Detecting movement of a small cell base station

Abstract

There is provided a method for determining the position of a small cell base station. The method comprises obtaining one or more pieces of information. The method then determines, based on the one or more pieces of information, whether the actual location of the small cell base station is different to an expected location of the small cell base station. One or more actions are performed if it is determined that the location of the small cell base station is different to an expected location.

Description

[0001] Detecting movement of a small cell base station

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to the field of wireless cellular communications networks. In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods, computing apparatus and software for operating a fleet of drones to support a wireless cellular network.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Mobile telecommunications networks, such as wireless cellular networks, are typically capable of providing wireless network connectivity to, and communicating with a range of different electronic devices across a large area, via base stations. Base stations forming part of a mobile telecommunications network may include macro cell and small cell base stations.

[0006] Various areas of a cellular network may experience differing levels of traffic throughout the day and so, with fixed base stations, may be unable to flexibly adjust to differing demand levels over time. Further, the wireless cellular network may not provide consistent levels of signal coverage or quality throughout the geographical area, and in rural areas in particular, some areas may not be provided with reliable signal coverage by the macro cell base stations. Therefore, small cell base stations have previously been provided, such as crowdcells. A crowdcell is a type of small cell technology which provides enhanced network coverage and capacity in localised areas in which the backhauling is wireless and is provided by a CPE or UE connected via existing Macro base station cellular coverage. A crowdcell may be deployed on a fixed position at a customer premises or could be mounted on an Unmanned Aerial vehicle, becoming an aerial Base Station and deployed temporarily on a specific location. Crowdcells are therefore able to increase network coverage and capacity in addition to macro cell base stations. However, their location should be controlled to provide the necessary coverage to users.

[0007] It is in this context that the subject matter contained in the present application has been devised.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] It has been realised that a method for determining the location of a small cell base station can be provided by obtaining one or more pieces of information, where the pieces of

[0010] 16890656.EAA.SK information may be associated with the small cell base station. By providing a method for determining the location of the small cell base station, it is possible to determine if the small cell base station is in an incorrect position, which could be affecting the cellular network coverage and capacity being provided by the small cell base station. In some examples, the small cell base station may be a fixed base station, for example a crowdcell, or may be a temporary base station. The small cell base station may be an aerial base station which may be temporary, i.e. it may be deployed for a limited duration of time, e.g. only when needed. In some examples in which the small cell base station is an aerial base station, determining that the base station is in an incorrect position can enable a determination that the system on which the base station is mounted is malfunctioning. For example, if the base station is mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle, it can be determined that the unmanned aerial vehicle or the base station itself are malfunctioning.

[0011] In particular, in a first aspect there is provided a method for determining the position of a small cell base station, which comprising obtaining one or more pieces of information; determining, based on the one or more pieces of information, whether the actual location of the small cell base station is different to an expected location of the temporary base station; performing one or more actions if it is determined that the location of the small cell base station is different to an expected location.

[0012] This method provides the advantage that the position of the small cell base station can be determined in relation to the expected location, and therefore it can be determined whether the small cell base station is in an incorrect location. Following this, actions can be taken. Therefore, this method provides a way in which the coverage or signal quality can be improved for one or more devices. For example, if a small cell base station is in an incorrect location, it may not be providing network coverage to one or more devices. Therefore, by using the methods described herein, the inventors have provided a way in which actions can be taken to improve alternative network coverage for example by using another small cell base station, correct the small cell base stations position, or disable the small cell base station so that devices connect to alternative base stations. This provides an advantage over methods which do not consider that a small cell base station may be in the incorrect location and therefore do not consider that an error may be occurring.

[0013] Data (otherwise referred to herein as ‘pieces of information’) obtained by any of one or more of the small cell base station, a CPE or UE connected to the Small Base Station to provide wireless backhauling to the small base station and / or UEs under the coverage of the small cell base station may be used to determine whether the small cell base station is in the incorrect location and / or whether the small cell base station is changing location. The

[0014] 16890656.EAA.SK data may be analysed in the core network, or by one or more applications in combination with a server.

[0015] Optionally, the one or more pieces of information are obtained by a first network entity.

[0016] Optionally, the first network entity is the small cell base station, a CPE (consumer premises equipment) or UE connected to the small base station to provide wireless backhauling, or a UE (user equipment) under the coverage of the small cell base station. It will be appreciated that the first network entity may be any entity capable of obtaining one or more types of information which are suitable for use in determining the location of a small cell base station.

[0017] Optionally, the step of determining further comprises: comparing the one or more pieces of information with one or more expected values and determining that the actual location of the small cell base station is different to the expected location of the small cell base station if the one or more pieces of information are different to the one or more expected values. This has the advantage that by comparing the obtained data with expected data, it can quickly and efficiently be determined whether the small cell base station is in an incorrect location. As described herein, in some examples, the position of the base station may not be required to be calculated, and instead the base station being in an incorrect position can be determined by comparison of values. For example, the small cell base station may be determined to be in an incorrect position if a tracking area code is not the tracking area code which is expected. Therefore, this is advantageous as it reduces the amount of processing and computation required by providing a method which avoids always having to determine the actual coordinates of a small cell base station.

[0018] Optionally, the one or more pieces of information indicate a frequency of one or more signals received at a UE from the small cell base station.

[0019] Optionally, one or more pieces of information are indicative of a connection characteristic between the base station and a second network entity. For example, the information may be any suitable information relating to connection between the small cell base station and network entity. For example, the information may relate to signal quality, connection status, signal strength, signal to noise ratio, RSRP (received signal received power), RSRQ (received signal received quality), or any other suitable type of data. This is advantageous as the location of the small cell base station can be determined using measurements which are typically measured by the small cell base station and / or CPE when running normally. Therefore, no additional measurements need to be obtained by the network entities to determine whether the small cell base station is in an incorrect location.

[0020] 16890656.EAA.SK Optionally, the one or more pieces of information indicate the identity of a second network entity to which the small cell base station is connected.

[0021] Optionally, the one or more pieces of information comprise a tracking area code, TAC, wherein the TAC is received at the second network entity from a base station, wherein the base station may be the small cell base station or a different base station to which the second network entity is connected to.

[0022] Optionally, the second entity is any of: a serving cell; a neighbouring cell; a UE; or a CPE.

[0023] Optionally, the method further comprises: transmitting the one or more pieces of information to a server or software module, wherein the determination step is performed at the server or software module. This has the advantage that more computational power can be used to analyse the data, which is advantageous compared to using the device’s limited processing power. It is also advantageous as data can be aggregated from multiple devices, for example data received from multiple UEs or CPEs may be analysed together at the server. Therefore, patterns can be realised and provide additional information which would not be realised if the data was analysed on each individual device. For example, in the situation in which multiple devices have a change in tracking area code, it is possible to determine that a small cell base station has changed location resulting in a different TAC, rather than determining that every UE or CPE in connection with the small cell base station has moved.

[0024] Optionally, the method further comprises filtering the one or more pieces of information prior to transmitting the one or more pieces of information to a server. This has the advantage that less data is transmitted to the server, thus improving power consumption, managing network congestion, and improving server load.

[0025] Optionally, the one or more pieces of information comprise any one or more of: GPS positioning data, altitude data, or latitude data. This provides the advantage that the real location of the small cell base station may be calculated. Furthermore, the data may be obtained using sensors on the small cell base station.

[0026] Optionally, the one or more pieces of information are obtained by an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, and the one or more pieces of information comprise one or more of: radar data; image data.

[0027] Optionally, the small cell base station is a fixed small cell base station (e.g. a crowdcell), or temporary small cell base station (e.g. an aerial base station).

[0028] Optionally, the one or more actions may comprise any one of more of: terminating a connection between the small cell base station and the CPE; instructing the CPE to change

[0029] 16890656.EAA.SK parameters such that the connection between the CPE and network is altered; and / or instructing the base station to modify its transmission.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Various aspects of at least one embodiment are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures, which are not intended to be drawn to scale. The figures are included to provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, but are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labelled in every figure.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a network comprising small cell base stations providing network coverage to devices;

[0033] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a network comprising aerial small cell base stations providing network coverage to devices;

[0034] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram showing the coverage area of aerial small cell base stations providing network coverage to devices; and

[0035] Figure 4 shows the steps of a method for determining the location of a small cell base station.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] As used herein, “macro cell base station” means a typically high-power base station installed at a fixed location, typically planned in accordance with a network plan, to provide dedicated higher capacity coverage for forming wireless connections with user equipment over a wide geographical area, typically up to on the order of 10 km, depending on the Radio Access Technology.

[0038] As used herein (and without excluding the normal usage of the term in this field), “small cell base station” means a typically lower power base station. In the context of the present disclosure, the small cell base station may be considered a base station which can be deployed by a user or business described herein may be installed on drones or may be designed to be fixed in one location. The small cell base stations described herein provide dedicated local coverage for forming wireless connections with user equipment over a

[0039] 16890656.EAA.SK relatively smaller geographical area, typically on the order of 100m-1 km, depending on the radio access technology.

[0040] As used herein, “drone” refers to any unmanned aerial vehicle, untethered and self- powered, that is able to manoeuvre to and typically maintain position at desired aerial locations, typically navigating autonomously, for a duration of time. In the context of the present disclosure, the drones referenced herein may typically be commercial-grade close range UAVs able to travel distances on the order of tens of kilometres, maintaining flight on full charge for a time on the order of hours, and capable of supporting the payload of a self- powered small cell base station.

[0041] As used herein “aerial base station” refers to any base station mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle. Unless otherwise specified, the aerial base station described herein refers to a small cell base station mounted on to an unmanned aerial base station in which the backhauling is wireless and is provided by a CPE or UE connected via existing Macro base station cellular coverage. Therefore, it may be considered that the aerial base station is a crowdcell mounted onto an unmanned aerial base station. As will be appreciated herein, the aerial base station may be tethered or untethered. The aerial base station may be temporarily deployed to a location, or may be fixed to one location, e.g. in the example of a tethered aerial base station.

[0042] Reference will now be made to Figure 1 , which shows a schematic illustration of part of a wireless cellular network 100 including two small cell base stations 109a and 109b. The small cell base stations may be fixed base stations, for example they may each be crowdcells. In this example, the small cell base stations are stationary, i.e. fixed to one location. For example, the crowdcells may be located within a business unit and being used to provide additional coverage to one location in which it is known that the coverage is not sufficient. The small cell base stations may each be connected to one or more UEs 103a- 103f, where for example the UE may be a CPE with a SIM. The connection between each UE and a small cell base station may be wired or wireless. The small cell base station provides cellular network coverage to a small area, where in figure 1 , the crowdcell 109b provides cellular network coverage to the area shown by the circle 107b. The crowdcell 109a provides cellular network coverage to the area shown by the circle 107a. As illustrated in figure 1 , the small cell base station connected to the internet via a wireless backhaul connection provided by a UE or CPE. via a wireless backhaul connection provided by a UE or CPE. core network using any cell of the macro network coverage, e.g. the small cell base station may be connected to the core network via a macro base station, similar to as shown in figure 2. As described herein, the small cell base station may be

[0043] 16890656.EAA.SK referred to as a fixed base station, which is expected to be located in a set location for extended periods of time. The small cell base station may be connected to the network when needed, and it may be disconnected from the network when not needed. If the small cell base station is disconnected, each UE which was previously connected to it, will connect to a different cell, if there is a cell available. Therefore, if the small cell base station 109b is disconnected from the network, the UEs 103d-103f may connect to another small cell base station, for example small cell base station 109a.

[0044] Reference will now be made to figure 2, which shows a schematic illustration of part of a wireless network 200 including two base stations 202a and 202b. In this example the base stations are each aerial base stations (which may otherwise be referred to as ‘air base stations’), wherein the base station is mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle, e.g. a drone. The base stations may be a crowdcell, a small cell base station, or another type of base station. In an example not illustrated here, the base station may utilise Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) for backhauling instead of macro networks. In the example illustrated in figure 2, the two base stations 202b and 202a are wirelessly connected to the macro base station 201 a via a UE or CPE. The base stations may each connect to one or more UEs 203a-203f, as shown in figure 2.

[0045] The drones may each comprise one or more processors, a memory, a transceiver, a flight control module, a charging port, and a battery. The memory may store instructions which, when executed, allow the drone to transmit, via the transceiver, data and perform actions like pairing with a base station to form a wireless backhaul connection. The transceiver may be configured to generate a small cell of coverage within which it transmits data to and receives data from user equipment and other suitable devices.

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a wireless network 300 and an example of a macro cell base station 301 providing a macro cell 305a supported by one or more drones 302a, in which the drone dynamically moves to locations within the macro cell to provide ad hoc wireless connections to user equipment. The coverage areas in the cellular network are organised by hexagonal cells as shown in figure 3. Therefore, for example, the drone 302a provides cellular network coverage to the geolocation defined by hexagon 301 . As described herein, the base station may be configured such that it only provides coverage once within the desired location. In this example, the drone 302a provides a small cell to which the UEs 303a and 303b connect. The drone may be moved and reassigned one or more hexagon cells to provide coverage to UEs in a different location. By using UAVs to deploy one or more small cell base stations, it is possible to provide additional network coverage to remote areas, and adapt the coverage as required.

[0047] 16890656.EAA.SK In the context of the example networks described in relation to figures 1 , 2 and 3, a method for detecting the location of one or more small cell base stations may be provided. We have appreciated that although the use of small cell base stations, such as crowdcells or aerial base stations, is advantageous, problems may arise which result in network coverage not being provided as expected. In particular, the small cell base stations may move or may be placed in an incorrect location so that it cannot provide the required coverage. Furthermore, if the small cell base station is located at the incorrect position, it may result in generating interference within the coverage area of other base stations. Therefore, methods will be described herein which enable a small cell base station to be located.

[0048] Firstly, figure 4 illustrates a general method for determining the position of a small cell base station. At step 401 , the method comprises obtaining information, where the information may be obtained by a small cell base station (which may be the same small cell base station whose position is being determined), a CPE or UE connected to the Small Base Station to provide wireless backhauling to the small base station and / or UEs under the coverage of the small cell base station. At step 402, the method comprises determining, based on the obtained information, the actual location of the small cell base station, i.e. the present location of the small cell base station rather than the small cell base stations expected location. At step 403, the method comprises performing one or more actions. Any action may be performed, for example one or more actions may be performed to improve the network coverage of one or more devices in connection with the small cell base station. Examples of one or more actions will be described herein in more detail.

[0049] Now will be described multiple examples of specific methods for determining the position of a small cell base station. It will be appreciated that the methods described herein are not limiting, and details described in relation to different example methods may be combined to result in a method not described herein, without departing from the teachings of this application.

[0050] As will be described in some of the below example methods, the position of the small cell base station may be detected by a software function internal to the small cell base station. As will be described in other example methods, the position of the small cell base station may be detected by network signalling originating at a CPE associated with the small cell base station.

[0051] First example method

[0052] The first example relates to both aerial base stations and non-aerial base stations as described herein. In a first example, the pieces of information are positioning data. For

[0053] 16890656.EAA.SK example, the pieces of information may be any one or more of: GPS position data, altitude data, and / or latitude data. The pieces of information may be any other type of information which can be utilised to determine the position of a base station. In this example, the small cell base station may comprise a GPS receiver which is configured to determine the location of the small cell base station. Additionally or alternatively, the small cell base station is connected to a Consumer Premises Equipment (CPE) which determines the location of the small cell base station. Therefore, if the CPE moves location, it can be determined that the small cell base station is in the incorrect location.

[0054] The location data may be analysed by a software application to determine whether the small cell base station is located in a position which is different to the expected location. For example, the measured altitude may be compared to an expected altitude. The application may send all of the received data to the server, or it may only send data to the server when it is determined that the small cell base station is in an incorrect location.

[0055] In the case of a fixed small cell base station (i.e. not an aerial small cell base station), the location data may indicate that the location of the small cell base station has changed, or is fluctuating. Alternatively, in the example of an aerial base station, the location data may be used to indicate that the aerial base station is outside of the target polygon area, as described in relation to figure 3.

[0056] Second example method

[0057] In the example of a small cell base station with backhauling provided by a CPE or UE, the CPE may determine whether there is a doppler effect with regards to the base station providing service to the CPE, i.e. a variation on the frequency received by the base station due to speed. This method is not limited to the measurement from the CPE provided backhauling and instead a frequency variation may be determined by other UEs receiving coverage by the small base station due the small cell base station and the UEs receiving coverage moving relative to each other. This information may be combined with other pieces of information described herein to determine the cause of the relative movement between the CPE associated with (i.e. attached) to the small cell base station and the macro network.

[0058] The frequency of the received signals may be measured by an application installed on the CPE providing backhauling to the small cell base station. The application can determine whether there is a change in frequency, i.e. a doppler shift. The application can send the data to the server, or the application may first filter the data. The application may be configured to only send the data to the server if it has been determined that there is a

[0059] 16890656.EAA.SK change in frequency. By limiting the amount of data which is sent to the server, network overhead is reduced. The efficiency may be improved, and bandwidth usage may be decreased. Furthermore, it will reduce energy consumption and therefore the CPE will have an improved battery life.

[0060] Third example method

[0061] In an example, wherein the network comprises either a temporary (e.g. an aerial), or a fixed (e.g. a crowdcell) small cell base station, the position of the small cell base station may be determined by using one or more pieces of information which are indicative of a connection characteristic between the small cell base station and another network entity. For example, information indicative of a connection characteristic between the small cell base station and any one or more of: a CPE or UE providing backhauling to the small cell base station; a UE receiving network coverage from the small cell base station; or a macro base station connected to the CPE or UE providing backhauling, may be determined. Additionally or alternatively, information indicative of a connection characteristic between the small cell base station and a neighbouring cell may be determined.

[0062] In one example, the UE receiving network coverage from a small cell base station may determine that the signal quality has decreased, e.g. it may determine that the received signal level (RxLev) has decreased, which may indicate that its serving cell, i.e. the small cell base station, is further away, or has moved out of the area so that the UE is receiving network coverage from a different cell.

[0063] In another example, the UE receiving network coverage from a small cell base station may determine that its serving cell has changed, or is different to expected. As an example, the UE may use physical cell identity (PCI) to determine the identity of its serving cell. As will be known by the skilled person, the PCI may be broadcast within the synchronisation signals of a cell. Therefore, when the UE uses the synchronisation signals to synchronise with the network, the UE may decode the PCI from the synchronisation signals. Therefore, in other words, the UE may compare the PCI obtained from its serving cell, with the expected PCI, or with a previously obtained PCI. Therefore, it may be determined whether the PCI is different to expected, or whether it has changed. In some examples in which a small cell base station has been deployed or established to provide network coverage to a specific UE, it would be expected that the small cell base station would be the serving cell of the UE, if it is in the correct location. However, as the serving cell is typically selected by the UE based on signal strength, quality, and network conditions, the serving cell of the UE may change .If the serving cell for the UE moves

[0064] 16890656.EAA.SK further away and the serving cell’s signal weakens, a neighbouring cell may become the new serving cell, to provide a stronger connection, with a better signal quality. Therefore, the UE’s serving cell will change, which indicates that the small cell base station has moved. A LIE will continuously monitor the signal strength and quality of neighbouring cells whilst being connected to the serving cell. Therefore, it can determine the best alternative for connection, and determine whether it should change serving cells. The change in serving cells will be indicated by the PCI, as described above. It will be appreciated that the same principles apply if an alternative value or piece of data is used to determine the identity of a serving cell.

[0065] Additionally or alternatively, small cell base station may determine that the macro base station to which it is connected, via a CPE or UE backhauling, has changed. In other words, it may be determined that the serving base station of the CPE or UE, i.e. the macro base station through which the CPE or UE receives coverage and exchanges data (i.e. realises wireless backhauling), has changed. For example, when the small cell base station is mounted on a UAV and physically connected or attached to a CPE (e.g. via an ethernet cable), the change in location of the UAV results in a change in location of the CPE. Therefore, if it is detected that the CPE of the small cell base station has a changing serving base station (otherwise referred to as a ‘serving cell’), i.e. it is connected to a different macro base station, it can be determined that the small cell base station is moving.

[0066] If the UAV, and thus the small cell base station, is moving, the UEs in the polygon area, described herein, will also see a change in serving cell, e.g. from the small cell base station to a macro base station, as will now be described.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively to the methods described herein, the information indicative of a connection characteristic may enable a device, e.g. a UE receiving network coverage from the small cell base station, to determine its own tracking area code (TAC). The device receives information including TAC when it connects to a serving cell, e.g. to the small cell base station. In other words, the small cell base station transmits information, for example System Information Blocks (SIBs) which include TAC, which is read by the device as part of a standard procedure for connecting to the network. If the device moves location, and thus connects to a different serving cell (i.e. it disconnects form the small cell base station), it will receive new TAC information during Tracking Area Updates (TAU). However, we have appreciated that even if the device stays still, it will receive new TAC information if the small cell base station moves and the device connects to a new serving cell. The device tells the network of the new TAC. The TAU may be triggered when any one or more of: the UE moves from one TAC to another; periodically to confirm its

[0068] 16890656.EAA.SK presence on the network; and / or by the network if there is a change in network configuration (e.g. the Tracking Areas are updated). Therefore, when the network is informed of a change in TAC, the network may believe that the device has moved. However, we have appreciated that the network may determine that the small cell base station is in an incorrect location if the network receives several TAC updates from different devices within a small period of time. Based on this, the network can determine that the small cell base station has moved, resulting in a number of devices having new serving cells at the same time. The same consideration can be applied to the example described above in which it is determined that the serving cell has changed for a device.

[0069] An example set of steps which occur when a small cell base station may move will now be described to illustrate the change in serving base station. In this example the small cell base station is mounted on a UAV and is physically connected to a CPE.

[0070] Firstly, when the aerial base station is far away, the Serving Base Station is Base Station 1 with TAC1 .

[0071] When the aerial base station arrives, it is closer in distance to the UE than the Macro Base Station 1 , hence its radio signal is stronger. Therefore, the UEs close to the aerial base station, referred to as the first group of UEs, select the aerial base station to be their serving cell, instead of the Macro Base Station 1 . The UEs in the area may then signal a TAC update from TAC 1 to TAC X, where the aerial base station radiates a specific TAC called TAC X.

[0072] If the aerial base station moves, for example due to the UAV malfunctioning, the group of UEs reselect Macro Base Station 1 as Serving Base Station, therefore generating a TAC update from TAC X to TAC 1 .Concurrently, there may be a second group of UEs that originally have Macro BaseStation 2 as Serving Base Station (with TAC 1 as well) , but as soon as the aerial base station gets closer, the Serving Base Station will now be the aerial base station, hence the second group of UEs that now receive coverage from the aerial base station will signal a TAC update from TAC 1 to TAC X.

[0073] It can be realised using this invention that the fact that there are so many UEs, or groups of UEs, providing TAC updates to the network at the same time in the same area, with the similar pattern (from TAC 1 to TAC X and back again) over adjacent geographical areas might suggest an aerial base station is malfunctioning. This can be realised instead of assuming that all of the UEs are moving location, as could be otherwise determined from a change in TAC. Therefore, using the invention described herein, the aerial base station may be fixed using any of the actions described herein.

[0074] 16890656.EAA.SK The examples described in this section apply to both aerial and non-aerial small cell base stations. Additionally, in the example of the aerial base station, it may be determined that the serving cell of the aerial base station is not a cell which is part of the target polygon (e.g. the hexagon described in figure 3), and therefore it can be determined that the aerial base station is in an incorrect position. As described above, the aerial base station will be deployed to provide coverage for one or more hexagons where additional coverage is needed. However, if the aerial base station moves erroneously, or is emitting radio signals indicating that it is available for connection when it is not in the correct position, the base station may be connected to devices in the incorrect areas. As will be appreciated, when an aerial base station is deployed to a position, it may be configured to be unavailable for connection while it is travelling to or from that position, such that devices cannot connect to it. However, there may be an error with the base station, such that it can be connected to whilst it is in an incorrect position, and therefore the methods described herein can be used to identify such an error.

[0075] In one example the one or more pieces of information are made available to one or more applications installed on a device (e.g. a UE or a CPE). The pieces of information may be provided to the application using an application programming interface (API), such that the application can receive data, including the one or more pieces of information relevant for determining the location of the small cell base station. The application may send the data to a server, for example via an internet connection (either cellular or Wi-Fi). Before sending the data to the server, the application may process the data, or the application may send the data to the server without any processing. The location of the small cell base station may be determined by either the application or the server, or using a combination of the application and server. In this example, the data may be transmitted outside of the network.

[0076] In another example, the one or more pieces of information may be analysed in the core network using 3GPP architecture. In other words, in some examples the information is not transmitted outside of the network. In such examples, the one or more pieces of information (e.g. TAU or TAC) may be analysed by the access and mobility management function (AMF) in 5G, or by the Mobility Management Entity (MME) in LTE.

[0077] Fourth example method

[0078] In an example, the methods described herein may be used in combination with a logical function in the network. The logical function is configured to filter the measurements received at the network, for example from any of: the small cell base station; a CPE or UE

[0079] 16890656.EAA.SK providing backhauling to the small base station; or a UE receiving coverage from the small base station.

[0080] The position of the small cell base station may be determined based on a network signal originating from the CPE providing backhauling to the small cell base station. In this example the CPE is originally connected to the small cell base station and can observe a change on the neighbour cells of the CPE. The change in neighbour cells may indicate a change in serving base station of the CPE, as described in the third example. The method for determining a change in serving base station of the CPE will not be repeated here, however the skilled person will appreciate that the same steps described in the third example method may be applied to the CPE and combined with this fourth example method.

[0081] In the fourth example method, the measurements obtained by any of: the small cell base station; a CPE or UE providing backhauling to the small base station; or a UE receiving coverage from the small base station are sent to a network, where the network comprises a logical function configured to filter the measurements. The logic may filter out measurements so that the data only comprises measurements related to the CPE’s serving cell and neighbouring cells. For example, the logical function may filter out measurements regarding the small cell base station’s serving cell and neighbouring cells. The logical function may be located within an RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), or Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) platform.

[0082] The CPE providing backhauling to the small cell base station may also detect a changed in the received signal received power (RSRP), i.e. the coverage level, and send those measurements to the network to be filtered by a function as described above.

[0083] Additionally or alternatively, the core network may receive Tracking Area Updates (TAUs) as described in relation to the third example method. The logical function may correlate the change in TAC with the movement of a small cell base station. For example, the logical function may determine that a number of UEs have a change in TAC and correlate this with a change in location of a small cell base station.

[0084] Following these methods, the network may determine if the small cell base station is moving, or is in a different location to expected.

[0085] Fifth example method

[0086] Additionally or alternatively to the four example methods described above, different systems may be used to determine that an aerial base station is in an unexpected location. The systems are used to track the location of the unmanned aerial vehicle on which the

[0087] 16890656.EAA.SK small cell base station is located. For example, radar tracking may be used to determine the location of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The radar data may be used to determine whether the UAV is located in the correct area, or whether it is moving, or has previously moved. Alternatively or additionally, a camera may be mounted on the UAV, and configured to collect image data continuously or periodically over the period of time during which the temporary base station is radiating signals. The image data may be sent to the network to be filtered and analysed to determine whether the image data collected by the drone matches the image data which is expected to be collected by the done. The image data may be used to determine whether the drone is moving when it is expected to be stationary, or whether the surroundings are not as expected. A machine learning model may be used to analyse the received image data.

[0088] Additionally or alternatively, in scenarios in which there are more than one drones deployed to a location, image data may be obtained by first drone of the second drone, wherein the second drone comprises an aerial base station. The first drone may comprise one or more cameras configured to obtain image data containing the second drone. Therefore, from the obtained image data, it may be determined whether the second drone is moving within the image data (for example if the drone is in a different location within the frame at different times), or whether the drone has moved out of the frame (i.e. it has left the location).

[0089] It will be appreciated that any of these methods may be combined with the methods described elsewhere in this application.

[0090] Following the determination that the small cell base station is in an incorrect or unexpected location, using any of the above-described methods, one or more actions may be performed. The one or more actions may comprise permanently or temporarily interrupting the connection being provided by the small cell base station, i.e. disconnecting the small cell base station from one or more devices (e.g. CPEs; UEs; and / or macro base stations).

[0091] An example of an action which may be taken is to stop or change the communication between the CPE or UE providing backhauling and the network. For example, an application on a server, or an orchestrator may command the CPE to disconnect from the network, stopping communication with its serving cell, and / or change one or more parameters to stop or adjust the backhauling operation. The orchestrator described herein may be a system or software which is used to coordinate and / or manage the entities on the network, for example the movement of unmanned aerial vehicles. The parameters may be any suitable parameters such as:

[0092] 16890656.EAA.SK - bandwidth allocation - this parameter may be altered to reduce the allocated bandwidth to a low value, or to zero. This can disable the backhaul link and prevent data from being transmitted.

[0093] - power control - this can be altered to reduce the transmission power to a level which is too low to maintain a connection, and therefore stop backhauling as the signal is too weak to communicate over.

[0094] - frequency and channel selection - the backhauling can be switched to a frequency or channel which has a high interference or which is not operational. This can stop or significantly decrease the data flow.

[0095] The small cell base station may be configured to stop the transmission if the backhauling is lost.

[0096] Additionally or alternatively, the small cell base station may be ordered to modify its transmission. For example, cell barring may be applied by the orchestrator or management system such that the UE or CPE cannot connect to the cell, or alternatively the base station may stop the RF transmission.

[0097] Therefore, by using the novel techniques described herein, the connection between a device and a small cell base station may be altered to improve network coverage.

[0098] It will be appreciated that although the examples described herein relate to aerial small cell base stations and crowdcells, these techniques may be applied to any small cell base stations which may either be fixed or temporary.

[0099] Certain embodiments can also be embodied as computer-readable code on a non- transitory computer-readable medium. The computer readable medium may be any data storage device than can store data, which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include hard drives, network attached storage (NAS), read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, magnetic tapes, and other optical and non-optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over a network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. Although embodiments according to the disclosure have been described with reference to particular types of devices and applications (particularly augmented reality devices) and the embodiments have particular advantages in such case, as discussed herein, approaches according to the disclosure may be applied to other types of device and / or application. Each feature disclosed in this specification, unless stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Thus, unless stated

[0100] 16890656.EAA.SK otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0101] All of the aspects and / or features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, the preferred features of the disclosure are applicable to all aspects and embodiments of the disclosure and may be used in any combination. Likewise, features described in non-essential combinations may be used separately (not in combination).

[0102] It will be appreciated that there is an implied “about” prior to temperatures, concentrations, times, pressures, flow rates, cross-sectional areas, voltages, currents, etc. discussed in the present teachings, such that slight and insubstantial deviations are within the scope of the present teachings. Furthermore, values referred to as being “equal” may in fact differ by less than a threshold amount. The threshold amount may be 5%, for example. The threshold may also be greater than 5% (e.g., 10%, 20% or 50%) or less than 5% (for example, 2% or 1 %), depending on the context.

[0103] As used herein, including in the claims, unless the context indicates otherwise, singular forms of the terms herein are to be construed as including the plural form and vice versa. For instance, unless the context indicates otherwise, a singular reference herein including in the claims, such as “a” or “an” (such as a component) means “one or more” (for instance, one or more components).

[0104] Throughout the description and claims of this disclosure, the words “comprise”, “including”, “having” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises” or similar, mean “including but not limited to”, and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components. Also, the use of “or” is inclusive, such that the phrase “A or B” is true when “A” is true, “B is true”, or both “A” and “B” are true.

[0105] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“for instance”, “such as”, “for example” and like language) provided herein, is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

[0106] The terms “first” and “second” may be reversed without changing the scope of the invention. That is, an element termed a “first” element (e.g., a first component) may instead be termed a “second” element (e.g., a second component) and an element termed a “second” element (e.g., a second component) may instead be considered a “first” element (e.g. a first component).

[0107] 16890656.EAA.SK Any steps described in this specification may be performed in any order or simultaneously unless stated or the context requires otherwise. Moreover, where a step is described as being performed after a step, this does not preclude intervening steps being performed.

[0108] It is also to be understood that, for any given component or embodiment described herein, any of the possible candidates or alternatives listed for that component may generally be used individually or in combination with one another, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. It will be understood that any list of such candidates or alternatives is merely illustrative, not limiting, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise.

[0109] In this detailed description of the various embodiments, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed. One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that these various embodiments may be practiced with or without these specific details. Furthermore, one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the specific sequences in which methods are presented and performed are illustrative and it is contemplated that the sequences can be varied and still remain within the scope of the various embodiments disclosed herein. All literature and similar materials cited in this application, including but not limited to patents, patent applications, articles, books, treaties and internet web pages are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for any purpose. Unless otherwise described, all technical and scientific terms used herein have a meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the various embodiments described herein belongs.

[0110] 16890656.EAA.SK

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A method for determining the position of a small cell base station, comprising: obtaining one or more pieces of information; determining, based on the one or more pieces of information, whether the actual location of the small cell base station is different to an expected location of the small cell base station; and performing one or more actions if it is determined that the location of the small cell base station is different to the expected location.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the one or more pieces of information are obtained by a first network entity.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first network entity is any one of: the small cell base station; a consumer premises equipment, CPE, or user equipment, UE, backhauling to the small base station; or a UE receiving coverage by the small base station.

4. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the step of determining further comprises: comparing the one or more pieces of information with one or more expected values and determining that the actual location of the small cell base station is different to the expected location of the small cell base station if the one or more pieces of information are different to the one or more expected values.

5. A method according to any preceding claim where the one or more pieces of information indicate a frequency change of one or more signals received at the first network entity from the small cell base station.

6. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more pieces of information are indicative of a connection characteristic between the small cell base station and a second network entity.16890656.EAA.SK7. A method according to any of preceding claim wherein the one or more pieces of information indicate an identity of the second network entity to which the small cell base station is connected.

8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the one or more pieces of information comprise a tracking area code, TAC, wherein the TAC is received at the second network entity from a base station, wherein the base station may be the small cell base station or a different base station to which the second network entity is connected to.

9. A method according to any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the second entity is any of: a serving cell providing network coverage to a UE or CPE; a neighbouring cell of a serving cell; the small cell base station; a CPE or UE providing backhauling to the small base station; or a UE receiving coverage by the small base station.

10. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the method further comprises: transmitting the one or more pieces of information to a server or software module, wherein the determination step is performed at the server or software module.11 . A method according to claim 10 further comprising filtering the one or more pieces of information prior to transmitting the one or more pieces of information to a server.

12. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more pieces of information comprise any one or more of: GPS positioning data, altitude data, or latitude data.

13. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more pieces of information are obtained by an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, and the one or more pieces of information comprise one or more of: radar data; image data.

14. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the small cell base station is one of: a fixed base station; a temporary base station; an aerial base station; and a moveable base station.

15. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more actions comprise any one of more of:16890656.EAA.SKterminating a connection between the small cell base station and the CPE; instructing the CPE to change parameters such that the connection between the CPE and network is altered; and / or instructing the small cell base station to modify its transmission.16890656.EAA.SK

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