Drone Base Station Position Optimization for Network Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile network operators face challenges in providing cost-effective and efficient network capacity extension, as traditional small cell deployments are expensive and inflexible, especially in areas with sporadic network bottlenecks, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for dynamic and energy-efficient coverage.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a drone base station equipped with base station equipment, which moves to optimize its position based on real-time radio link conditions and user equipment distribution to enhance network coverage and capacity, leveraging a control unit and management system to adjust its location for improved channel characteristics and load sharing with fixed base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional small cells are deployed to extend network capacity, then network coverage is improved, but deployment cost and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static small cell infrastructure into a mobile drone-based base station that can dynamically reposition itself. The drone base station flies to different locations to provide network coverage, converting the traditional fixed deployment model into a flexible mobile system that adapts to changing network demands without requiring permanent infrastructure installation at each location.
2Quantity of substance
If fixed small cells are installed to handle network traffic, then network capacity is increased, but cost-effectiveness decreases for areas with rare bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adaptation to network demands by allowing the drone base station to be deployed temporarily to specific locations only when network bottlenecks occur. This on-demand deployment model provides network capacity exactly where and when needed, eliminating the waste of permanently installing fixed small cells in areas with rare capacity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of network capacity provision from static to dynamic. The drone base station can change its physical location parameter in response to varying network conditions, allowing the system to optimize cost-effectiveness by deploying capacity only when and where network bottlenecks occur, rather than maintaining fixed capacity in all potential locations.
3Reliability
If drone base station moves to optimize position, then channel characteristics are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by having the drone base station perform position optimization only to the extent necessary to achieve satisfactory channel characteristics. Rather than continuously moving or over-optimizing the position, the drone adjusts its location partially - just enough to improve reliability of the radio link to a sufficient level, thereby avoiding excessive energy consumption from constant movement or overly precise positioning.
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The present document relates to a method for providing mobile telecommunication services to user equipments (120) using a drone base station (140), the drone base station (140) comprising base station equipment mounted on a drone. The method comprises the steps of: - executing a recording procedure by moving the drone base station (140) in an area around an initial geographic position and gathering information regarding radio link conditions between candidate user equipments (120) and the drone base station (140) and regarding radio link conditions between the drone base station (120) and a backhaul node (150) serving the drone base station (140); - performing a position adjustment procedure for adjusting the position of the drone base station (140) based said gathered information, the position adjustment procedure providing an adjusted geographic position; - controlling the drone base station (140) to move to the adjusted geographic position; and - operating the base station equipment at the adjusted geographic position.