Aerial Backhaul Connectivity for Terrestrial Base Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backhaul links in mobile networks are vulnerable to disruptions from disasters or attacks, leading to loss of connectivity for base stations and user equipment, with recovery times that can be excessively long, especially when wireless services are critical for public safety.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of a large aerial floating device, such as a blimp, to provide an alternate backhaul link by acting as a base station, allowing terrestrial base stations to connect and relay communications, using a UE-like mode to search for and establish a connection with the aerial device, and employing rate-limiting techniques to manage traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional terrestrial backhaul links are used, then base stations can provide wireless services to user equipment, but the backhaul connection is vulnerable to disruptions from disasters or attacks causing loss of connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an aerial dimension for backhaul connectivity by deploying a balloon-based aerial base station. This elevates the backhaul connection from ground level to aerial space, creating a three-dimensional communication architecture. The aerial base station establishes wireless backhaul links with terrestrial base stations from above, providing an alternative pathway that bypasses ground-based disaster zones and physical obstacles, thereby improving reliability while reducing vulnerability to terrestrial hazards.
2Loss of time
If base stations search for aerial devices to establish alternate backhaul connectivity, then rapid restoration of connectivity is achieved, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where terrestrial base stations automatically detect disruptions in their terrestrial backhaul connections and autonomously search for aerial base stations to establish alternate connectivity. The system performs self-diagnosis of backhaul status, self-location of aerial devices through signaling procedures, and self-configuration of alternate backhaul paths without requiring manual intervention. This automation reduces operational complexity while enabling rapid recovery by eliminating human response delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the aerial base station transmits signaling information to terrestrial base stations indicating its availability and capabilities. Terrestrial base stations receive this feedback and use it to determine whether to establish connections. The system continuously monitors connection status and provides feedback on backhaul quality, enabling dynamic adjustment of connectivity paths. This feedback loop accelerates recovery by providing real-time information about available aerial backhaul options.
3Productivity
If aerial base station provides alternate backhaul link, then rapid restoration of internet access is enabled, but rate-limiting techniques are required to manage traffic and avoid network overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring rate-limiting mechanisms and traffic management policies in the aerial base station before full-scale connectivity restoration. The aerial base station prepares bandwidth allocation schemes, priority queuing structures, and rate-limiting parameters in advance. When terrestrial base stations connect to the aerial backhaul, these pre-established traffic management frameworks are immediately activated, enabling rapid restoration while preventing overload through预先 prepared control mechanisms rather than reactive measures.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device detecting a disruption in a backhaul network and connecting to an aerial device to establish an alternate backhaul connection. The device may incorporate all or a portion of a terrestrial base station and may tilt one or more antenna beams skyward to search for the aerial device. The device may then relay communications from user equipment to the aerial device. Other embodiments are disclosed.