosen such that when the EM are all in the ZI zone then they are likely to reach point Ll in a slightly longer time than Tl).

[0149] According to this configuration, the steps for redeployment, while the central system continuously monitors the various attachment parameters (a) (a) EMs to each of the different deployed VMSSFs, (b) location of each EM, and (c) notifications of potential overload of the VMSSF wireless cells, consist of:

[0150] Step 806: Determine when all EMs have reached the ZI zone near the location L1 which has been determined.

[0151] Step 808: Determine a new location for the second rear base BA2, sufficiently close to L1, such that the resources (VMSSF and RCRA) of this BA2 are more than sufficient to cover all the EMs at their respective current positions. For example, assuming that BAI and BA2 have the same amount of resources, the central system can determine this new location of BA2 so that it is closer than that of BAI compared to the previously determined location L1 (i.e., a destination that reduces the average distance between the EMs and BA2, compared to that between the EMs and BAI).

[0152] Step 810: Proceed to move the second BA2 (and its storage area) to this new BA2 location. In this context, the movement of BA2 can be carried out, for example, automatically, remotely controlled by the central system.

[0153] Step 812: Determine the location of each of the new VMSSFs (associated with BA2) that must be deployed near each of the VMSSFs of the BAI currently serving the EM. To do this, the central system can, for example, define the location of a VMSSF 2 (associated with BA2) in such a way that VMSSF 2 is as close as possible to VMSSF 1 (associated with BAI) while ensuring that there is no risk of collision between the two VMSSFs.

[0154] Step 814: Determine the wireless cell configurations of each of the VMSSFs of BA2 in the same way as the wireless cells of the corresponding VMSSFs of BAI: thus VMSSF 2 (associated with BA2) covering the same sub-zone as VMSSF 1 (associated with BAI) will have the same wireless cell configuration.

[0155] Step 816: Once BA2 has arrived at its new location, proceed with the deployment of the new wireless network offered by BA2 (i.e., the deployment of the corresponding VMSSFs) without yet activating the wireless cells of this network (i.e., without activating the radio coverage).

[0156] Step 818: Once the VMSSFs of the new wireless network associated with BA2 are in place, simultaneously deactivate the wireless cells of the first network associated with BAI and activate the wireless cells of the second network associated with BA2. To accelerate the joining of the EMs to the new network (associated with BA2) that has just been activated, the central system, via the VMSSFs of BA2, can issue a network joining request to all the EMs. Alternatively, the central system can also collect and store the network context of the wireless cells of the old network (associated with the BAI) before its deactivation and push this network context to the new wireless cells (associated with the BA2) in order to allow an automatic and transparent attachment of the EM to the new network, without any particular action from the EM.

[0157] Step 820: Repatriate all VMSSF (and RCRA) from the old network associated with the BAI to the BAI storage area.

[0158] Once the EMs are served by the new network associated with BA2, if some of the situations 1, 2 or 3 previously described appear while BA2 is now at its new location, the central system then proceeds to a redeployment of the network according to the corresponding basic process (304, 308, 310).

[0159] Figures 9a to 9i illustrate different examples of implementation of the method of the invention.

[0160] The examples are based on a scenario in which a convoy of 4 vehicles is moving along a road, the vehicles of this convoy needing to be interconnected with each other and connected to a back network by means of a dynamically redeployable wireless network according to the methods of the present invention.

[0161] In this scenario, two back-office bases (BAI and BA2) are available, both connected to the back-office network. Each BA has three VMSSFs. BAI also has 12 RCRAs; BA2 has slightly more RCRAs, for example, 14 RCRAs.

[0162] In [Fig.9a], the convoy starts from its starting point; it is served by the BAI and a wireless network consisting of 2 VMSSFs (VMSSF 1 and VMSSF2) and 4 associated RCRAs, this network having been set up according to the initial wireless network deployment procedure ([Fig.2]).

[0163] In [Fig. 9b], following the relocation of the convoy, the wireless network was reconfigured to add a third VMSSF (VMSSF3) at the head of the convoy in order to provide the necessary wireless coverage in this previously uncovered area. The redeployment was carried out according to the automatic wireless network redeployment procedure in situation 1 ([Fig. 3] (302, 304) and [Fig. 4]).

[0164] On [Fig.9c], the VMSSF 2 which was no longer in use was returned to the storage area of ​​the BAI, according to the automatic redeployment process of the wireless network in situation 2 ([Fig.3] (306, 308) and [Fig.5]).

[0165] On [Fig.9d], the VMSSF 2 was redeployed to the front of the convoy, in anticipation of the future arrival of the lead vehicles of the convoy in this area, according to the automatic redeployment process of the wireless network in situation ([Fig.3] (302, 304) and [Fig.4]), with variant 1 (Anticipate the loss of coverage of an EM).

[0166] In [Fig. 9e], the convoy progressed into the sub-area served by VMSSF2, while no vehicles were present in the sub-area of ​​VMSSF1; the latter was therefore repatriated to the BAI storage area according to the automatic wireless network redeployment process” in situation 2 ([Fig.3] (306, 308) and [Fig.5]).

[0167] On [Fig.9f], it is detected that the convoy can no longer be served by the BAI in the continuation of its journey, due to a lack of resources (in this case, due to a lack of RCRA), and the BA2 is then redeployed to a new location so that it can take over from the BAI, according to the automatic redeployment process of the wireless network with movement of the BA, based on the joint use of two mobile BAs” ([Fig.8]).

[0168] On [Fig.9g], according to this same process, the VMSSF associated with the BA2 are deployed in the area so as to cover the convoy.

[0169] On [Fig.9h], the wireless network associated with BA2 is activated at the same time as the network associated with BAI is deactivated, thus allowing the vehicles in the convoy to retain network connectivity but now via the new network offered by BA2.

[0170] On [Fig.9i], according to this same process, the wireless network associated with the BAI is dismantled and its VMSSF (and RCRA) are returned to the storage area of ​​the BAI.

[0171] In an advantageous embodiment, the invention is implemented via a Software-Defined Networking (SDN) architecture. This architecture relies on an SDN controller implemented at the central system level (at the level of a Business Area (BA) or a server connected to the back end network) and capable of controlling, via its South Interface, the configurations of a set of SDN equipment (the BA(s), the RCRAs, and the VMSSFs).

[0172] In this SDN implementation, the processes described above with reference to Figures 2 to 8 can be implemented in the form of an SDN Service (at the central system level) interfacing with the SDN Controller via its North Interface, so as to control the configurations of the various SDN devices reachable via the South Interface of the SDN Controller.

[0173] This SDN service is thus responsible for 1) managing the initial deployment of the wireless network and 2) detecting when a reconfiguration of the geographic deployment of the wireless network is necessary and then managing this reconfiguration (via the implementation of reconfigurations on the relevant BA(s), RCRA(s) and VMSSF(s)) thus taking charge in particular of the control of the geographic relocations of the VMSSF(and the RCRA(s) associated with them).

[0174] The various methods of the invention can be implemented (in the form of a computer program / software) at the level of a central system. If only one back-office is used, the central system can be located at that back-office or at a server connected to the back-office network (the back-office itself being connected to that back-office network). If several back-offices are used Mobile units are used, the central system can also be located at one of these mobile back-offices or at a server connected to the back-office network.

[0175] Various embodiments of a method for the automatic redeployment of a wireless network according to the invention have thus been described, making it possible to cover different situations, including in particular: - Situation 1: Detection of an uncovered mobile device, and deployment of a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station for support. - Situation 2: Detection of an unused wireless cell, and repatriation of the mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station. - Situation 3: Detection of a wireless cell at risk of overload, and deployment of a mobile vehicle equipped with an additional wireless base station for support.

[0176] And allowing for the coverage of various variants, including: - Variant 1: Anticipate the loss of coverage of a mobile device. - Option 2: Taking into account the needs in terms of Quality of Service of mobile equipment in determining the risk of overload of a wireless cell of a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station. - Variant 3: Taking into account the relative priority of mobile equipment in the redeployment of the wireless network in case of insufficient resources in storage area. - Variant 4: Taking into account the relative priority of mobile equipment for the management of attachments to the wireless cell of a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station, and for the implementation of the degraded mode for a mobile equipment. - Variant 5: Anticipation of a risk of overload of a wireless cell of a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station.

Claims

Claims

1. A method for automatically redeploying the geographic coverage of a wireless telecommunications network interconnecting a plurality of wireless mobile devices to a common rear base (102), the method comprising steps of: - partitioning (204) an initial geographic coverage area of a wireless telecommunications network into sub- areas; - assigning (206, 208, 210) a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station (104-1) to each sub-zone, each mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station being connected to said rear base via a wireless link, and being positioned at a geographic position providing wireless network coverage on said sub-zone to a set of wireless mobile equipment (106-1); - monitoring (214, 302) the attachment of each wireless mobile equipment to at least one wireless base station of the initial geographic coverage area; - determining (304) whether a wireless mobile device is no longer attached to any wireless base station in the initial geographic coverage area; - if said wireless mobile equipment is no longer attached to any wireless base station, determining (408, 606) a geographic position for a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station based on the geographic position of said unattached wireless mobile equipment, said geographic position enabling wireless network connectivity to be established between said unattached wireless mobile equipment and the rear base; and - deploying (414, 614) a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station at said geographic position, said position defining a new geographic coverage sub-area corresponding to an extension of the initial geographic coverage area.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of monitoring the attachment of each mobile wireless equipment, comprises steps of continuously monitoring (214) parameters: (a) attachment of the mobile wireless equipment of each set of mobile equipment to the mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station of the sub-area to which the set is attached, (b) location of each of the mobile wireless equipment, and (c) risk of overloading the wireless cells of the mobile vehicles equipped with a wireless base station.

3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the step of monitoring the parameter (a) of attachment of the wireless mobile equipment, comprises: detecting (302) when a wireless mobile equipment is no longer under the wireless network coverage of any mobile vehicle deployed in the other sub-areas of the initial geographic coverage area, and reconfiguring (304) the wireless network.

4. The method according to claim 3 wherein the step of reconfiguring (304) the wireless network comprises steps consisting of: - determining (402) the last known location of the mobile equipment disconnected from the wireless network; - defining (404) a new geographic sub-area in the vicinity of the last known location of said mobile equipment; - verifying (406) that there remains at least one mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station available to serve said new sub-area; - deploying (410) said at least one mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station available to said new sub-area.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the step of monitoring the attachment of each wireless mobile equipment comprises detecting (306) when a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station is not in use, and reconfiguring (308) the wireless network.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of reconfiguring (308) the wireless network comprises steps of: - determining (306) that no more wireless mobile equipment is connected to the mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station which is detected as not in use; - deactivating (502) the wireless cell of said mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station and resetting the parameters of said wireless cell; - repatriating (504) the mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station to a storage area.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the step of monitoring the parameter (c) of risk of overload of the wireless cells, comprises determining (310) the location of a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station having issued a notification of risk of overload, and reconfiguring (312) the wireless network.

8. The method according to claim 7 wherein the step of reconfiguring (312) the wireless network comprises steps consisting in: - defining (606) a geographical position in proximity to the location of the mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station having issued a notification of risk of overload, to deploy a new mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station; - verifying (608) that there remains at least one mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station available and not deployed; - defining (612) the parameters of the wireless cell of said new mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station; - deploying (614) said new mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station at the defined geographical position; - activating (616) the complementary coverage of the wireless network offered by said new mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station deployed.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising steps of determining that a mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station is no longer useful in a given area and repatriating it to the rear base.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9 comprising steps of determining (716) a new geographic position for the rear base and moving (718) said rear base to the new geographic position.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10 comprising steps of determining (808) a geographic position for a second rear base, moving (810) said second rear base to the geographic position, deploying (816) a new wireless network interconnecting the plurality of wireless mobile equipment to said second rear base.

12. A computer program product, said computer program comprising code instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, when said program is executed on a computer.

13. A device for the automatic redeployment of the geographical coverage of a wireless telecommunications network interconnecting a plurality of wireless mobile equipment to a common rear base (102), the device comprising means for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. The device according to claim 13 wherein the mobile vehicle equipped with a wireless base station is a land or air or amphibious or aquatic vehicle, said vehicle being remotely piloted or self-piloted.

15. The device according to claim 13 or 14 in which the communication network is implemented according to an SDN “Software Defined Networking” oriented architecture comprising an SDN controller having a North Interface and a South Interface, set up at the level of a central system, the SDN controller being able to control via its South Interface the configurations of a set of SDN equipment consisting of the rear base(s), the mobile vehicles equipped with a wireless base station.

Images