Preemption and / or replacement of orbital or other non-terrestrial base stations in the event of loss or failure of a terrestrial base station

Abstract

A method is disclosed for providing backup network services in a communications network used by a mobile terminal, such as a cellular telephone. The method includes receiving information regarding a terrestrial base station of the communications network and detecting a loss of the terrestrial base station using a non-terrestrial base station (NTBS), such as an orbiting satellite. The NTBS identifies a second NTBS (e.g., a second satellite) within communication range to provide backup services to the communications network. The second NTBS is then introduced as a new base station in the communications network. The second NTBS may then substitute for the lost terrestrial base station for carrying traffic between at least one mobile terminal and the communications network.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY AND RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 363,479, filed April 22, 2022, entitled “Satellite Replacement for Terrestrial Base Station Failure,” which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 304,221, filed April 20, 2023, entitled “Preemption and / or Replacement of Orbital or Other Non-Terrestrial Base Station Upon Loss or Failure of a Terrestrial Base Station.”

[0002] The entire disclosures of the applications / patents, listed above and below, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

[0003] 1) U.S. Patent No. 10,084,535, issued on September 25, 2018, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Handling Communications Between Spacecraft Operating in an Orbital Environment and a Terrestrial Long-Range Communication Device Using Terrestrial Base Station Communications” (hereinafter, “Speidel I”);

[0004] 2) U.S. Patent No. 10,742,311, issued on August 11, 2020, entitled “Simplified Inter-Satellite Link Communications Using Orbital Plane Crossings to Optimize Inter-Satellite Data Transfer” (hereinafter, “Speidel II”); and

[0005] 3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 570,329, filed on January 6, 2022, entitled “Satellite communications system for transmitting navigation signals using a wide beam and data signals using a directional beam” (hereinafter, “Speidel III”).

[0006] The present disclosure relates generally to satellite coverage for mobile communications, and more specifically to satellite replacement coverage upon loss of terrestrial cell networks. [Background technology]

[0007] Mobile communication infrastructure can be used to connect devices to a network and carry signals such as voice, data, etc. between mobile devices and some other infrastructure such as servers and other user devices. For example, a first user with a first mobile phone can communicate with a second user with a second mobile phone by software and radio circuitry in the first mobile phone that transmits radio signals according to a pre-agreed protocol between the first mobile phone and a nearby cell tower that handles cellular telephone traffic. The cell tower may be fixed in place, powered by a power grid, and hardwired to a telephone network, a packet-switched network, or other communications infrastructure. The network infrastructure may then be directly or indirectly connected to the second cell tower (assuming the second user is also not using the first cell tower), and a connection may be completed between the second cell tower and the second mobile phone. Assuming each mobile phone is within range of a cell tower that is an operational cell tower, many such connections may be achieved simultaneously. In various situations, such as loss of power, storms, natural disasters, other emergencies, network overload, cyber attacks, etc., a cell tower may be unable to carry any traffic, or the amount of traffic necessary to support the number of mobile phone devices in an area, in which case a cell tower or multiple cell towers may experience some form of complete or partial loss of functionality. When loss of functionality exists, some users may not be able to communicate, which may be particularly problematic in certain situations, such as in the case of a sudden natural disaster, where users are attempting to cope with the natural disaster and need a means of communication with others over large distances.

[0008] Some communications infrastructures may provide for on-site restoration of loss of functionality, such as maintaining a battery power supply and / or generators on-site at a ground cell tower or building site in the event of a failure of the power grid that normally provides power to the cell tower. Another approach is to use portable deployed equipment as a network backup solution, such as using cell-on-wheels (COW) equipment that is temporarily moved to the geographic location where the failure occurs. However, these solutions are temporary and may not be sufficient in the event of a long network failure.

[0009] Improved support for dealing with communication network loss is desired.

[0010] An example of modifying the tilt and orientation of a base station antenna to mitigate losses in neighboring cells can be found, for example, in US Pat. No. 7,577,103 B2 to Flanagan, et al. Summary of the Invention

[0011] One general aspect includes a method for providing backup network services in a communications network used by mobile terminals, the method including receiving information about terrestrial base stations of the communications network, detecting a loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station using the information about a first non-terrestrial base station and the terrestrial base station, identifying a second non-terrestrial base station within communication range suitable for providing backup services to the communications network using the first non-terrestrial base station, introducing the second non-terrestrial base station as a new base station for the communications network, and carrying traffic between the at least one mobile terminal and the communications network via the second non-terrestrial base station for at least one mobile terminal of a plurality of mobile terminals that is connectable to the terrestrial base station at least during periods other than the loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the method.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first non-terrestrial base station and the second non-terrestrial base station are the same. In some embodiments, the traffic includes at least one of voice, text messages, or data. In some embodiments, the detection of the loss of functionality is performed in part at the terrestrial station and in part at the first non-terrestrial base station. In some embodiments, the identification of the second non-terrestrial base station is based on the geographic location of the terrestrial base station and the orbital position of the second non-terrestrial base station. In some embodiments, the detection of the loss of functionality is performed by analyzing signals in a spectrum used by the terrestrial base station. In some embodiments, the analysis of the signals is performed at the first non-terrestrial base station. In some embodiments, the analysis of the signals is performed at the terrestrial station and the results of the analysis are communicated to the first non-terrestrial base station. In some embodiments, the second non-terrestrial base station operates as a base station that appears to the at least one mobile terminal to be compatible with a communication protocol used between the at least one mobile terminal and the terrestrial base station. In some embodiments, the method further includes advertising the availability of the second non-terrestrial base station to carry traffic between the mobile terminal and the communication network to a plurality of mobile terminals that are connectable to the terrestrial base station outside of the period of loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing a spectrum analyzer capability in the first non-terrestrial base station that is used to monitor spectral occupancy of the terrestrial spectrum. In some embodiments, detecting loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station is performed, at least in part, using the spectrum analyzer capability. In some embodiments, the spectrum analyzer capability employs physical components of the first non-terrestrial base station, but simultaneously executes software, such that the first non-terrestrial base station may provide service in a first portion of its potential coverage area while monitoring spectrum utilization in at least a second portion of its potential coverage area.In some embodiments, the method further includes providing a filter switch within the first or second non-terrestrial base station to enable a radio of the first or second non-terrestrial base station to tune to and receive a frequency band used by the terrestrial base station. In some embodiments, introducing the second non-terrestrial base station as a new base station of the communication network includes triggering the second non-terrestrial base station to begin operating at least partially within a spectrum vacated by the failed terrestrial base station. In some embodiments, introducing the second non-terrestrial base station as a new base station of the communication network includes triggering the second non-terrestrial base station to begin operating at least partially in a geographic area vacated by the failed terrestrial base station. In some embodiments, the method further includes displaying occupancy information to a human operator regarding changes in the monitored spectrum occupancy and receiving approval from the human operator to introduce the second non-terrestrial base station as a new base station of the communication network. In some embodiments, the method further includes detecting the resumed capacity of the terrestrial base station with the first or second non-terrestrial base station and disconnecting the second non-terrestrial base station from the network. Implementations of the techniques described may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0013] One general aspect includes a method for providing backup network services in a communications network used by a mobile terminal, the method comprising: receiving, from a device in communication with the network, a first message including information regarding a loss of functionality of a terrestrial base station of the communications network or information regarding a future event predicted to cause a loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station, identifying at least one non-terrestrial base station with a predicted line of sight to the terrestrial base station or at least a portion of its radio coverage area based at least in part on the first message, introducing the at least one non-terrestrial base station as at least one new base station of the communications network, conveying traffic between the at least one mobile terminal and the communications network via the at least one non-terrestrial base station for at least one mobile terminal of a plurality of mobile terminals connectable to the terrestrial base station at least during a period other than the loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station, receiving, from a device in communication with the network, a second message including information regarding a resumed capacity of the terrestrial base station, and disconnecting the at least one non-terrestrial base station from the network based at least in part on the second message. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs stored on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

[0014] In some embodiments, the device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device or the message is a Simple Messaging Service (SMS) message. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0015] One or more computer systems may be configured to perform certain operations or actions by software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof installed on the system that, during operation, causes the system to perform the actions. One or more computer programs may be configured to perform certain operations or actions by containing instructions that, when executed by a data processing device, cause the device to perform the actions.

[0016] This Summary is provided to introduce selected concepts in a simplified form, which are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of the features, details, utilities and advantages of the methods and apparatus defined in the claims is provided in various embodiments of the disclosure described below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] Various embodiments according to the present disclosure are described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a mobile satellite network architecture with conventional mobile stations and ground stations with a network operations center shown in accordance with various embodiments.

[0019] [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an enhanced base station that enables both spectrum analysis and mobile network operation with multiple air interfaces, according to various embodiments.

[0020] [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram of a portion of a satellite that processes communications in accordance with various embodiments.

[0021] [Figure 4]2 is a block diagram of elements of a satellite according to various embodiments.

[0022] [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram of a portion of a non-terrestrial base station according to various embodiments.

[0023] [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram of a portion of a non-terrestrial base station according to various embodiments.

[0024] [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram of a portion of a non-terrestrial base station according to various embodiments.

[0025] [Figure 8] 2 is a block diagram of a portion of a non-terrestrial base station according to various embodiments.

[0026] [Figure 9] 4 is a block diagram of a portion of an interference table according to various embodiments.

[0027] [Figure 10] 1 is an example of a mesh point table according to various embodiments.

[0028] [Figure 11] 1 is an example of a polygon table according to various embodiments.

[0029] [Figure 12] 1 is an example of a dynamic coverage table according to various embodiments.

[0030] [Figure 13] 1 is an example of a fault watchlist table in accordance with various embodiments.

[0031] [Figure 14] 1 illustrates an example of a computer system memory structure that may be used to execute the methods described herein, according to various embodiments.

[0032] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer system on which the systems shown in FIGS. 1 and 14 may be implemented, according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] In the following description, various embodiments are described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order to avoid obscuring the described embodiments. Telecommunications Network Infrastructure Overview

[0034] Mobile communications involve signals being transmitted between terminals and transceivers that may provide an interface for the terminals to communicate with other network resources, such as telecommunications networks, the Internet, and the like, to carry voice and data communications. The transceivers may be components in base stations that handle traffic from multiple transceivers. Base stations may also include antennas and encryption / decryption elements. Base stations may have wired, wireless, and / or optical channels for communicating with those other network resources. A base station may support one or multiple transceivers, and a given base station to support mobile communications may have a base station controller.

[0035] A terminal may be some electronic user equipment that interacts in some manner with satellites or satellite signals. Examples may include User Equipment (UE) configured or designed to use some protocol or protocols, a mobile phone, which may be a fully functional smartphone or the like, or some Internet of Things (IoT) connected device. In many cases, a terminal may be considered to be portable, in that it can be easily moved from place to place and is typically stationary during operation, or mobile, in that it must be designed to operate while moving relative to the surface of the Earth.

[0036] Examples of terminals include mobile phones, cellular telephones, smartphones, and other devices equipped to communicate with a wireless network infrastructure. It should be understood that the operations, functions, or features of a terminal may also be those of a station that is in fact or function a mobile station, but is not currently mobile. In some examples, a terminal may instead be considered a portable station that can be moved from place to place but is stationary in operation, such as a laptop computer with multiple peripherals connected to it and a cellular connection, or the terminal may be stationary, such as a cellular device integrated into an on-board home security system. A terminal may be referred to as a terrestrial mobile device, a user receiver, user equipment (UE), or the like.

[0037] Examples of base stations include cellular telephone towers, macrocell transceivers, femtocell transceivers, picocells (which may have only one transceiver), and the like. Base stations communicate wirelessly with terminals. Some base stations have a wired backhaul (interface between the base station and other network resources) such as a cellular telephone tower, while some may have a wireless backhaul such as a microwave point-to-point bidirectional communication channel. Thus, a base station may be any of several different kinds of electrically powered devices that receive data streams from terminals, process them, and / or forward them to other network resources, and receive data streams from other network resources, process them, and / or forward them to terminals over a base station-terminal link. In this sense, a base station serves as an access point for terminals, allowing the terminals to access network resources such as telecommunications networks, the Internet, private networks, and the like. The access may be used to route voice calls, other calls, text, data transfer, video, and the like.

[0038] Each base station typically includes a processor, memory, radio circuitry, a power source, an interface with the telecommunications network, a diagnostic interface, and the like, to perform its functions. The base station processor may read from a program memory to perform a desired function. For example, the program memory may have instructions on how to form a data stream and pass it to the radio circuitry, how to communicate with the telecommunications network, how to read an internal clock to determine the value of the system clock to properly time listens and transmits, how to set the appropriate frequencies for transmission and reception, how to keep track of the various terminals and their status, location, assignments, etc., and in some cases store them in locally available memory.

[0039] The telecommunications network behind the base station may include a network and switching subsystem that determines how to route data to the appropriate base station and how to route data received from the base station. The telecommunications network may also have an infrastructure for handling circuit and packet-based Internet connections and network maintenance support. In any case, the base station may be configured to use some protocols with the terminals and other protocols with the backhaul. In operation, the base station may require power and data infrastructure to support its capacity.

[0040] For simplicity of explanation, in many examples herein, communication is described as being between a base station and a terminal for interaction with one terminal, but it should be understood that the interaction may be from the base station to the transceiver, radio circuitry, antennas, terminal antennas, terminal radio circuitry, software / hardware at the terminal, and the corresponding path in the other direction from the terminal to the base station. Thus, in some examples where a base station communicates with a terminal, it is through a transceiver, and the examples avoid mention of other transceivers that the base station may control.

[0041] The protocol for communication between terminals and base stations may be standardized so that any standard terminal can communicate with any base station, assuming range requirements are met and membership requirements are met (e.g., the terminal identifies itself to the base station in a manner that the base station or the service it uses determines that the terminal is a member of, e.g., an authorized group that is authorized to use the service provided by the base station). Some example protocols that a base station may use may include GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications, a trademark of the GSM Association) 2G+ protocol with Gaussian minimum-shift keying (GMSK), EDGE protocol with GMSK and 8PSK phase shift keying. A base station may handle multiple transceivers using multiple sets of carrier frequencies within a spectral band of the radio spectrum that the protocol enables. Thus, if a spectral band is logically divided into a carrier frequency spectrum, a transceiver may communicate with a terminal using a channel that uses one (or more) of those carrier frequencies. The protocol may specify that for a given channel, there are uplink and downlink subchannels that are possibly separated from each other in carrier frequency. In some cases, the uplink subchannels have carrier frequencies adjacent to those of the downlink subchannels. In some cases, all the uplink subchannels are in one spectral band and all the downlink subchannels are in another spectral band. For ease of explanation, a channel is described as having an uplink portion and a downlink portion as if it were one channel, even though in some cases the uplink and downlink portions are widely separated in carrier frequency.

[0042] A satellite may be an object, vehicle, etc., configured, designed, constructed, etc., to operate in an orbit, such as an Earth orbit, perhaps designed to coincide with a particular orbital altitude and / or particular orbital orientation as a design goal. A satellite may include various electronic components that enable communication among satellites, communication with fixed ground stations specific to satellite support, command, control, etc., and / or communication with terrestrial devices, such as terminals. A satellite need not be in orbit to perform the functions described herein. For example, the present disclosure may encompass systems that may be deployed in orbit but operate on Earth in either a test mode or a production mode.

[0043] Satellites may be capable of transmitting signals through beam patterns, and a constellation of satellites may provide cellular coverage anywhere on Earth with one or more beams, using one or more satellites simultaneously. Each beam may implement full-duplex bandwidth for simultaneous uplink and downlink communications using protocols such as global system mobile (GSM); or frequency division duplex (FDD) or time division duplex (TDD) long term evolution (LTE); or FDD or TDD 5G new radio (NR). Some beams may implement receive-only operation to support uplink measurements of signals from terminals or terrestrial base stations.

[0044] Cells of a cellular communication network may be implemented via narrow beams, where each beam serves as a cell (e.g., a base transceiver station (BTS), enhanced Node B (eNB), or gNB). While these examples are used in this disclosure, it should be understood that other types of cells may be used instead or in addition. These cells may employ standard control and user plane channels typically implemented in common GSM, LTE, NR, and other networks. One of these control channels may be a broadcast control channel (BCCH).

[0045] In one embodiment, the satellite communications constellation may deploy several thousand satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of approximately 500 km. The orbit may be circular or elliptical in shape. Other embodiments may deploy fewer or more satellites in orbits lower or higher than 500 km. For simplicity, in one embodiment, the orbital configuration may correspond to a Walker-type constellation. In this configuration, the satellites are placed in orbits of a common altitude. The satellite positions may be evenly spaced in an inertial plane around the Earth, where the inertial plane is equally spaced around the Earth and the planes of the satellites are at least approximately equally spaced in the inertial longitude of the ascending node.

[0046] For data communications, the satellites may be part of a constellation forming a space-based network of satellites designed to communicate with standard mobile handsets according to some pre-agreed protocol. Examples of data communications technologies and protocols include time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDMA), GSM (2G), code division multiple access (CDMA, 3G), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS, 3G), LTE (4G), NR (5G), and / or other third generation partnership project (3GPP) technologies. Examples and details are provided in Speidel I to Speidel III.

[0047] While most of the examples and details herein relate to orbital transceivers that are adapted, configured, programmed, etc. to close communications with terminals that operate as if their design assumptions still apply, these techniques may be used outside of the orbital examples. For example, they may be used for base stations located high enough that the inclination angle is greater than 120 km. For example, if a base station can be mounted at an altitude of 1,130 meters, this is sufficient to allow line of sight (straight line distance) to terminals of 120 km or more. Platforms such as aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), high altitude drones, hot air balloons, high altitude balloons, ballistic aircraft, spacecraft, mountains, or even some very large towers may be conditions where some or all of these techniques are beneficial. It should also be noted that the described techniques may even be deployed in ground-based base stations with antennas aimed to serve terminals operating on platforms that create long communication ranges (e.g., greater than 120 km) and / or high Doppler shift environments (e.g., greater than about 200 kilometers per hour (KPH)). This may include the condition that the terminals operate on the ground, in the atmosphere, or in a space environment, and that the base stations may be terrestrial, mobile (e.g., on some vehicle), or possibly stationary.

[0048] As used herein, a "footprint" refers to an area on the Earth that is within the range of closing a communication channel with a base station on the satellite. In the examples herein, a circular footprint may be used, but it should be understood that the footprint may not be circular and may depend on obscuring factors, the shape of the Earth's surface, atmospheric conditions, etc. In some cases, the footprint is a "design footprint" that differs from the actual footprint. For example, a satellite may actually be some distance away and therefore be able to communicate with a mobile device that is within the satellite's actual footprint, but for selectivity, performance, or other reasons, a system that uses that satellite is designed for a different footprint, i.e., a design footprint, such as a footprint smaller than the actual footprint. The boundary of the design footprint may be a circle or ellipse projected onto the Earth by the satellite centered at a surface point directly below the satellite, with a radius that the satellite is expected to cover by design, such as a specific linear distance.

[0049] As used herein, "ground" may be used to refer to the location of a terminal, although it should be understood that "ground" is not limited to the surface of the Earth. When a terminal is described as being ground-based or ground-based, it may be in the hand of a person standing on the surface of the Earth, on the surface of a body of water, some way below the surface of the Earth or some way below the surface of a body of water, on the upper floors of a building, in a structure that is not strictly at ground level, in an aircraft that is high but in the atmosphere, etc., or similar locations. However, for clarity of presentation, the terminal may be described as being ground-based and distinguished from elements that are in orbit.

[0050] As used herein, "in orbit" refers to being at a location relative to an inertial frame that is (somewhat) stationary with respect to the center of gravity of the Earth, and moving at a speed that experiences sufficiently little atmospheric resistance at that location to easily maintain the orbit. In some examples herein, an orbital distance is given, which refers to an approximate typical distance from an average or normal point on the surface of the Earth, as a convention for describing an orbit. In some examples, "LEO" may be used, and it should be understood that the examples may apply to orbits that are conventionally defined as LEOs, but may still be somewhat outside of what is considered an orbit. Unless otherwise indicated, in orbit may also describe orbits around other celestial bodies, such as Mars, the Moon, moons of other planets, or even points of interest such as L1 or L2. In many of the examples herein, the base station is in orbit around the Earth and the terminal is on the ground. The teachings herein can be used in other situations, such as where the base station is in an aircraft, an unmanned autonomous aircraft, a balloon, etc., where similar challenges are encountered.

[0051] Additionally, the satellite capabilities described herein can be used to identify newly emerging and otherwise untapped wireless demand, such as from new building construction or parks or attractions that have wireless demand but limited or no terrestrial capacity. The satellite capabilities described herein can serve such newly emerging users and alert terrestrial cellular operators to opportunities to build new terrestrial base stations to provide sufficient capacity in such locations.

[0052] Currently, mobile network operators typically identify opportunities for growth through analysis of call drop locations in fringe areas of existing coverage that require expansion into incremental contours. However, for disconnected areas with growing demand, operators may look to zoning or real estate transactions to predict where new communities or attractions may emerge. This process can be time consuming and not well automated. The disclosed mobile satellite capability to observe spectrum utilization and attempt to connect to satellite base stations can provide service to these emerging areas of demand and alert terrestrial network planners to opportunities to better serve areas of growing demand. Non-terrestrial base station support in case of general loss of functionality

[0053] Embodiments herein may be used to provide network backup using a space-based cellular network or non-terrestrial network (NTN) that is aware of failures or other loss of functionality of terrestrial networks, possibly by detecting radio spectrum utilization as observed by space-based spectrum analysis capabilities. For example, a geographic area that is known to normally have active cellular radio transmissions, but that has stopped transmitting, is likely to have a need for terrestrial mobile satellite service as a backup.

[0054] An example of a non-terrestrial network (e.g., a space-based cellular network) that provides cellular wireless services to existing mobile phones can be described, for example, in Speidel I, which can operate at radio spectrum frequencies used in conventional terrestrial cellular networks. As a result, satellites equipped with cellular base stations capable of tuning to and measuring signal strength in the same frequency bands used by terrestrial networks can be useful. In conventional mobile base station architectures, the satellite cellular base station is essentially capable of receiving and measuring the signal strength of uplink traffic from users at terminals such as terrestrial cellular handsets.

[0055] Modifications to one or more of the satellite's radios may also enable the satellite to tune to downlink frequency bands and measure signals transmitted by terrestrial base stations, the absence of such signals may indicate that the terrestrial network, or parts thereof, are out of service.

[0056] The cellular base station may be an orbital base station or any other non-terrestrial base station (NTBS) that exists away from the surface of the Earth. For example, examples may include orbital base stations, balloon-borne base stations, airborne base stations, etc. A cellular base station implemented on a satellite may stand in for a terrestrial base station when a loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station is determined. The determination may be made by attempting to communicate with the terrestrial base station, by monitoring transmissions from the terrestrial base station, and / or based on information provided by a network monitoring system that may detect the loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station.

[0057] The loss of functionality may be due to loss of power, loss of the base station (e.g., cell tower) itself, inability to handle current traffic demands, or other forms of detectable loss of functionality. In general, loss of functionality may be any state or change in state of one or more terrestrial base stations that renders the terrestrial base station unable to handle current traffic demands in whole or in part. The current traffic demands may be normal or typical traffic for the terrestrial base station, or may include additional demands. For example, if a terrestrial base station is configured to handle a certain amount of traffic and is handling that certain amount of traffic, but due to some event, the network places a much higher amount of traffic on the terrestrial base station, it may be considered a loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station, even though it is handling its designed amount of traffic.

[0058] A non-terrestrial base station may intervene to address the needs of the network upon loss of functionality, and may do so as an immediate failover or after some time has passed. For example, a non-terrestrial base station may determine that a loss of functionality has occurred when it observes changes in the spectrum utilization of the wireless spectrum as a function of space, time, and frequency. A terrestrial base station may determine that a loss of functionality has occurred when it receives a message from the non-terrestrial base station indicating that one or more terrestrial base stations (other base stations or even the terrestrial base station determining the loss of functionality may determine this from messages from itself) are transmitting cellular broadcast messages to mobile phones within their range, where the cellular broadcast messages relate to events that may be associated with terrestrial cell towers in a nearby area becoming inoperable and / or inoperable. For example, if a cell tower transmits a cellular broadcast message warning mobile devices of a tornado warning and the non-terrestrial base station receives the cellular broadcast message for the warning, the orbital network management system may infer that a failure is likely to occur in the area of ​​the transmitting cell tower.

[0059] In certain embodiments, an orbital network management system (whether ground-based, space-based, autonomous, human-operated, or a combination thereof) may instruct non-terrestrial base stations to proxy for terrestrial base stations. Examples of non-terrestrial base stations being used in areas where no terrestrial base stations exist, and further where the supported terminals are not specifically adapted for satellite communications, are shown, for example, in Speidel I. Backup network services and aspects of a backup network for implementing such services - Patents.com

[0060] Networks used for communication by mobile terminals such as smartphones and IoT devices may fail. For example, due to natural disasters, terrestrial cell towers may be inoperable and / or non-functional over large areas. The non-functionality may be non-functionality of transmission and reception of signals, non-functionality of data and / or signal movement between base stations and the larger network, bandwidth limitations, etc. The non-functionality may be due to damage to base station hardware, loss of power, jamming, etc. The network services may be used to carry data communication traffic including voice, text, messages, data, etc. The messages may include Simple Messaging Service (SMS) messages.

[0061] Non-terrestrial base stations, such as orbital base stations on satellites, floating base stations, airborne base stations, etc., can step in to take over some network services when terrestrial base stations are totally or partially lost. Orbital base stations or ground-based systems can perform the tasks, tests and detections necessary to determine or detect the loss of such terrestrial cell tower functionality. In some situations, it may be preferable for such backup base stations to consider whether there is a failure, where the failure is, and the extent of the failure, and use that information in their decision-making to determine whether the backup base stations should step in and provide network services that would otherwise be performed by some set of terrestrial base stations. The status of the terrestrial base stations and / or the communication network may generally be determined by a network component that is remote and / or separate from the non-terrestrial base stations, which may communicate that decision to the non-terrestrial base station that is to be the backup base station.

[0062] The detecting non-terrestrial base station may detect loss of functionality of one or more terrestrial base stations, and the backup non-terrestrial base station may step in on behalf of the lost terrestrial base station if the backup non-terrestrial base station is within communication range suitable for providing backup services to the communications network. In some cases, the non-terrestrial base station that may detect the loss may be a base station providing backup services. In other cases, the detecting non-terrestrial base station is a first non-terrestrial base station and the backup non-terrestrial base station is a second non-terrestrial base station distinct from the first non-terrestrial base station.

[0063] A backup non-terrestrial base station may connect to a mobile terminal by appearing to be a terrestrial base station, thereby allowing it to provide service to mobile terminals that are not specifically configured for non-terrestrial base station connectivity. For example, a backup non-terrestrial base station may be an orbiting base station that has operating characteristics for which the mobile device is not programmed, such as a base station-to-mobile device distance that is greater than expected by the protocols used by the mobile device, and / or a relative velocity between the base station and the mobile device that is not expected by those protocols.

[0064] The loss of functionality may be detected by a ground station, a detecting non-terrestrial base station, or some combination thereof. Detection of the loss of functionality may be done by a network controller, a base station, or elsewhere by analyzing signals in the spectrum used by the terrestrial base station. For example, an orbital base station passing overhead may listen for signals expected from the terrestrial base station, and if not detected, assume that the terrestrial base station has lost functionality in whole or in part. In another approach, listening is done at the ground station, and the results of the analysis are communicated to the non-terrestrial base station. The listening ground station may, but need not, be located based on where the terrestrial base station is located, or where there is a high probability of a failure occurring.

[0065] The network controller may select an orbital base station from the available options as a backup non-terrestrial base station (which may be the non-terrestrial base station being detected or a different base station) based on the geographic location of the lost terrestrial base station and the orbital position of the backup non-terrestrial base station.

[0066] The backup non-terrestrial base station may operate as a base station that appears to the at least one mobile terminal to be compatible with a communication protocol used between the at least one mobile terminal and the failed terrestrial base station. The backup non-terrestrial base station may be introduced into the communication network as a new base station by triggering the backup non-terrestrial base station to begin operating at least partially within the spectrum vacated by the failed terrestrial base station. The backup non-terrestrial base station may be introduced into the communication network as a new base station by triggering the backup non-terrestrial base station to begin operating at least partially within the geographic area vacated by the failed terrestrial base station.

[0067] The network controller and / or the backup non-terrestrial base station may advertise to mobile terminals connectable to the terrestrial base station that the backup non-terrestrial base station is available to carry traffic between the mobile terminal and the communication network, and this advertisement may be sent via the terrestrial base station outside of periods of loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station.

[0068] The network controller and / or the backup non-terrestrial base station may include a spectrum analyzer used to monitor the spectrum occupancy of the terrestrial spectrum. Detection of the loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station may be performed, at least in part, using such spectrum analyzer capabilities. The spectrum analyzer may employ a physical component of the detecting non-terrestrial base station, but simultaneously executes in software, such that the detecting non-terrestrial base station can provide service in a first portion of its potential coverage area while monitoring spectrum utilization in at least a second portion of the potential coverage area. If spectrum occupancy for the terrestrial base station is dictated by a protocol, such as, for example, an expectation in the protocol that the terrestrial base station periodically broadcasts availability messages in a particular frequency band, the spectrum analyzer may be programmed to detect the absence of those expected messages and / or the absence of signals in the expected band. The detecting non-terrestrial base station and / or the backup non-terrestrial base station may include filter switches that allow tuning the radio to receive the frequency bands used by the terrestrial base station.

[0069] The network controller may transmit information regarding changes in monitored spectrum occupancy to a human readable display and may receive approval from a human operator to introduce a backup non-terrestrial base station as a new base station in the communications network.

[0070] The network controller, the detecting non-terrestrial base station, and / or the backup non-terrestrial base station may detect the resumed capacity of the terrestrial base station and may change their operating modes or send messages to other parts of the communications network in response. For example, the backup non-terrestrial base station may disconnect from the communications network and / or stop or reduce its advertising of its availability upon detecting the resumed capacity of the terrestrial base station. The network controller and / or the backup base station may advertise to mobile terminals that can connect to the terrestrial base station that the backup base station, or any other backup base station, is available to carry traffic between the mobile terminals and the communications network during the period of the loss of the terrestrial base station, and may do so at other times.

[0071] The spectrum analyzer may employ physical components of the first non-terrestrial base station running concurrently in software along with the service provision such that the first non-terrestrial base station may provide service in a first portion of a potential coverage area while monitoring spectrum utilization in at least a second portion of its potential coverage area.

[0072] The non-terrestrial base station may include a filter switch to tune its radio to allow it to receive the frequency band used by the terrestrial base station. The non-terrestrial base station may be introduced as a new base station of the communication network by triggering the non-terrestrial base station to start operating at least partially within the spectrum vacated by the failed terrestrial base station and / or by operating at least partially within the geographic area vacated by the failed terrestrial base station.

[0073] A method for providing backup network services in a communications network used by a mobile terminal may be provided by a device communicating with the communications network transmitting a first message including information regarding a loss of functionality of a terrestrial base station of the communications network or a future event predicted to cause a loss of functionality of a terrestrial base station. Based at least in part on the first message, a network controller or a base station may identify at least one backup non-terrestrial base station having a predicted line of sight to the terrestrial base station or at least a portion of its radio coverage area. The backup non-terrestrial base station may be introduced as a new base station in the communications network. The backup non-terrestrial base station may carry traffic for at least some of the mobile terminals that can connect to the terrestrial base station during the period of the loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station (and possibly at other times as well).

[0074] If the backup non-terrestrial base station receives a message containing information regarding the resumed capacity of the terrestrial base station, the backup non-terrestrial base station may respond by disconnecting from the communications network.

[0075] Analysis of spectrum occupancy may include using machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify trend patterns and cluster changes in geographic utilization.

[0076] The communications network may be configured to provide information that may enable a planner of an increasing wireless network to identify demand in areas not currently served by terrestrial base stations, which may be implemented by receiving information regarding terrestrial terminals seeking connection to a wireless communications network in the unserved areas, having the detecting non-terrestrial base stations detect any loss of functionality of a terrestrial base station of the terrestrial network in the unserved areas, reporting the loss as a lack of capacity in the terrestrial network to serve the increasing wireless network demand in the unserved areas, and alerting the network planner that the increasing demand for wireless service in the unserved areas is an unmet demand, where the unmet demand can be addressed with mobile satellite services or by building additional terrestrial wireless infrastructure to serve the unserved areas. Specific implementation example

[0077] Satellites with space-based spectrum analyzers can monitor spectrum usage and issue alerts if spectrum usage changes significantly, for example, identifying mobile network failures, updated or new operations, etc. As a result, non-terrestrial networks can initiate or increase satellite coverage in the event of an apparent failure of the terrestrial cellular network, or reduce satellite operations if the satellite observes the terrestrial network coming back online.

[0078] 1 is a diagram of a mobile satellite network architecture with conventional mobile stations and ground stations with a network operations center shown in accordance with various embodiments. As shown therein, a non-terrestrial network 130 may include a constellation of satellites 102 (e.g., satellite 102(1), satellite 102(2), ..., satellite 102(n)), where at least one of the satellites 102 includes a non-terrestrial base station (NTBS) 103. As shown below, the non-terrestrial base station may include a processor, software stored and / or executing on the processor, and a radio for cellular communications that is programmed according to a protocol recognizable by a terrestrial cellular network 140 and / or a terminal 110, such as a cellular handset, typically served by the terrestrial cellular network. Each satellite 102 may be capable of observing, monitoring, or communicating with a respective geographic area or footprint that may or may not include a terminal 110, and may or may not include a cell tower or other terrestrial base station 108, whether or not currently functional, etc.

[0079] Examples of satellites in FIG. 1 include satellites 102(1), 102(2), ..., 102(n). As used herein, the use of an ellipse and "n" indicates that there are any number of similar elements and the exact value of n need not be specified, while the use of "i" and "(i)" may refer to an unspecified one of those n similar elements. It should be noted that "n" and "i" may be used as indicators in more than one place and do not necessarily indicate a one-to-one correspondence across different uses. Examples of NTBSs 103 on satellites include orbital cellular base station 103(1) shown in FIG. 1, orbital cellular base station 203(1) shown in FIG. 2, orbital cellular base station 103(2) shown in FIG. 2, and others.

[0080] Modifications to one or more radios of the satellite 102 may enable the satellite 102 to also tune to the downlink frequency band and measure signals transmitted by the terrestrial base station 108. The absence of such signals indicates that the terrestrial network 140, or a portion thereof, is out of service.

[0081] The data transmission may be sending a message from the ground station 113 to the satellite 102, which then forwards the message to the terminal 110 using a protocol that the terminal 110 is programmed or configured to receive. For example, the satellite 102 may send a transmission using a protocol that a standard smartphone can receive. As described herein, the NTBS 103 may be an orbital base station or any other non-terrestrial base station that exists away from the surface of the Earth. Examples may include, for example, orbital base stations, balloon-borne base stations, airborne base stations, etc. A cellular base station implemented on the satellite 102 may stand in for a terrestrial base station when a loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station is determined. The determination may be made by attempting to communicate with the terrestrial base station, by monitoring transmissions from the terrestrial base station, and / or based on information provided by a network monitoring system that may detect the loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station. Such a monitoring system may be or may be part of a terrestrial mobile network operator (MNO) core infrastructure 120, a public data network (PDN) server cloud 116, a network operations center (NOC) 114 or one or more ground stations 113.

[0082] The non-terrestrial network 130 may also include a ground station 113 that talks to satellites such as satellites 102(1), ..., 102(n) and NTBS 103. In some embodiments, the ground station 113 may provide a backhaul network for connecting to various network infrastructures such as a terrestrial mobile network operator core infrastructure. In other embodiments, one or more non-terrestrial base stations may be able to communicate directly with the terminal 110, regardless of whether they communicate with the ground station 113. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the earth's horizon 106 may block communication and / or the radios used for communication may have limited ranges, such as satellites 102(4) and 102(n), each communicating with at least one antenna 112 of the ground station 113, where satellites 102(1), 102(2), and 102(3) do not communicate with the ground station 113. In such cases, one or more of the satellites 102 may serve as communications relays, such that the satellites 102 may communicate indirectly with the ground stations 113 through one or more of the relay satellites of the satellites 102 .

[0083] The ground network 140 may be a conventional cellular network and may include one or more terrestrial base stations 108, at least one of which includes a radio for data communication with the terminals 110. Examples of terrestrial base stations may include permanent cell towers, temporary cell towers, or mobile base stations such as cells-on-wheels (COWs), e.g., base stations that may be deployed to replace or introduce cell sites as part of a restoration effort, or to handle additional demand, such as a convention or festival or other unusually high demand event. The ground network 140 may also include one or more terminals or handsets 110, at least one of which includes a radio for cellular communication that is programmed according to a protocol for communicating with the terrestrial base stations 108. The ground network 140 may thereby facilitate communication between one terminal 110 and another terminal 110, or between the terminal 110 and a remote server (e.g., in the public data network server cloud 116).

[0084] Some terminals 110 may be located within the communication range 105 of a functional terrestrial base station 108 and therefore may communicate normally with the terrestrial network 140. However, during a partial or complete network failure, some terminals 110 may be located in a geographical area 104 that is outside the communication range 105 of any functional terrestrial base station 108 but that is serviceable by a non-terrestrial base station 103 of a satellite 102. In such a case, the terminals 110 may communicate with the non-terrestrial base station in the same manner (e.g., using the same protocols and signal strengths) that they would normally use to communicate with the terrestrial base station 108. Some handsets or terminals 109, which are otherwise equivalent to the terminals 110, may be located within the communication range 105 of a functional terrestrial base station 108 but may also be in the geographical area 104 serviced by a non-terrestrial base station 103 of a satellite 102. In such a case, the terminals or handsets may communicate with either the non-terrestrial base station 103 or the terrestrial base station 108. This may be useful, for example, when the handset or terminal 109 is near the edge of the communication range 105 of the terrestrial base station 108 and / or when communication with the terrestrial base station 108 can only be established intermittently (e.g., due to terrain interference, power outages, etc.) The non-terrestrial network 130 may thereby replace the entire terrestrial-based network 140, or a substantial portion thereof, that is out of service.

[0085] Figure 2 illustrates enhanced non-terrestrial base stations 203(1), 203(2), both capable of spectrum analysis and mobile network operation with multiple air interfaces, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Long Term Evolution (LTE), in accordance with various embodiments. Elements in Figure 2 that are similarly named to elements in other figures, such as Figure 1, may be similarly constructed.

[0086] 2, non-terrestrial base station 203(1) may be located on satellite 202(1) and may be able to communicate directly with terminal 210(1) such that communication link 214(1) may be established between terminal 210(1) and a second terminal 210(2), where second terminal 210(2) communicates with a serving terrestrial base station 208(1). The terminal may be a mobile handset or other wireless device.

[0087] Non-terrestrial base station 203(2) of satellite 202(2) may be able to communicate directly with terminal 210(3) and terminal 210(4), such that a communications link 214(2) may be established between terminal 210(3) and terminal 210(4) despite their proximity to a non-functional terrestrial base station 208(2). However, in a different region (e.g., outside of a service outage), terminal 210(5) and terminal 210(6) may be able to establish communications link 214(3) with each other through a functional terrestrial base station 208(3).

[0088] In this manner, any terminal may establish a communications link with any other terminal, regardless of whether either or both are located within an impaired area of ​​the terrestrial network. Messages may be passed from terminal to terminal along a message path. In the example shown in Figure 2, message 220(1) is passed from terminal 210(1) to terminal 210(4) along message path 230(1), which includes satellites 202(1) and 202(2).

[0089] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a satellite's communications section 300 that handles communications, according to various embodiments. These communications sections 300 may form or be part of, for example, non-terrestrial base stations, such as the orbital base stations shown in FIG. 1 and elsewhere. As shown in FIG. 3, a satellite 301 houses the non-terrestrial base station. An antenna 302 receives signals from within a geographic area or footprint and / or transmits signals to a geographic area or footprint as described elsewhere herein. The antenna 302 provides an analog signal to an RF analog receiver 304. The controlled base station may select a carrier frequency and provide an indication of the carrier frequency of interest to the RF analog receiver 304. It should be noted that there may be more than one such receiver, one per channel, and may be implemented in hardware and / or software. The output of the RF analog receiver 304 is a baseband analog signal, which is provided to an analog-to-digital converter (A / D) 306 to generate a digital signal. The digital signal is processed by a digital signal processor (DSP) 308 which outputs a bitstream corresponding to the bitstream output by the mobile station / terminal to a processor 310 which may then process the binary code from the bitstream in a conventional manner, possibly at a physical (PHY) network layer 312.

[0090] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of elements of a satellite according to various embodiments. The interconnections shown are generally electrical connections, such as via wires or buses, and antennas may be included within the satellite externally mounted. In this example, rear antenna 406, forward antenna 404, and ground antenna 412 are coupled to an RF subsystem 408 that may receive signals entering those antennas and transmit signals to those antennas for transmission. A communications interface 410 handles sending baseband data or signals to and receiving baseband data or signals from the RF subsystem 408. Data transmitted via communications interface 410 may be specified by a processor 420 operating according to program code stored in a program code storage 422 and readable by the processor 420. Alternatively, the processing functions may be implemented by a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other circuitry.

[0091] As shown, the processor 420 also has access to a random access memory 426 and a message storage unit 424 for various purposes. In some implementations, the program code storage 422, the random access memory 426, and the message storage unit 424 may be a common data structure. Some or all of the elements shown may be provided with power by a power source 432, and one or more clock signals may be provided by a clock 430.

[0092] Other elements such as a control system may be processed by the processor 420 or other processors on the satellite and may or may not be in communication. The program code storage 422 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions executed by the processor 420. The program code may be replaceable in response to commands sent to the satellite. When stored in a non-transitory storage medium accessible to the processor 420, the program code may provide the processing portion of the satellite with a dedicated machine that is customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions. The memory components may be static or dynamic memory, preferably operable in a space environment. A maintenance interface may be provided. Customized hardwired logic, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or FPGAs, firmware and / or program logic may be provided that combine with the processor 420 to implement the dedicated machine. Execution of a sequence of instructions contained in the program code storage 422 may cause the processor 420 to perform the process steps described in the flowcharts and elsewhere herein. In alternative embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions. As used herein, the term "storage media" may refer to any non-transitory media that stores data and / or instructions that cause a machine to operate in a specific manner. Such storage media may comprise non-volatile media and / or volatile media.

[0093] One aspect of the operation of the processor 420 and / or program code is to receive messages and transmit messages to the ground and other satellites so that, as a system, the system distributes the messages from source to destination. When a satellite receives a message on the uplink via the terrestrial antenna 412, the processor may determine what message path to use to pass the message based on the location of the intended recipient with the destination device, and therefore which set of inter-satellite links to use. Because the time it takes data to travel through the satellite network is very fast relative to the movement of the satellites around the Earth, the satellite that is above the recipient when the message is initiated at the source may still have the destination device within its footprint when the message is finally delivered (or "finished" in the telecommunications industry). Even if this is not the case, that fact may be calculated and predicted as the data is distributed through the network. As a result, the satellite passing the message or making the connection determines whether the satellite downlinking the message to the recipient's destination device is in the same orbital plane as the uplink satellite. If not, the satellite passing the message forwards the message to another orbital plane in a cross-plane transfer. When a message arrives at a satellite in the orbital plane of the satellite that downlinks (or terminates) the message, the signal may be passed the remainder of the path, through a forward link or a backward link on the satellite, until the message reaches the final destination satellite.

[0094] Each message may have a message path, which may be explicitly provided in the message or may be determined by program steps executed on the satellite or elsewhere. However calculated, the message path follows the orbital plane until a suitable cross-plane transfer is available using the forward / aft antennas. The message path may be stored on the satellite and used to determine which antennas to use to retransmit and therefore forward a received message.

[0095] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a portion of an orbital base station according to various embodiments, illustrating functional portions of an orbital base station, such as may be implemented on satellite 503 shown in Figure 1. A similar set of elements may be used on non-terrestrial base stations that are not necessarily in orbit.

[0096] As shown, an ePC unit 510 (evolved Packet Core) includes a home subscriber server (HSS) 512, a mobility management entity (MME) 514, and a serving gateway (S-GW) 516. The enhanced base station of FIG. 5 may be capable of both spectrum analysis and mobile network operation with multiple air interfaces, such as GSM and its Network Switching Subsystem (NSS), via an NSS unit 536 and an LTE (Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network, or E_UTRAN) unit 502 including multiple eNBs 522. A software defined radio (SDR) 550 may be used by a higher level protocol stack, including a spectrum analyzer 540 (which may be a spectrum analyzer module). The spectrum analyzer 540 may be used to measure received signal strength over a frequency band of interest. 5, the orbital base station includes a global system for mobile communications (GSM) module 530 with a BSC 532, one or more BTSes 534, and optionally an NSS 536, which elements and a spectrum analyzer 540 function through an SDR 550. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other components or combinations of components may be used in place of or in addition to those listed for FIG.

[0097] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a portion of a non-terrestrial base station according to various embodiments that may be used for non-terrestrial base stations described elsewhere herein, such as non-terrestrial base station 103 of FIG. 1, and may have some elements in common with FIG. 5. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the non-terrestrial base station includes a serving gateway (S-GW) 616 that communicates bidirectionally with an eNB stack 610 of an eNB 622, for example, via an S1-UP protocol (S1 user plane, where S1 is the Long Term Evolution (LTE) interface, although other protocols may be used instead or in addition). The eNB stack 610 may also communicate bidirectionally with an MME module 614 via an S1-CP (S1 control plane) protocol, and with an eNB control unit 612 via medium access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) control signals. The eNB stack 610 may receive radio frequency front-end control signals from the eNB control unit 612. The air interface unit 608, which may be, for example, a long term evolution physical air interface (LTE-Uu), may also bidirectionally communicate with the eNB stack 610 via air interface (e.g., LTE-Uu) signals and send air interface (e.g., LTE-Uu) input signals to the eNB control unit 612. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other components or combinations of components may be used instead of or in addition to those listed for FIG.

[0098] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a portion of an eNB stack 700 of a non-terrestrial base station in accordance with various embodiments. In the example shown in Figure 7, the non-terrestrial base station may be similar to the eNB stack 610 shown in Figure 6 and may include a radio resource control (RCC) module 702 that communicates with the outside world of the eNB stack 700 via, for example, the S1-CP protocol described herein, and with an eNB control unit via MAC and physical layer control signals.

[0099] 7, the eNB stack 700 also includes a packet data convergence control (PDCP) module 704 that communicates with the outside of the stack 700 via S1-UP as described above. The PDCP module 704 is in bidirectional communication with a radio link control (RLC) module that is in bidirectional communication with an enhanced medium access control (MAC) module 708 that is in bidirectional communication with an enhanced physical layer (PHY) that is in bidirectional communication with a radio frequency (RF) front end and / or beamformer 712. In an example, the radio frequency front end and / or beamformer 712 receives RF front end control signals and communicates with the outside of the eNB stack 700 via air interface (e.g., LTE-Uu) signals as described herein.

[0100] In an example, the RCC module 702 sends control signals to the PDCP module 704, the RLC module 706, the enhanced MAC module 708, and the enhanced physical layer (PHY) module 710. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other components or configurations of components may be used in place of or in addition to those shown in FIG. Spectral Analysis

[0101] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an eNB control unit 810 of a non-terrestrial base station according to various embodiments. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the eNB control unit 810 may be similar to the eNB control unit 612 shown in FIG. 6 and may include an eNB state space controller 802 that exchanges MAC and physical layer control signals with the eNB stack 700 (see FIG. 7) and transmits RF front-end control signals to the RF front-end and / or beamformer 712 (see FIG. 7). Detection of terrestrial loss may involve detection and analysis of terrestrial radio traffic by a satellite using a base station transceiver radio such as the BTS 534 shown in FIG. 5 as a spectrum analyzer. This spectrum analysis capability on an enhanced base station disclosed herein may include, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP) 804, a layer 1 signal processing module 806, and a receiver front-end 812. These components may be hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) programmed to perform the functions described herein. In an example, the DSP 804 receives control signals from the eNB state space controller 802, returns processed signals, and bidirectionally communicates with a layer 1 signal processing module 806. The layer 1 signal processing module 806 receives control signals from the eNB state space controller 802 and receives signals from a receiver front end 812, which receives control signals from the eNB state space controller 802 and air interface (e.g., LTE-Uu) signals from an air interface module, such as the air interface module 608 shown in FIG.

[0102] These elements may be collectively configured to generate a data set that may be passed back through the base station to the enhanced mobile management entity (MME) 514 shown in FIG. 5 to inform interference tables (such as those shown in FIGS. 9-13) for link budget calculations. The receiver front end 812 may be configurable to focus on a particular band of interest and may be similar or equivalent to the front end used by the base station radio. The front end may be responsible for filtering and low noise amplification of the signal across several resource blocks of interest. The Layer 1 signal processing 806 may perform analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion and digital filtering of the signal. This may involve an FPGA that may be reprogrammed or reconfigured by the base station state space controller.

[0103] The digitally filtered signals may be I and Q from the RF samples resulting from the layer 1 signal processing and may be returned to the DSP block 804 for further processing. If a spectrum analyzer front end (e.g., DSP block 804, layer 1 signal processing 806, and receiver front end 812) may be used to digitally sample I and Q from a spectrum amounting to a 20 MHz block of spectrum at 16-bit resolution, the spectrum analyzer front end may need to sample at at least twice the bandwidth or a higher rate (e.g., 40 MHz). When performing spectrum analysis, the data does not necessarily need to be demodulated at any bit rate, so the sampling rate may be reduced in some embodiments. At this rate, a 10 ms sample of a 20 MHz LTE uplink block (e.g., one LTE radio time slot) would generate 1.6 Megabytes (MB) before any packet overhead or packet compression procedures. If left to sample continuously, the spectrum analyzer may generate data at a rate of 1.28 Gigabits. This may or may not exceed the spacecraft's ability to downlink raw data at a rate faster than the data can be sampled and recorded before filling memory, data buffers, etc. As a result, digital signal processing and compression algorithms may be desirable or even necessary to manage the size of the spectral analysis data that may be facilitated by DSP block 804, especially in the early stages of constellation deployment.

[0104] The DSP block 804 may implement and / or be programmed to implement methods to reduce the size of the collected data by performing calculations or processing that generate some smaller size numerical data set that is used as executable intelligence in the state space prediction engine. For example, the DSP block 804 may perform a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) over a time slot for a particular resource block and evaluate the interference margin (dB) above the expected noise floor on a 180 kHz resource block. The interference may be evaluated and time tagged over a time window and resource block, and the result may be returned as a matrix of numbers that represents the interference environment on a particular frequency channel at a particular time.

[0105] This information of radio signal strength at various frequencies of interest may be stored in a database of historical spectrum analysis measurements, with signal levels measured at recorded geographic locations, frequencies and times, as suggested in Figures 9-13.

[0106] If the current signal determination falls below the contractual terms, the satellite may be triggered to initiate operations to replace the lost terrestrial network constrained to a terrestrial static polygon corresponding to the mobile network operator's contractual terms of service. Alternatively, if the orbital network management system (or a component thereof) observes a significant drop in power, relative to historical signal levels, taking into account day / night and weekend / weekday variations, the satellite network may trigger actions such as notifying a Network Operations Center (NOC) of a possible network loss, notifying relevant mobile network operators of the observed drop in radio signal strength in their terrestrial coverage area with a recommendation for the satellite network to take over, or automatic replacement of the terrestrial network or continued operation of the satellite network. This list may not be exhaustive of the number of actions that may be triggered by these observed spectrum analysis measurements and should be considered exemplary rather than limiting.

[0107] Those skilled in the art will recognize that other components or configurations of components may be used instead of or in addition to those shown in FIG.

[0108] 9 is a block diagram of a portion of an interference table 900 that may be stored, for example, in an enhanced eNB data store 902 associated with an eNB (such as eNB 522 shown in FIG. 5) in accordance with various embodiments. Data in the interference table 900 may be used, for example, in calculations to determine whether a network failure has occurred and the location and / or severity of the failure. Depending on the implementation, the interference table 900 may include a mesh point table 904, a polygon table 906, a dynamic coverage table 908, and a failure watch list table 910 as described herein.

[0109] Figure 10 shows an example mesh point table 1000 that includes frequency, signal strength, measurement conditions, and other information for previously detected signals associated with a terrestrial wireless communications network, according to various embodiments, which may be part of the interference table 900 shown in Figure 9. The processor may, for example, match this information with current or recent measurements to help determine whether an expected signal is absent or degraded.

[0110] 11 illustrates an example of a polygon table 1100 that may include, for example, geographic information and other information about terrestrial base stations, ranges, or coverage areas associated with a particular terrestrial network, according to various embodiments. The polygon table 1100 may be part of an interference table, such as the interference table 900 illustrated in FIG.

[0111] The processor may use this information to determine whether the detected failure is associated with a partner terrestrial network (e.g., a terrestrial network that has contracted for backup satellite communication services). Such an area may be considered a region of interest. For example, there may be a negotiated agreement with a given terrestrial network to provide coverage during a failure. If the non-terrestrial base station does not detect expected communication in all of such a region of interest, the system may, for example, infer a total failure and provide backup services. Detection of failure may include, for example, machine learning or other artificial intelligence techniques that recognize relevant parameter changes over time.

[0112] In some embodiments, machine learning techniques may also be used to consider historical trends in utilization and combine disparate sources of data such as population density maps, detect cellular broadcast messages sent from terrestrial cell towers that alert mobile phones of certain events that may render nearby terrestrial cell towers inoperable and / or non-functional in nearby areas, detect seasonal variations in utilization and similar considerations of holidays, and best recognize when reduced spectrum utilization may be due to events such as holidays rather than due to network non-functionality. Such techniques may be referred to as artificial intelligence with machine learning based, for example, on years of statistical evaluation.

[0113] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a dynamic coverage table 1200 according to various embodiments. The dynamic coverage table 1200 may be part of an interference table, such as the interference table 900 illustrated in FIG. 9. According to various embodiments, the dynamic coverage table 1200 may store and continuously update information about a geographic area or footprint currently serviceable by one or more non-terrestrial base stations (e.g., one or more satellites in a satellite constellation). This information may be used, for example, to determine which non-terrestrial assets (e.g., which satellites or non-terrestrial base stations) are currently in position to serve a particular network customer experiencing an outage. In some cases, the non-terrestrial base station may be or may be part of an orbiting satellite. In other cases, the non-terrestrial base station may be carried on a balloon, an aircraft, a drone, a projectile, or other non-terrestrial vehicle.

[0114] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a fault watchlist table 1300. The fault watchlist table 1300 may be part of an interference table, such as the interference table 900 illustrated in FIG. 9. The fault watchlist table 1300 may store geographic or other information about areas affected by natural disasters or other events that may result in the failure of a terrestrial network, according to various embodiments. Such areas may be considered, for example, as regions of interest, and this information may be used, for example, to direct non-terrestrial assets to detect or analyze signals from the regions of interest to determine whether one or more network failures have actually occurred. The fault watchlist table may include, for example, weather data (e.g., predicted hurricanes), news, earthquake events, war zones, evacuation zones, and the like.

[0115] In an example, a NOC operator associated with a non-terrestrial communications network (e.g., a satellite constellation) may be alerted to a natural disaster and may observe if and when an orbital network management system determines a degraded / failing terrestrial network. The NOC operator may then instruct the satellite base station to check for reduced levels from the terrestrial network in the affected area, and the satellite may replace the partner organization's failed terrestrial network as long as the terrestrial network is observed to be down (by the satellite alone), either as per contract, or as per direct request or command if an MNO partner may be contracted during the outage. Example of operation

[0116] When a satellite, non-terrestrial base station, terrestrial operating system, or other component of the space-based cellular network detects a loss in some of the terrestrial cell tower base stations, such as by detecting terrestrial cellular network activity or lack of activity, such as by analyzing a spectrum, as an indicator of terrestrial network operation or failure, the space-based cellular network may restore some capacity. For example, a non-terrestrial base station may advertise availability to terminals in the geographic region where loss of terrestrial network service was detected, and withdraw such advertisements when terrestrial network service capacity appears to be restored.

[0117] The base station radio may detect power in the uplink band and look for user equipment transmissions as an indication of terrestrial network operation. Alternatively, the time division duplex (TDD) band may be monitored for user equipment or base station transmissions. Finally, the satellite-based base station radio may be equipped with filter and switch capabilities to measure the downlink terrestrial network frequency and directly measure the network's radio transmissions. This information may be used to trigger the satellite to stand in for lost terrestrial cellular service when necessary, and to cease providing mobile satellite service when the terrestrial service resumes normal operation. Loss of Function Detection Example

[0118] A space-based spectrum analyzer may detect terrestrial network impairments (e.g., a particular set of inoperable or non-functioning cell towers for a defined period of time) and based on these observations, the space-based cellular network may initiate radio transmissions directed to the area, outside of its normal operations, to form a replacement for those non-functioning terrestrial cell towers.

[0119] When the ground tower is ready to resume operation (e.g., the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) sends engineers to repair the tower and restores power), the space-based spectrum analyzer may detect an increase in terrestrial radio transmissions and trigger the space-based cellular network to switch off the beams formed about the loss of functionality.

[0120] Alternatively, MNOs could have IoT devices send SMS to a space-based network to inform it of the status of terrestrial cellular towers, so that the base stations on the satellites can be active when needed and inactive when not needed.

[0121] In an alternative method, the MNO may use a network connection to the terrestrial network portion of the space network or directly to the space network. The network connection may be used to provide a signal between the networks where the MNO terrestrial network may notify the space network of a failure and take corrective action. In some embodiments, the space-based cellular network may identify exactly where to place new beams to reoptimize coverage deployment and bandwidth upon failure or loss. Additionally, the space network may notify the MNO terrestrial network when to provide increased coverage for losses measured by spectrum analysis sensors on the satellites themselves.

[0122] As an alternative method to determine if a previously lost terrestrial network is restored and operational, the satellite's base station controller (BSC) monitors measurement reports coming from handsets in the area of ​​failure, as it normally does. In normal operation of a mobile network such as GSM, the handsets periodically measure the signal quality in nearby cells and various frequency channels. These measurements are reported to the base station every 480 milliseconds on the slow associated control channel (SACCH). These measurement reports are typically used to trigger mobile handovers when a connection to a new cell is better than the existing connection. In the event that the network resumes operation, the mobile phone may measure the terrestrial network as a stronger connection than the satellite and should initiate a terrestrial network handover. In such a situation, once the terrestrial network stabilizes, the mobile station connected to the satellite shall be transitioned to the preferred terrestrial network as normal operation resumes.

[0123] Once all mobile stations have been handed over to the terrestrial network, the satellite may stop transmitting to that area so as not to cause any radio interference with the terrestrial network, which may, for example, operate on the same or adjacent frequencies as those used by the satellite. Recognizing changing demand for wireless usage

[0124] Traditionally, mobile operators may monitor call drop rates to identify areas where additional base stations and cell towers should be built. However, such techniques do not identify isolated areas where demand for unmet wireless service emerges. To address this issue, mobile operators also track real estate transactions and general news about new home construction, zoning for new amusement parks, and even announcements of outdoor concerts and sporting events that may draw crowds to areas where mobile coverage is limited or nonexistent.

[0125] The satellite capabilities disclosed herein, and the resulting ability to recognize and even connect to mobile phones that would otherwise not be able to connect to terrestrial networks, provide a means for measuring the occurrence of such areas and for providing mobile phone service through the satellite. If the serving satellite capacity tends to become saturated, the mobile phone operator, for example, can be alerted to the need to build additional terrestrial base stations to serve the unmet growth in demand in that area. Data Structure Example

[0126] 14 illustrates an example of a data structure that may reside in memory or storage accessible to a computer processor. In some embodiments, the data structure is used by various components and tools, some of which are described in more detail herein. The data structure and program code used to manipulate the data structure may be provided and / or carried by a transitory computer-readable medium, e.g., a transmission medium, such as in the form of a signal transmitted over a network.

[0127] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein are implemented by one or more general-purpose computing systems programmed to execute the techniques according to program instructions in firmware, memory, other storage, or a combination thereof. Special purpose computing devices may be used, such as desktop computer systems, portable computer systems, handheld devices, network devices, or any other device that incorporates hardwired and / or program logic to implement the techniques.

[0128] An embodiment may include a carrier medium carrying data including data processed by the methods described herein. The carrier medium may include any medium suitable for carrying data, including storage media such as solid state memory, optical or magnetic disks, or transitory media, such as signals carrying data, such as signals transmitted over a network, digital signals, radio frequency signals, acoustic signals, optical signals, or electrical signals.

[0129] FIG. 14 is a simplified functional block diagram of a storage device 1448 having applications that may be accessed and executed by a processor in a computer system that may be part of an embodiment of a method and / or apparatus for providing backup network services in a communication network used by a mobile terminal and / or computer system providing backup network services. FIG. 14 also illustrates examples of memory elements that may be used by a processor to implement elements of the embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, data structures are used by various components and tools, some of which are described in more detail herein. The data structures and program code used to manipulate the data structures may be provided and / or carried by a transitory computer-readable medium, e.g., a transmission medium, such as in the form of a signal transmitted over a network. For example, where a functional block is referenced, it may be implemented as program code stored in a memory. The application may be one or more of the applications described herein executing on a server, client, or other platform or device, and may represent the memory of one of the clients and / or servers shown elsewhere.

[0130] Storage device 1448 may be one or more memory devices that may be accessed by a processor, and storage device 1448 may store application code 1450, which may be configured to store one or more processor-readable instructions in the form of write-only memory and / or writeable memory. Application code 1450 may include application logic 1452, library functions 1454, and file I / O functions 1456 associated with the application. The memory elements of Figure 14 may be used for a server or computer that interfaces with a user, generates data, and / or manages other aspects of the processes described herein.

[0131] The storage device 1448 may also include application variables 1462, which may include one or more storage locations configured to receive input variables 1464. The application variables 1462 may include variables generated by the application or variables that are otherwise local to the application. The application variables 1462 may be generated, for example, from data retrieved from a user or an external source, such as an external device or application. The processor may execute the application code 1450 to generate the application variables 1462, which are provided to the storage device 1448. The application variables 1462 may include operational details necessary to perform the functions described herein.

[0132] The storage device 1448 may include storage for databases and other data described herein. One or more memory locations may be configured to store device data 1466. The device data 1466 may include data originating from an external source, such as a user or an external device. The device data 1466 may include, for example, records passed between servers before transmission or after reception. Other data 1468 may also be provided.

[0133] The storage device 1448 may also include a log file 1480 having one or more storage locations 1484 configured to store results of the application or input provided to the application. For example, the log file 1480 may be configured to store a history of actions, warnings, error messages, and the like.

[0134] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein are implemented by one or more general-purpose computing systems programmed to execute the techniques according to program instructions in firmware, memory, other storage, or a combination thereof. Special purpose computing devices may be used, such as desktop computer systems, portable computer systems, handheld devices, network devices, or any other device that incorporates hardwired and / or program logic to implement the techniques.

[0135] An embodiment may include a carrier medium carrying data including data processed by the methods described herein. The carrier medium may include any medium suitable for carrying data, including storage media such as solid state memory, optical or magnetic disks, or transitory media, such as signals carrying data, such as signals transmitted over a network, digital signals, radio frequency signals, acoustic signals, optical signals, or electrical signals.

[0136] Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system 1500 on which the computer systems described herein and / or the data structures shown in Figure 14 may be implemented. Computer system 1500 includes a bus 1502 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor 1504 coupled with bus 1502 for processing information. Processor 1504 may be, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor.

[0137] Computer system 1500 also includes a main memory 1506, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus 1502 for storing information and instructions executed by processor 1504. Main memory 1506 may also be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 1504. Such instructions, when stored on a non-transitory storage medium accessible to processor 1504, render computer system 1500 into a special-purpose machine customized to perform operations specified in the instructions.

[0138] Computer system 1500 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 1508 or other static storage device, coupled to bus 1502 for storing static information and instructions for processor 1504. A storage device 1510, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to bus 1502 for storing information and instructions.

[0139] Computer system 1500 may be coupled via bus 1502 to a display 1512, such as a computer monitor, for displaying information to a computer user. An input device 1514, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus 1502 for communicating information and command selections to processor 1504. Another type of user input device is a cursor control 1516, such as a mouse, trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating directional information and command selections to processor 1504 and for controlling cursor movement on display 1512. This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allow the device to specify a position in a plane.

[0140] The computer system 1500 may implement the techniques described herein using customized hardwired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and / or program logic that in combination with the computer system renders or programs the computer system 1500 into a special purpose machine. According to one embodiment, the techniques described herein are performed by the computer system 1500 in response to the processor 1504 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in the main memory 1506. Such instructions may be read into the main memory 1506 from another storage medium, such as the storage device 1510. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the main memory 1506 causes the processor 1504 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

[0141] As used herein, the term "storage medium" refers to any non-transitory medium that stores data and / or instructions that cause a machine to operate in a particular manner. Such storage media may include non-volatile media and / or volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 1510. Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as main memory 1506. Common forms of storage media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, solid state drives, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic data storage medium, CD-ROMs, any other optical data storage medium, any physical medium with a pattern of holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, any other memory chip or cartridge.

[0142] Storage media is distinct from, but may be used in conjunction with, transmission media, which involve transferring information from one storage medium to another. For example, transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 1502. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications.

[0143] Various types of media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to the processor 1504 for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk or solid state drive of a remote computer. The remote computer may load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a network connection. A modem or network interface local to the computer system 1500 may receive the data. The bus 1502 carries the data to the main memory 1506, from which the processor 1504 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by the main memory 1506 may optionally be stored on a storage device 1510 either before or after execution by the processor 1504.

[0144] Computer system 1500 also includes a communication interface 1518 coupled to bus 1502. The communication interface 1518 provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link 1520 that is connected to a local network 1522. For example, the communication interface 1518 may be a network card, modem, cable modem, or satellite modem that provides a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line or communication line. A wireless link may also be implemented. In any such implementation, the communication interface 1518 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0145] Network link 1520 typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, network link 1520 may provide a connection through a local network 1522 to a host computer 1524 or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 1526. ISP 1526 provides data communication services through the world wide packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the "Internet" 1528. Local network 1522 and Internet 1528 both use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on network link 1520 and through communication interface 1518 that carry the digital data to and from computer system 1500 are examples of forms of transmission media.

[0146] Computer system 1500 may send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), network link 1520 and communication interface 1518. In the Internet example, a server 1530 might transmit a requested code for an application program through the Internet 1528, ISP 1526, local network 1522 and communication interface 1518. The received code may be executed by processor 1504 as it is received, and / or stored in storage device 1510, or other non-volatile storage for later execution.

[0147] The operations of the processes described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The processes described herein (or variations and / or combinations thereof) may be performed under the control of one or more computer systems configured with executable instructions and may be implemented as code (e.g., executable instructions, one or more computer programs, or one or more applications) that are collectively executed on one or more processors by hardware or a combination thereof. The code may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, for example in the form of a computer program that includes a number of instructions executable by one or more processors. The computer-readable storage medium may be non-transitory. Code carried by a transitory computer-readable medium, for example a transmission medium, such as in the form of a signal transmitted over a network, may also be provided.

[0148] Conjunctive language, such as phrases of the form "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, and C," is understood in the context in which it is generally used to indicate that an item, term, etc. may be either A or B or C, or any non-empty subset of the set A, B, and C, unless specifically indicated otherwise or otherwise clearly contradicted by the context. For example, in the illustrative example of a set having three members, the conjunctive phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" and "at least one of A, B, and C" refer to any of the following sets: {A}, {B}, {C}, {A,B}, {A,C}, {B,C}, {A,B,C}. Thus, such conjunctive language is generally not intended to suggest that a particular embodiment requires that at least one A, at least one B, and at least one C are each present.

[0149] The use of examples or exemplary language provided herein (e.g., "such as") is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not impose limitations on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0150] In the above specification, embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be interpreted in an illustrative sense, not a restrictive one. The sole and exclusive indication of the scope of the present invention, and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the present invention, is the literal equivalent range of the set of claims originating from this application, including any subsequent amendments, of the specific form from which such claims originate.

[0151] Further embodiments may occur to those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure. In other embodiments, combinations or subcombinations of the above disclosed inventions may be advantageously made. Example arrangements of components are shown for illustrative purposes, and combinations, additions, rearrangements, and the like are contemplated in alternative embodiments of the invention. Thus, while the invention has been described with respect to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications are possible.

[0152] For example, the processes described herein may be implemented using hardware components, software components, and / or any combination thereof. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will be apparent, however, that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims, and that the invention is intended to encompass all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

[0153] All references cited in this specification, including publications, patent applications, and patents, are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference was individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in full herein.

Claims

1. 1. A method for providing backup network services in a communications network used by a mobile terminal, comprising the steps of: receiving information regarding terrestrial base stations of said communications network; using said information regarding a first non-terrestrial base station and said terrestrial base station to detect a loss of functionality of said terrestrial base station; identifying a second non-terrestrial base station within communication range suitable for providing backup services to said communications network; introducing the second non-terrestrial base station as a new base station in the communications network; and and transporting, via the second non-terrestrial base station, traffic between at least one mobile terminal of a plurality of mobile terminals connectable to the terrestrial base station and the communications network, at least during periods other than the period during which the terrestrial base station is out of function. A method for providing the above.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first non-terrestrial base station and the second non-terrestrial base station are the same.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the traffic includes at least one of voice, text messages, or data.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the detection of the loss of functionality occurs partly at a ground station and partly at the first non-terrestrial base station.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the identification of the second non-terrestrial base station is based on a geographic location of the terrestrial base station and an orbital position of the second non-terrestrial base station.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the loss of functionality is detected by analyzing signals in a spectrum used by the terrestrial base station.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the analysis of signals is performed by the first non-terrestrial base station.

8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the analysis of the signal is performed by a ground station and the results of said analysis are communicated to the first non-terrestrial base station.

9. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said detecting loss of functionality is performed by detecting cellular broadcast messages transmitted from a terrestrial cell tower regarding a possible tower loss event.

10. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second non-terrestrial base station operates to the at least one mobile terminal as a base station that appears to be compatible with a communications protocol used between the at least one mobile terminal and the terrestrial base station.

11. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising advertising to the plurality of mobile terminals connectable to the terrestrial base station, at least outside the period of the loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station, the availability of the second non-terrestrial base station to carry traffic between mobile terminals of the plurality of mobile terminals and the communications network.

12. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a spectrum analyzer capability in the first non-terrestrial base station used for monitoring spectral occupancy of a terrestrial spectrum.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein detecting the loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station is performed at least in part using capabilities of the spectrum analyzer.

14. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the spectrum analyzer capabilities employ physical components of the first non-terrestrial base station, but simultaneously execute in software, such that a first non-terrestrial base station can provide service in a first portion of its potential coverage area while monitoring spectrum utilization in at least a second portion of its potential coverage area.

15. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing a filter switch within the first or second non-terrestrial base station to enable a radio of the first or second non-terrestrial base station to tune to and receive a frequency band used by the terrestrial base station.

16. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein introducing the second non-terrestrial base station as the new base station of the communications network comprises triggering the second non-terrestrial base station to start operating at least partially within a spectrum vacated by a failed terrestrial base station.

17. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein introducing the second non-terrestrial base station as the new base station of the communications network comprises triggering the second non-terrestrial base station to start operating at least partially within a geographical area vacated by a failed terrestrial base station.

18. displaying occupancy information regarding changes in the monitored spectral occupancy to a human operator; and receiving approval from the human operator to introduce the second non-terrestrial base station as the new base station in the communications network; The method of claim 12 further comprising:

19. detecting resumed capacity of the terrestrial base station using the first or second non-terrestrial base station; and disconnecting the second non-terrestrial base station from the communications network. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

20. 1. A method for providing backup network services in a communications network used by a mobile terminal, comprising the steps of: receiving a first message from a device in communication with the communications network, the first message including information regarding a loss of functionality of a terrestrial base station of the communications network or information regarding a future event predicted to cause a loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station; identifying at least one non-terrestrial base station having a predicted line of sight to at least a portion of the terrestrial base station or wireless coverage area based at least in part on the first message; introducing the at least one non-terrestrial base station as at least one new base station in the communications network; conveying, via the at least one non-terrestrial base station, traffic between at least one mobile terminal of a plurality of mobile terminals that can connect to the terrestrial base station and the communications network, at least during periods other than the period of loss of functionality of the terrestrial base station; receiving a second message from the device in communication with the communications network, the second message including information regarding the resumed capacity of the terrestrial base station; and disconnecting the at least one non-terrestrial base station from the communications network based at least in part on the second message. A method for providing the above.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device or the message is a Simple Messaging Service (SMS) message.

22. 1. A method for managing network demand in an unserved area not currently served by a terrestrial base station, comprising: receiving information regarding a terrestrial terminal in the non-service area that seeks to connect to the wireless communications network; detecting loss of functionality of a terrestrial base station of the terrestrial network in the non-service area using a non-terrestrial base station; reporting the loss of functionality as a lack of capacity in the terrestrial network to serve increasing wireless network demands in the unserved areas; and alerting a network planner that the increased demand for wireless services in the unserved areas is an unmet demand, where the unmet demand can be addressed using mobile satellite services or by building additional terrestrial wireless infrastructure to serve the unserved areas. A method for providing the above.

Images