ATG Spectrum Sharing Architecture for Cross-Layer Interference Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft passengers face costly and bandwidth-limited connectivity issues due to the high expense and limited communication modes provided by existing aircraft communication architectures, while RF spectrum dedicated for in-flight communication is scarce and expensive.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a network architecture that allows simultaneous usage of RF spectrum by both terrestrial and air-to-ground networks through interference mitigation strategies, using overlapping wedge-shaped cell coverage areas and directional antennas to minimize cross-layer interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RF spectrum is dedicated to in-flight communication, then communication quality for aircraft is improved, but spectrum availability and cost-effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidspectrum availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges terrestrial and aerial communication networks by allowing them to share the same RF spectrum resources. Ground base stations and aircraft communicate using common spectrum bands, eliminating the need for separate dedicated spectrum allocations and improving spectrum utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system achieves multi-functionality by enabling the same RF spectrum to serve both terrestrial mobile communications and aerial communications simultaneously. The network infrastructure supports dual purposes: ground-based user service and in-flight connectivity, maximizing the utility of limited spectrum resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If RF spectrum is dedicated to in-flight communication, then communication reliability is improved, but communication cost deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables spectrum resources to serve multiple purposes simultaneously - both terrestrial and aerial communications - which reduces the overall cost by eliminating the need for expensive dedicated spectrum purchases and infrastructure deployments specifically for aviation communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The network allows aircraft to communicate using existing terrestrial infrastructure resources, where ground base stations provide service to both ground and aerial users. This self-service approach reduces the need for separate dedicated aviation communication infrastructure, lowering overall system costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If terrestrial and air-to-ground networks share the same spectrum, then spectrum utilization is improved, but interference between networks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidcross-layer interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication space into distinct altitude-based layers: a terrestrial communication layer near the ground and an aerial communication layer at aircraft altitudes. Each layer operates independently within the same spectrum, with spatial separation minimizing interference while maximizing spectrum utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces the altitude dimension as a new spatial parameter for network organization. By vertically stratifying the communication environment into ground and aerial layers, the patent enables spectrum sharing without interference - the third dimension (altitude) provides natural isolation while allowing horizontal spectrum reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of manufacture

If aircraft communication uses existing terrestrial infrastructure, then cost is reduced, but communication performance for moving aircraft deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment costVSAvoidcommunication performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the terrestrial network infrastructure to serve moving aircraft by implementing real-time handover mechanisms and mobility management. As aircraft move through different geographic areas, the network dynamically switches serving base stations and adjusts communication parameters to maintain reliable connectivity throughout the flight path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12507078B2Architecture for simultaneous spectrum usage by air-to-ground and terrestrial networks

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 SMARTSKY NETWORKS LLC

AI summary

A network for providing air-to-ground (ATG) wireless communication in various cells may include an in-flight aircraft including an antenna assembly, a plurality of ATG base stations, a plurality of terrestrial base stations. Each of the ATG base stations defines a corresponding radiation pattern, and the ATG base stations are spaced apart from each other to define at least partially overlapping coverage areas to communicate with the antenna assembly in an ATG communication layer defined between a first altitude and a second altitude. The terrestrial base stations are configured to communicate primarily in a ground communication layer below the first altitude. The terrestrial base stations and the ATG base stations are each configured to communicate using the same radio frequency (RF) spectrum in the ground communication layer and ATG communication layer, respectively.