Location-Directed HAP Access and Backhaul Links for Millimeter-Wave Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-altitude platforms (HAPs) are needed to enhance network density and overcome obstacles for millimeter wave communications due to their shorter range and higher atmospheric attenuation, which traditional solutions fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
Integrate HAPs into networks to provide additional access and backhaul links by controlling transceivers to point towards HAPs using physical location information, implementing 5G New Radio protocols, and utilizing software-defined networking for network configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If millimeter wave communications are used, then high data transmission capacity is achieved, but the communication range is limited and atmospheric attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces high-altitude platforms (HAPs) as aerial nodes to add a vertical dimension to the network architecture. By deploying nodes in the air space above the terrestrial network, the system extends coverage range without compromising millimeter wave data transmission capacity, effectively resolving the range limitation through spatial dimensionality change
2Reliability
If traditional terrestrial nodes are used, then network coverage is maintained, but network density is insufficient for millimeter wave communications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges terrestrial nodes and high-altitude platforms into an integrated heterogeneous network. The HAPs are combined with existing ground-based infrastructure to form a unified network architecture that maintains coverage reliability while increasing effective node density through the addition of aerial nodes
3Reliability
If HAPs are integrated into the network, then network density and coverage are enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal protocols and interfaces that enable HAPs to perform multiple functions within the existing network framework. The high-altitude platforms can provide both access and backhaul functions, and the system uses standardized 5G NR protocols to manage complexity while maintaining enhanced coverage and density benefits
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for establishing one or more links for an integrated access and backhaul for millimeter wave network. The network includes a high-altitude platform (HAP) as a first node and a terrestrial node as a second node. The method includes obtaining location information of the HAP in the network, determining that the HAP can be used to provide an additional access link or an additional backhaul link in the network in connection with the terrestrial node, controlling one or more transceivers of the terrestrial node to point towards the HAP according to the location information, and establishing the additional access link or the additional backhaul link between the HAP and the terrestrial node.