On-demand connection to a telecommunications network via a UAV

Abstract

On-demand Connection to a Telecommunications Network via a UAV There is provided a computer-implemented method and system for arranging deployment of at least one unmanned aerial vehicle in order to improve access to a telecommunications network. A network orchestrator of the telecommunications network receives a request from an end user for deployment of a UAV to provide a user equipment of the end user access to the telecommunications network. In response to the received request, the network orchestrator issues instructions for deploying a UAV carrying a network device capable of providing access to the telecommunications network, connecting the network device of the UAV to the telecommunications network and connecting the network device of the UAV to the user equipment in order to provide the user equipment access to the telecommunications network.

Description

[0001] On-demand Connection to a Telecommunications Network via a UAV

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to improving a connection to a telecommunications network in areas with poor or no reception via an unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). In particular, the present invention relates to providing an on-demand service to a user, so that they can request the deployment of one or more UAVs to a particular location in order to improve access to a telecommunications network.

[0004] Background section

[0005] There are many types of telecommunications systems, but this invention is in particular directed towards mobile telecommunications systems, such as wireless cellular networks. Such wireless cellular networks usually comprise terrestrial base stations (sometimes called macro nodes or just base stations) which are located throughout a geographical region and communicate with each other to form a cellular network that allows communication to and between user equipment, such as smart phones, tablets, laptops or the like. These terrestrial base stations are typically high-powered base stations at fixed locations, and typically more base stations are located in areas of higher population densities.

[0006] Telecommunications networks, including cellular and data networks, often face significant challenges in providing reliable coverage in remote, rural, or otherwise under-served areas, as the distance to the nearest base station is likely to be greater than in more populated areas. As a result, many areas suffer from poor reception or lack of connectivity altogether.

[0007] Even in areas that normally have good network coverage, telecommunications networks can become very slow, or even collapse, if they are subject to unusually large loads, where many end users are trying to access the network at the same time. Such circumstances may occur, for example, at a musical festival or sporting event with tens of thousands of attendants. Alternatively, there may be temporary loss of connection to a telecommunications network due to planned maintenance or an unplanned outage which prevents or severely restricts access to the network. Accordingly, a user of a telecommunications network may find themselves in a situation where their connection is poor or lost, perhaps for one of the above reasons. That is, the user may be travelling to a remote location in which mobile coverage is very poor or nonexistent, there may be an unusually large load on the network at the particular time the user desires to use the network, or there may be a temporary loss of connection to the telecommunications network. Whatever the reason for the loss of high-speed connection to the network, the end user might require an improved connection.

[0008] Several approaches have been employed to address the issue of poor network reception.

[0009] Firstly, additional cell towers, repeaters, or signal boosters to extend coverage could be installed. While effective, this approach can be costly and logistically complex, particularly in remote areas. This approach also requires significant time to set up and cannot be used for a temporary fix of loss of connectivity.

[0010] Alternatively, satellites could be used to provide access to a network, which is particularly useful in very remote areas. Recent development of the Starlink network by SpaceX has brought connection to the internet to many people who would otherwise not be able to have access. However, this solution often involves high latency and can be expensive for continuous use. This also requires specialist equipment to receive the satellite signal and might not be available to a user’s particular user equipment.

[0011] Another solution is to deploy mobile cell units such as vans equipped with telecommunications equipment that can be used in an emergency, or for augmenting the fixed infrastructure in times of known increase in load. This method could provide temporary relief to a reduced quality of connection to a network. However, it requires that the vans can actually gain access to the area requiring improved connection, and it also requires service personal to drive the vans, install the mobile base station or repeater station and maintain the mobile unit.

[0012] A developing technology for providing improved access to a telecommunications network makes use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as uncrewed aerial vehicles, and often referred to as simply “drones”. The term UAV and drone may be used interchangeably in this document. A drone can be equipped with network devices that allow the connection of user equipment with a telecommunications system. For example, the network device could be an aerial micro node, being a radio access node mounted to the UAV. The drone could then be positioned near to an area that has lost connection with the network and could connect directly with a distant base station in order to provide access to the network, and so forming an “aerial base station” (ABS) to which user devices can connect. For example, GB2628115 describes operation of a fleet of drones to support a wireless cellular network comprising a plurality of fixed macro cell base stations located at cell sites throughout a geographical area for providing wireless connections to user equipment within the geographical area. An advantage of a drone is that it does not require service personnel to be present at the location of deployment, and they also do not have issues accessing any geographical locations (subject to possible legal regulations or restrictions).

[0013] As noted above, such drones can form “aerial base stations” (ABSs) and represent a new advancement in mobile network infrastructure. Unlike traditional ground-based base stations, ABSs can be deployed at short notice and at the high-altitudes attainable by drones. These platforms offer several significant advantages that enhance the performance, coverage, and efficiency of mobile telecommunications networks.

[0014] ABSs can operate at higher altitudes compared to ground-based base stations, allowing them to cover larger geographical areas. This increased coverage is particularly beneficial in rural, remote, or difficult-to-access regions. By elevating the base station, the area which has a line-of-sight to the base station is broadened, and so the range of the (aerial) base station is improved, reducing the number of base stations needed to achieve comprehensive network coverage over a reasonably large area.

[0015] ABSs are inherently flexible. Aerial platforms can be repositioned as needed, providing targeted coverage and support network traffic in affected areas. The deployment of ABSs enhances the resilience of the telecommunications network, as they offer rapid deployment capabilities for scaling network capacity in response to fluctuating demand. For instance, during peak times or special events, additional ABSs can be deployed swiftly to manage increased traffic and ensure optimal network performance.

[0016] Such ABSs have already been used in emergency situations, for example after natural disasters, or in war-torn areas, where the communications infrastructure has been damaged. The ABSs can provide important communication pathways for the emergency services. In these cases, the emergency services would likely work directly with the network service providers and set up a one-off bespoke network for the affected area.

[0017] However, in a situation where an average user finds that they require a connection to the telecommunications network, but such a connection is not available or is very poor, it would be desirable to provide an “on-demand' access to the telecommunications network via one or more LIAVs equipped to provide a link between the user device and the network. In this way, the end user could be confident that even if they start to lose connection to their telecommunications network via their standard connections means, they could always request a UAV to provide continued access to the network.

[0018] Summary of the invention

[0019] The present invention has been formulated to provide a computer-implemented method that allows a user to request the deployment of one or more UAVs to provide an improved access to a telecommunications network.

[0020] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method for arranging deployment of at least one unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, in order to improve access to a telecommunications network, the method comprising: receiving, by a network orchestrator of the telecommunications network, a request from an end user for deployment of a UAV to provide a user equipment of the end user access to the telecommunications network; and issuing instructions, by the network orchestrator, in response to the received request, for: deploying a UAV carrying a network device capable of providing access to the telecommunications network; connecting the network device of the UAV to the telecommunications network; and connecting the network device of the UAV to the user equipment in order to provide the user equipment access to the telecommunications network.

[0021] The UAV could be a fixed-wing drone or a rotary-wing drone or other unmanned aerial device, and is deployable to an area requested by an end user to provide an access point to a telecommunications system. The computer-implemented method may further comprise sending confirmation to the network orchestrator that the user equipment has access to the telecommunications network via the network device of the UAV.

[0022] The request may include at least a designated location and a designated time, and the UAV can then be deployed to the designated location at the designated time.

[0023] The request may include an indication of a desired characteristics of the connection with the telecommunication network. The desired characteristic could be, for example, the duration of the connection, the minimum bandwidth of the connection and the type of connection that is required. For example, the type of connection may include Wi-Fi or any type of cellular connection, especially using 3GPP based technology.

[0024] The request may be received at the network orchestrator from a dedicated application on the user equipment or via an online webpage. In this manner, the end user can conveniently make the request via their own user equipment, and may even be able to request immediate deployment of a UAV should they unexpectedly find themselves without a good connection between their user equipment and the telecommunications network. The user equipment might connect to the orchestrator via a dedicated API, which is discussed in more detail later.

[0025] The network device could connect to the telecommunications network via a terrestrial connection, such as a base station. However, the network device could instead (or as well) connect to the telecommunications network via a non-terrestrial connection.

[0026] The network device of the UAV may be configured to act as an aerial micro node or a Wi-Fi access point.

[0027] If there is no confirmation that the user equipment has access to the telecommunications network via the UAV after a predetermined time, the UAV may be configured to return to its original location. The end user could then be contacted and informed that it was not possible to connect them to the telecommunications network.

[0028] The network orchestrator may periodically check that the network device of the UAV remains connected to the telecommunications network. Should the connection be lost, then the network orchestrator could provide instructions to reconnect the UAV to the telecommunications network and the user equipment. Otherwise, the UAV may be recalled back to its original position and the end user might also be informed that the connection has been lost.

[0029] Access to the telecommunication network may be one of: private, being only available to the end user making the request; or public, being available to anyone who ordinarily has access to the telecommunications network. In this manner, the end user could decide whether to share the connection that they have requested or keep the connection private to avoid losing bandwidth to other users.

[0030] One or more UAVs may be based at one or more UAV depots (or UAV bases), and the method may then comprise: identifying at least one suitable UAV for providing the requested access to the telecommunication network; and deploying the at least one identified UAV. Ideally, these UAV depots could be located at a base station of the telecommunications network. In this manner, they would be easier to maintain under the same umbrella as the maintenance of the base station. Alternatively, the UAV depots could be located independently of the telecommunications infrastructure.

[0031] The UAV may be arranged to recognise a current position of the user equipment and follow the user equipment such that the network device of the UAV remains in range of the user equipment. This could be achieved via GPS tracking of the end user’s user equipment and / or using machine vision to recognise the end user.

[0032] If the duration that the UAV is requested exceeds the maximum flying time of a first UAV deployed to provide access to the telecommunications network, a second UAV could be scheduled to be deployed to replace the first UAV before the first UAV exceeds its maximum flying time, the connection between the user equipment and the telecommunications network being handed over from the first UAV to the second UAV.

[0033] If the geographical extent of the location for which access to the telecommunications network is requested is greater than the geographical extent a network device of a UAV can cover, the method may include deploying more than one UAV and arranging them to provide coverage of the whole of the requested geographical extent. If the bandwidth requested to the telecommunications network is requested is greater than the bandwidth a network device of a UAV can provide, the method may include deploying more than one UAV and arranging them to provide at least the required bandwidth.

[0034] In both of these situations, the deficiency of a single UAV in terms of range of coverage or bandwidth capacity can be mitigated by deploying more than one UAV. A flock of UAVs could even be deployed to provide the necessary coverage and bandwidth.

[0035] A further aspect of the present invention provides a system arranged to provide connection to a telecommunications network via an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, according to the above method, the system comprises: at least one UAV, the UAV equipped with a network device capable of providing access to the telecommunications network in response to the request; and a network orchestrator arranged to receive a request from an end user for deployment of a UAV to provide a user equipment of the end with access to the telecommunications network, wherein the network orchestrator is arranged to deploy a UAV in response to the request from an end user, the UAV being arranged to connect to the telecommunications network and connect to the user equipment in order to provide the user equipment access to the telecommunications network when it is deployed.

[0036] Brief description of the drawings

[0037] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:

[0038] Figure 1 shows a schematic of a mobile network according to the prior art.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a UAV mounted with a network device capable of providing a connection to a telecommunications device.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a user connecting to the network orchestrator to request deployment of a UAV mounted with network device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a schematical diagram of the deployment of a UAV to provide remote coverage of a telecommunications network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5 shows a schematical diagram of a user device connected to a terrestrial base station of a telecommunications network via a network device mounted on an UAV according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 6 shows a schematical diagram of a user device connected to a satellite data link of a telecommunications network via a network device mounted on an UAV according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 7 shows a flow diagram of the steps of requesting a UAV mounted with a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Detailed description of the embodiments

[0045] An aim of the present invention is to provide an on-demand improvement to the coverage of telecommunications networks by the deployment of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 20 mounted with a network device 22 that provides a connection to the telecommunications networks. Such a telecommunication network may be a fixed network, such as a wireless cellular network (e.g. a radio access network), or any other suitable telecommunications network.

[0046] Figure 1 shows an example of a telecommunications network comprising a terrestrial base station 100 of a wireless cellular network and two users trying to access the network using their own personal network devices 10 (or “user equipment”). The user equipment 10 could be smart phones, tablets, laptops or the like. The first user is within range of the terrestrial base station, and so can access the network without difficulty. However, the second user is located further away from the base station, and also has an obstruction in the way, significantly reducing the quality of his connection to the network, and potentially preventing access altogether. In figure 1 , this poor connection is schematically shown by the second user being located on the opposite side of a mountain than the base station 100. However, there are many other reasons that the second user may have poor quality access to the network, some of which are discussed in the background section. According to the present invention, the second user of figure 1 may request that a UAV 20, such as the one shown in figure 2, is deployed to his location that has the ability to fill the gap in service and provide access to the telecommunications network, and so improve the poor connection to the base station 100. The UAV 20 should be fitted with a network device 22 that allows the UAV 20 to provide the user device with access to the telecommunications network. The network device 22 could be any device that provides connectivity between the network and the user device, such as but not limited to, a radio access node, small cell base stations, Wi-Fi access points, backhaul communication equipment, mesh networking devices, etc.

[0047] Figures 2 shows a schematic representation of a UAV 20, or drone, configured to provide access to a telecommunications network. In figure 2, the UAV 20 is rotary wing UAV which has the advantage of being very manoeuvrable and being able to hover in a mostly stationary position. However, the invention is not limited to rotary wing UAVs 20, and it should be understood that any other type of unmanned aerial vehicle is envisaged. For example, the UAV 20 could be a fixed-wing type drone. These drones have the advantage of typically being able to carry higher payloads and sustain longer flight durations than rotary wing drones. However, a fixed wing drone needs to keep moving, and so cannot hover in the same place in the same way as a rotary wing drone. Nevertheless, a fixed wing drone could be held in a quasi-stationary position by flying in a small radius circle. The UAV 20 could even be a remotely controllable dirigible.

[0048] The UAV 20 could be powered by electricity. For example, it could be fitted with a rechargeable battery that could be kept charged when not in use. Alternatively, it may be powered by fuels such as petrol, kerosene, methanol, ethanol, and propane, in which case they would need refuelling. An alternative to combustible fuel could be hydrogen fuel cells. An interesting alternative could be the use of solar cells, to provide longer intervals before recharging.

[0049] The rotary wing UAV 20 of figure 2 has a network device 22 mounted on its upper side.

[0050] The network device 22 could of course be mounted anywhere on the UAV, either externally or internally. The network device 22 could be a (mobile) small base station that functions as temporary cell tower or it could be a signal booster or relay that amplifies and retransmits signals from the ground-based network infrastructure, such as the terrestrial base station - IQ -

[0051] 100. Alternatively, the network device 22 could allow connection via a satellite data link 150, such as the data SpaceX’s Starlink network. Another option is that the network device 22 could act as an internet router, and provides a Wi-Fi access point that user devices could use to connect to the network. In fact, the network device 22 could be any device that can provide a user equipment 10 with access to a telecommunications network. Indeed, a single UAV 20 could be fitted with more than one type of network device 22 for increased flexibility.

[0052] The LIAVs 20 may have one or more other devices in order to operate effectively. The UAVs 20 advantageously are fitted with devices (not shown) capable of providing accurate location data, such as by GPS or similar positioning methods. The UAVs 20 may also be fitted with a camera 24 in order to provide visual data. This visual data can be used by the drone as part of locating the position of the UAV 20 and also as part of crash-avoidance methods. The camera 24 can also provide the network orchestrator with visual confirmation that it is located in the correct position, which could be stored as evidence of the UAVs 20 correct deployment and optionally provided to the requesting end user.

[0053] In some embodiments, a fleet of UAVs 20 could be stationed at a UAV depot 110 waiting for deployment. The UAV depot 110 is a base where the UAVs 20 are stored to keep them secure and also where they can be fully charged. Whilst at the UAV depot 110, the UAVs 20 could be kept on continual charge at a charging station to ensure that they are ready for deployment when required. Alternatively, once fully charged, the UAVs 20 may move away from the charging station and go into standby mode in order to allow other UAVs 20 access to the charging station.

[0054] The UAV depots 110 are preferably located on land owned by the service provider operating the telecommunications network. For example, the UAV depots 110 could be located on the same premises as one or more of the base stations 100 associated with the telecommunications network. In this way, security of the UAV depot 110 and maintenance of the UAVs 20 could be assured by the service provider operating the telecommunications network.

[0055] Alternatively, the UAV depots 110 could be located, independently of any of the telecommunications network infrastructure, in a dedicated space for the storage and charging of the UAVs 20. The location should preferably be secure, such as a fenced off area, or even the rooftop of a building.

[0056] It is even possible to have a temporary UAV depot 110, for example located on the back of a vehicle such as a lorry. In this case, the vehicle may be driven close to an area that the UAVs 20 are scheduled to be deployed, so that it is ready for when the UAVs 20 are required. An example might be for a scheduled music festival, where it is expected that there could be connection issues, and where there are no nearby stationary UAV depots 110.

[0057] According to the invention, there is provided a network orchestrator 30 for receiving requests from end users for the deployment of UAVs 20 capable of providing access to a telecommunications network. The network orchestrator 30 may be run on a server that is in communication with the telecommunications network and controls the UAVs 20. The network orchestrator may be in communication with base stations 100 of the telecommunications network. The network orchestrator 30 comprises computer processing means for controlling the UAVs 20 and connected devices (including the network device 22). The computer processing means comprise one or more computer processors, memory for storing instructions to be carried out by the one or more computer processors, and communication modules enabling communication between base stations, UAVs and / or user equipment. One of the functions of the network orchestrator 30 is to select one or more UAVs 20 to deploy in response to requests made by end users of the telecommunications network and provide appropriate deployment instructions. The network orchestrator 30 may be a centralised orchestrator, for example in a server in a core network of a wireless cellular network or in a server remotely connected to the wireless cellular network. The network orchestrator 30 may instead be provided in one or more of the base stations 100 or by any other suitable means.

[0058] The network orchestrator 30 may be connected to storage means storing a database 32. The database 32 could include data regarding each of the UAVs 20. The data could include details of the UAVs 20, such as, the type of UAV, the type of connections the UAV is configured to make, the location of the UAV, the status of the UAV (charged, uncharged, any possible damage), the UAV’s maximum time of flight, the maximum bandwidth of the UAV and the UAV’s availability. Any other data pertinent to the status of the UAVs 20 could also be stored in the database 32. When an end user requests the deployment of a UAV 20, the network orchestrator 30 could check the database 32 and select one or more suitable UAVs 20 to meet the user’s request. The request is likely to provide at least a location and time that the UAV 20 is required. The network orchestrator 30 could then consult the database 32 and select a UAV 20 close to the requested location that is available at the requested time. The request may also include other characteristics that the UAV 20 should have. For example, the user may require a specific type of connection, a minimum bandwidth and a duration that the connection can be maintained. Accordingly, the network orchestrator 30 would attempt to match all of these requirements with a suitable UAV 20.

[0059] It may be that no single UAV 20 could meet all of the requirements requested by the end user. In which case, it may be necessary to select more than one UAV 20 to match the end user’s requirements. For example, if the required bandwidth exceeds that of a single UAV 20, the network orchestrator 30 may identify more than one UAV 20 to make up the desired bandwidth. Alternatively, if the geographical extent, or range, that is required of the connection to the telecommunications network is greater than the range of a single UAV 20, then again more than one UAV 20 may be selected, and their locations set so as to extend the range of connection to cover the requested range. Indeed, it may be necessary to deploy a whole fleet of drones in order to provide the desired coverage.

[0060] The selection of the one or more UAVs 20 and their deployment strategy could be implemented using artificial intelligence (Al). Teaching data could be provided to the Al in which many different requests are associated with optimum UAV deployment strategies, so that the Al can predict optimum deployment strategies for future requests. The Al could further learn from its own deployment strategies based on feedback from users of the service.

[0061] One downside of UAV-based aerial base stations over fixed terrestrial base stations 100 is that they have limited power, and therefore limited time of flight (or range). Different types of drones have different maximum flight times, and these are improving all of the time. However, all drones will have to be recharged (or refuelled) at some point.

[0062] If the required duration of the connection to the telecommunications network exceeds that of one UAV 20, then one option is to tag-team more than one UAV 20. That is, a second LIAV 20 could be scheduled to take over from a first UAV 20 when the first UAV 20 needs to return to the UAV depot 110 in order to recharge or refuel. The connection to the telecommunications system being handed over from the first UAV 20 to the second UAV 20 before the first UAV 20 returns to the UAV depot 110. Indeed, multiple UAVs 20 could be strung together to ensure a continuous connection that could be maintained for any required length of time. If this was required, the network orchestrator 30 could arrange for the deployment of each of these UAVs 20 at the appropriate time.

[0063] Alternatively, it may be possible to recharge or refuel the drones whilst they remain in position providing access to the network. Techniques for mid-air charging are in their infancy but may allow for longer or even indefinite flight times for the UAVs 20. Options for recharging include mid-air charging of the UAV 20 by a charging-drone. This might be via a wired connection or by wireless charging. Alternatively, there could be a mid-air battery swap. This might require the UAV 20 having more than one battery, such that it remains powered by a second battery, as its first battery is swapped out for a fully charged battery. In these cases, a further charger drone or battery swapping drone would be required. These could be instructed by the network orchestrator 30 to connect with the deployed UAV 20 to provide recharging or battery swapping at a suitable time.

[0064] The method of requesting a UAV 20 shall now be discussed. Firstly, an end user may require an improvement to the connection between their user equipment 10 and a telecommunications network, as was the case for the second user in figure 1 . The end user makes a request to the network orchestrator 30 for the deployment of a suitable UAV 20 to provide an improved connection to the network. As shown in figure 3, the end user may make the request from their user equipment, such as a smart phone, tablet, laptop or the like direct to the network orchestrator 30.

[0065] Preferably, a dedicated app could be used to interface with the network orchestrator 30 to directly make the request. Such a booking platform would make it easier for the user to provide the required details to the network orchestrator 30.

[0066] The network orchestrator 30 then selects a UAV 20 (or multiple UAVs 20, if required) that is suitable to meet the end user’s needs and transmits instructions to the selected UAV 20. The selected UAV 20 may be based in a UAV depot 110. In the example shown in figure 3, the UAV depot 110 is conveniently located at a base station 100 of the telecommunications network near to the required location of deployment of the UAV. The instructions transmitted to the UAV 20 include at least a location where the UAV 20 is required and the time it is required to arrive.

[0067] As shown in figure 4, the selected UAV 20 then travels to the requested location at the requested time, according to the network orchestrator’s 30 instructions. The UAV 20 may be guided to the requested location using an onboard navigation system, such as GPS. The UAV 20 may follow a set path provided by the network orchestrator 30 and based on maps of the area. There may be no-fly zones in the vicinity of the UAV 20, such as airports or military establishments, and therefore the directions provided to the UAV 20 must take account of such restrictions. These restricted areas could be stored in the database 32. Therefore, the directions provided by the network orchestrator 30 could ensure that the UAV 20 avoids such restricted areas.

[0068] Alternatively, the UAV 20 could act autonomously based only on the final destination. The onboard camera 24 could be used for collision avoidance using machine vision, such that the UAV 20 can recognise potential hazards and avoid them. Such hazards could be, for example, large buildings, towers, antenna or other high structures. Alternatively, they could be high trees, telegraph poles, electricity pylons or even other UAVs 20. They could even be mountains, like shown in figure 4. The UAV 20 could be provided with the coordinates of restricted areas so that it can ensure that it does not enter them.

[0069] As shown in figure 5, once the UAV 20 is in the required position, the network device 22 carried by the UAV 20 connects to the telecommunications network. This may be in the form of backhauling to the nearest terrestrial base station 100. The UAV 20 then connects to the user equipment 10 of the requesting end user, which may be in the form of a handshake or pairing. The handshake revolves around the establishment of a connection and may be done on the application level, meaning the end user interacts with a booking platform backend on the server. Once the network device 22 is connected to the telecommunicators network and the user equipment 10, the user equipment 10 should be able to connect to the telecommunications network via the UAV’s network device. An acknowledgement may then be sent to the network orchestrator 30 that the user equipment 10 is connected to the telecommunications network. The end user can then use their user equipment 10 to access the telecommunications network whilst the UAV 20 is still in place. The UAV 20 essentially act as an aerial base station (ABS) or network access point. As an alternative, rather than acting as an aerial base station, the network device 22 could act like an internet router and offer a Wi-Fi access point to which the user equipment 10 can connect.

[0070] As an alternative to backhauling a connection to a terrestrial base station 100, the network device 22 of the UAV 20 may access a non-terrestrial connection 150 to the telecommunications network, as shown in figure 6. Here, there may not be a suitable terrestrial base station 100 that would meet the user’s requirements. For example, the end user may be in location that is too remote even for a drone to extend the range of the base station 100. In this case, it may be possible to make a satellite connection 150, such as with SpaceX’s Starlink network. In this case, the method would be very similar to the above description of connecting the user equipment 10 to the network, except that the backhauling is to a satellite data link 150, and not a terrestrial base station 100. The UAV 20 may need to be fitted a network device 22 specifically designed to link with a satellite network 150.

[0071] As noted above, once the user equipment 10 has gained access to the telecommunications network via the network device 22 of the UAV 20, a confirmation is sent to the network orchestrator 30. However, if the user equipment 10 is not able to connect to the network, no confirmation will be received by the network orchestrator 30. There may be many reasons why the connection was unsuccessful, such as the end user not being present at the location at the allotted time, but there is no point for the UAV 20 to continue indefinitely hovering in position if it cannot provide access to the network. Accordingly, if no confirmation has been received within a predetermined time, the network orchestrator 30 may send instructions to the UAV 20 to return to its original location, such as the UAV depot 110. The network orchestrator 30 may then send a notification to the end user that the connections was not possible. It may even provide photographic evidence, obtained by the camera 24, that the UAV 20 was at the requested location at the requested time.

[0072] Figure 7 summarises the steps the network orchestrator 30 takes when receiving a request from a user to deploy a UAV. In step S400, a request for the deployment of a UAV is received from a user. This may be from a dedicated booking app or other means. In step S410, the network orchestrator 30 selects a suitable UAV 20, or UAVs. The selection may be based on information about the UAV 20 held in a database 32 coupled to the network orchestrator 30. In step S420, the network orchestrator 30 forwards deployment instructions to the selected UAV 40 to fly to the requested location. The network orchestrator 30 may provide specific directions or simply identify the final destination. Once the UAV 40 has reached its destination in step S430, the network device 22 mounted on the UAV 40 establishes a connection to the telecommunications network, e.g. via backhauling. In step S440, the network device 22 checks for local traffic and attempts to connect to the user equipment 10 of the requesting user (pairing). In step S450, once the network device 22 has established connection to both the telecommunications network and the user equipment 10, the network orchestrator 30 can arrange for the connection of the user equipment 10 to the telecommunications network. Finally, in step S460, the user equipment 10 can provide confirmation to the network orchestrator 30 that it has access to the telecommunications network.

[0073] During the connection of the user equipment 10 with the telecommunications network, the network orchestrator 30 may periodically check that the connection remains active, and the user equipment 10 remains connected to the telecommunications network. If the connection is lost, the network orchestrator 30 may send instructions for the UAV 20 to reconnect to the telecommunications network and / or the user equipment. During this "keep-alive" state that the UAV 20 would attempt to re-establish the connection using coverage boosting techniques such as increasing the power level, making use of repetitions, different channel allocation or even relocating. However, if the connection cannot be reestablished, the network orchestrator 30 may issue instructions to the UAV 20 to return to the UAV depot 110.

[0074] If the user is stationary whilst requiring improved access to the telecommunications network, then a stationary drone might be preferable. That is, the position of the UAV 20 providing the access to the network would preferably be stationary, and in a position where the network device 22 can readily connect to the user equipment 10. However, if the user is moving, such as walking or cycling along a remote path, then the position of the UAV 20 may need to be constantly updated to ensure that the network device 22 and the user equipment 10 stay connected. Fortunately, drones are particularly adapted to be able to change positions easily.

[0075] One option is for the UAV 20 to go into a “follow-me" mode, in which the UAV 20 constantly monitors the location of the user equipment 10 and adapts its position accordingly. The UAV 20 could monitor the position through location data sent from the user equipment 10, for example using GPS data. It could also (or instead) use visual data from the UAV’s camera 24. Such visual data may be used to identify the position of the user using machine vision, for example. The user may be able to request the “follow-me” mode when making the request to the network orchestrator 30 for the deployment of the UAV 20, and this may affect the network orchestrator’s 30 selection of the most suitable UAV 20 to be deployed.

[0076] As noted before, the request for a UAV 20 connection to the telecommunications network could be made via a dedicated booking platform that is accessed by an app on the user equipment 10. Alternatively, it may be booked on the service provider’s website. Either way, the network orchestrator 30 receives the request for the with relevant details of the deployment.

[0077] The interface between the user equipment / end user 10 and the network orchestrator 30 could be performed using an application programming interface (API) framework which can be deployed in one or more software platforms.

[0078] Once the end user is identified, the request will be passed to the booking platform, which may decide whether the request is granted, and if so, arrange for the orchestrator to deploy the UAV / UAVs. Although, the booking platform may be part of the orchestrator itself.

[0079] The user may be a customer of the service provider operating the telecommunications network, in which case one possibility is to use their SIM card for identification. However, the service should not be limited to customers of the service provider of the telecommunications network, and could be extended to customers of other service providers. Either way, the user may have an account with service provider in order to identify the user. The service of providing UAV backup coverage for the telecommunications service could be based on a subscription to the service provider or could be based on a one-off payment for the service provided. The storage means could keep details of account holders and their subscription status in its database 32. The network orchestrator 30 could check the user details in the database 32 when a request is received and decide whether to deploy a UAV 20 or not based on the details held on the database 32. These details could include subscription status and payment history, for example. The user data held on the database 32 could also be used to automatically issue invoices for the deployment of a UAV 20, where appropriate. When requesting the UAV 20, the user could schedule the improved network coverage to start sometime in the future, if it is known such a service may be required. Alternatively, the user may require an immediate despatch of a UAV 20. The booking of the UAV 20 may require a minimum amount of data, such as the location and time that the UAV 20 should be deployed. Further characteristics of the requested connection could be provided in the request to the network orchestrator 30, to help the network orchestrator 30 identify the optimum deployment strategy of UAV(s). As already mentioned, the further characteristics of the connection could be one or more of duration of connection, bandwidth of connection and type of connection.

[0080] Another characteristic that may be requested is whether the access to the telecommunications network should be public or private. If the access is public, then anyone could access to the network via the network device 22 of the UAV 20, or at least anyone that would normally have access to the network. However, if the access is private, then only the user that requested the UAV connection would be able to access the network via the UAV 20. Some types of connection might be inherently public or private. However, other types might be optional.

[0081] An example of a scenarios where public access may be desired could be when a group of friends are on holiday in a remote area in which there is little or no internet access. In this scenario, the group of friends could club together and order a UAV 20 to provide access to the telecommunications network, so that they can all keep in touch with the outside world, through social media, email and the like.

[0082] A similar scenario provides an example when a private network might be required. As in the first example, a group of friends might be on holiday in a remote area in which there is little or no internet access. However, one of the group might need to have an important online business meeting during the holiday. Therefore, this person might order a UAV 20 to provide access to the telecommunications network, in order that he can have his meeting without having to finish his holiday early. The high bandwidth of the online meeting might require most of the capacity of the UAV connection. Therefore, if the connection was public, other members of the group might connect to the access point and use up valuable bandwidth, possible causing issues with the connection during the meeting. Accordingly, in this instance, a private network connection would be desirable. For regular users of the service, the network orchestrator 30 may learn the pattern of requests that the user usually makes, preferably using Al. For example, if a user regularly visits an area with poor connectivity, they may often request that the same type of UAV 20 is deployed to the same location and for the same duration. Accordingly, the network orchestrator 30 may predict the characteristics of the required connection and offer this to the user to avoid them having to fill in the whole request. The network orchestrator 30 may also use the learned behaviour of the user to fill in any blank data in the request with the most likely information.

[0083] As already noted, the use of drones / UAVs 20 is restricted in many jurisdictions. Such restrictions may limit the height that a drone may fly, its maximum speed and its maximum weight. The restrictions may also require that a drone is supervised by a human operator, and that there is a maximum distance that the drone can travel the operator. It would obviously be desirable for the UAVs 20 of the present invention to be deployed without requiring a human operator. The regulations regarding the use of drones are changing all of the time, as they become more mainstream. Therefore, there may be provided special permission for the flying of drones to provide aerial base stations. However, it is also possible that in some jurisdictions, a special licence or other permission must be obtained on a case-by-case basis. In this situation, the network orchestrator 30 could automatically prepare, and maybe even file, an application for permission to deploy the drone, based on the user’s request.

[0084] As can be seen, the present invention provides a system and method for allowing a user to request an improvement in the connection to a telecommunications network by deployment of a UAV equipped with network devices capable of connecting the user equipment of the user to the telecommunications network. This provides the user with the ability reconnect to the telecommunications network even when they are out of range of the traditional terrestrial base stations, or if connection to these base stations is interrupted.

[0085] Although particular embodiments have been described as examples to illustrate the invention, a number of alternatives and variations would be apparent to the skilled person without departing from the invention as set out in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A computer-implemented method for arranging deployment of at least one unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, in order to improve access to a telecommunications network, the method comprising: receiving, by a network orchestrator of the telecommunications network, a request from an end user for deployment of a UAV to provide a user equipment of the end user access to the telecommunications network; and issuing instructions, by the network orchestrator, in response to the received request, for: deploying a UAV carrying a network device capable of providing access to the telecommunications network; connecting the network device of the UAV to the telecommunications network; and connecting the network device of the UAV to the user equipment in order to provide the user equipment access to the telecommunications network.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising confirming that the user equipment has access to the telecommunications network via the network device of the UAV.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the request provides at least a designated location and a designated time, and wherein the UAV is deployed to the designated location at the designated time.

4. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the request further provides a desired characteristics of the connection with the telecommunication network, the desired characteristic being optionally at least one of: a duration of the connection, a minimum bandwidth of the connection and type of connection.

5. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the request is received at the network orchestrator from a dedicated application on the user equipment or via an online webpage.

6. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the network device of the UAV is configured to connect to the telecommunications network via a non-terrestrial connection.

7. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the network device of the UAV is configured to act as an aerial micro node or a Wi-Fi access point.

8. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein if there is no confirmation that the user equipment has access to the telecommunications network via the UAV after a predetermined time, the UAV returns to its original location and the connection is not confirmed.

9. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the network orchestrator periodically checks that the network device of the UAV remains connected to the telecommunications network.

10. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the access to the telecommunication network is one of: private, being only available to the end user making the request; or public, being available to anyone who ordinarily has access to the telecommunications network.11 . The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein one or more UAVs are based at one or more UAV depots, and the method comprises: identifying at least one suitable UAV for providing the requested access to the telecommunication network; and deploying the at least one identified UAV.

12. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the UAV is arranged to recognise a current position of the user equipment and follow the user equipment such that the network device of the UAV remains in range of the user equipment.

13. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein if the duration that the UAV is requested exceeds the maximum flying time of a first UAV deployed to provide access to the telecommunications network, a second UAV is scheduled to be deployed to replace the first UAV before the first UAV exceeds its maximum flying time, the connection between the user equipment and the telecommunications network being handed over from the first UAV to the second UAV.

14. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein one or both of: if the geographical extent of the location for which access to the telecommunications network is requested is greater than the geographical extent a network device of a UAV can cover, deploying more than one UAV and arranging them to provide coverage of the whole of the requested geographical extent; and if the bandwidth requested to the telecommunications network is requested is greater than the bandwidth a network device of a UAV can provide, deploying more than one UAV and arranging them to provide at least the required bandwidth.

15. A system arranged to provide connection to a telecommunications network via an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, according to the method of any preceding claim, the system comprising: at least one UAV, the UAV equipped with a network device capable of providing access to the telecommunications network in response to the request; anda network orchestrator arranged to receive a request from an end user for deployment of a UAV to provide a user equipment of the end with access to the telecommunications network, wherein the network orchestrator is arranged to deploy a UAV in response to the request from an end user, the UAV being arranged to connect to the telecommunications network and connect to the user equipment in order to provide the user equipment access to the telecommunications network when it is deployed.

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