Aerial UE Altitude Optimization for Network Handover and Geofencing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile networks, such as LTE and 5G, are not optimized for aerial user equipment (UEs) like drones, leading to signal drops and inefficient handovers due to the decrease in signal-to-noise ratio at higher altitudes, and there is a lack of standards to prevent aerial UEs from entering restricted areas like airports or government buildings.
Innovation Solution
A height-based management platform adjusts height thresholds of network nodes near restricted areas to create geofences, customizes height-based measurement report settings for aerial UEs, and sets optimal altitudes to prevent aerial UEs from entering restricted areas while improving network and device performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If aerial UEs operate at higher altitudes to expand coverage area, then the coverage area increases, but the signal-to-noise ratio decreases leading to signal drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic altitude adjustment for aerial UEs based on real-time network conditions and coverage requirements. The system continuously monitors signal quality and automatically adjusts the operating altitude to maintain optimal signal-to-noise ratio while maximizing coverage area, transforming the static altitude operation into a dynamic adaptive process
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of aerial UEs by adjusting altitude as a controllable variable. By modifying the altitude parameter in response to network conditions, the system optimizes the balance between coverage area expansion and signal quality maintenance, treating altitude as a dynamic parameter rather than a fixed constraint
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard handover procedures are used for aerial UEs, then network compatibility is maintained, but handover efficiency decreases due to frequent signal fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary handover preparation by predicting future signal conditions based on aerial UE trajectory and network topology. The system proactively initiates handover procedures before signal degradation occurs, reducing the frequency of reactive handovers and improving overall handover efficiency while maintaining network compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring signal quality metrics and handover performance for aerial UEs. This feedback information is used to optimize handover parameters and thresholds, enabling the network to adapt handover procedures specifically for aerial scenarios while maintaining compatibility with standard protocols
3Reliability
If aerial UEs fly at lower altitudes to improve signal quality, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but battery consumption increases due to more frequent position adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic altitude optimization that balances signal quality requirements with energy consumption constraints. The system dynamically determines optimal operating altitudes by considering both communication performance and power usage, adjusting altitude in real-time to minimize battery consumption while maintaining acceptable signal quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system treats altitude as an optimizable parameter that directly impacts both signal quality and energy consumption. By changing the altitude parameter to an optimal value based on real-time conditions, the system achieves the best trade-off between maintaining reliable communication and conserving battery power
4Ease of operation
If height thresholds are not adjusted for restricted areas, then aerial UEs have freedom of movement, but restricted areas cannot be protected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary geofence configuration by pre-defining height thresholds for restricted areas before aerial UEs enter them. The system proactively establishes protective boundaries using altitude constraints, preventing intrusion before it occurs while maintaining transparent operation for non-restricted areas
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by implementing differentiated height threshold policies for different geographic areas. Restricted areas have specific altitude constraints applied locally, while other areas maintain standard operation, allowing the system to protect specific locations without broadly restricting aerial UE mobility across the entire service area
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying a plurality of cells that are located within a threshold distance from a planned flight trajectory of an aerial UE, determining, for each cell of the plurality of cells, a height threshold previously defined for that cell, resulting in a plurality of height thresholds, for each of one or more altitudes or one or more altitude time series, estimating a number of handovers or a frequency of handovers that might be triggered for the aerial UE due to height-based handover events along the planned flight trajectory, wherein the estimating is based on the plurality of height thresholds, based on the estimating, selecting a particular altitude or a particular altitude time series for the aerial UE, resulting in a selection, and causing the aerial UE to conduct a flight in accordance with the selection. Other embodiments are disclosed.