Augmented Cellular Nodes for Air-to-Ground Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in providing reliable air-to-ground connectivity to aircraft due to the large line-of-sight of airborne antennas, which causes interference with ground-based users and difficulties in maintaining a connection to a single cellular node, and existing solutions are inadequate in reducing interference and ensuring proper data handling.
Innovation Solution
A terrestrial wireless communications network with augmented cellular nodes equipped with upward-facing antennas and power amplifiers, operating on a common backhaul infrastructure with a distinct air-to-ground uplink frequency to minimize interference and enhance signal strength for airborne devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If aircraft use ground-based cellular networks for connectivity, then cost is reduced and infrastructure is utilized, but interference between airborne and ground-based users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into two distinct types of cellular nodes: native cellular nodes for ground-based users and augmented cellular nodes for airborne users. This segmentation allows separate frequency allocation and transmission patterns, reducing interference while maintaining cost-effectiveness by utilizing existing terrestrial infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different transmission qualities are provided for different user types. Airborne users receive enhanced downlink signals through upwardly-directed antennas with higher power levels, while ground-based users experience minimal interference. The system applies local quality adjustments based on user location and type.
2Device complexity
If airborne aircraft connect to single cellular node, then data handling is simplified, but large line-of-sight transmission pattern causes interference with ground-based users
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network into dedicated augmented cellular nodes for airborne users, allowing aircraft to connect to a single node for simplified data handling while the node's upwardly-directed antennas confine transmission to minimize ground-based interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The augmented BTS uses upwardly-directed antennas to transmit signals in a vertical dimension rather than horizontal omnidirectional patterns. This dimensional change confines airborne user traffic to the vertical space, preventing interference with ground-based users while maintaining single-node connectivity for the aircraft.
3Area of stationary object
If airborne transmission pattern covers large geographical area, then connectivity coverage is improved, but interference likelihood between users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides localized quality enhancement by directing higher power levels and optimized transmission patterns specifically toward airborne users through upwardly-directed antennas, while maintaining normal service for ground-based users. This localized approach expands effective coverage for aircraft without proportionally increasing interference.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides stable and efficient air-to-ground connectivity by amplifying downlink signals and using a separate uplink frequency, reducing interference and enabling seamless communication between airborne and ground-based devices while sharing existing infrastructure for cost savings.
Implementation Method 1
one or more power amplifiers configured to amplify the downlink signal such that the downlink signal emanating from the one or more upwardly oriented antennas has a selected power level at least larger than a minimum threshold of a receiver of an airborne communications device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a plurality of native cellular nodes configured to provide wireless connectivity to one or more ground-based wireless devices, each native node including a BTS having a transceiver configured to transmit a downlink signal to the ground-based devices at a native downlink frequency and receive an uplink signal from the ground-based devices at a native uplink frequency, a plurality of augmented nodes configured to provide connectivity to one or more airborne devices, each augmented node including an augmented BTS having a transceiver configured to transmit a downlink signal to the one or more airborne communications devices via an upwardly directed antenna at the native downlink frequency and receive an air-to-ground uplink signal from the airborne devices at a selected air-to-ground uplink frequency different from the native uplink signal frequency, wherein the native nodes and the augmented nodes are configured to operate on a common backhaul infrastructure.