HAPS Laser Relay Network for 5G IoT Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fifth-generation mobile communication systems face challenges in establishing a robust, three-dimensional network over a wide area with low propagation delay, supporting a large number of simultaneous connections, and high-speed communication for IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
A communication system utilizing multiple high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) with radio relay stations forming a three-dimensional mesh topology, employing laser light for inter-station communication, and dynamic beam control to ensure robust connectivity and backup capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a three-dimensionalized network is constructed using multiple HAPS stations, then network coverage area and system capacity are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of maintaining stable connections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into multiple independent HAPS stations distributed in three-dimensional space, each operating as an autonomous node. This segmentation allows the large coverage area to be achieved through distributed deployment while each individual station maintains manageable complexity levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The network transitions from two-dimensional ground-based deployment to three-dimensional aerial deployment. HAPS stations are positioned at different altitudes and horizontal locations, creating a volumetric network structure that expands coverage area while utilizing spatial dimensions to manage node density and complexity.
2Speed
If laser light communication is used between HAPS stations, then communication speed and bandwidth are improved, but reliability and stability deteriorate due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The laser communication system incorporates dynamic beam tracking and pointing mechanisms that continuously adjust to maintain optimal alignment between transmitting and receiving stations. This dynamic adaptation compensates for relative motion and environmental disturbances, preserving communication reliability at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes multiple communication paths and backup laser links between HAPS stations. When environmental conditions degrade a primary laser connection, pre-configured alternative paths are activated, cushioning against communication failures before they occur.
3Reliability
If backup mechanisms are implemented for failover capability, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Backup capabilities are merged into the standard HAPS station design rather than being separate add-on systems. Each station inherently possesses both primary and backup communication functionalities, reducing overall system complexity through consolidation while maintaining high reliability through redundant paths.
4Adaptability or versatility
If beam direction and intensity are dynamically controlled, then communication quality and adaptability are improved, but energy consumption and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Beam direction and intensity control operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The system adjusts beam parameters at intervals based on changing conditions, maintaining communication adaptability while reducing energy consumption associated with constant adjustment operations.
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
This approach enables a stable, high-capacity communication system with low propagation delay and high-speed connections for a large number of terminals across a wide area, enhancing system robustness and capacity per unit area.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first radio relay stations 110, 210 installed in first floating objects 10, 20... perform a radio relay in a state where the plurality of first radio relay stations 110, 210 construct a three-dimensionalized network
Implementation Method 2
a communication between the plurality of first radio relay stations may be a radio communication using a laser light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A highly robust communication system capable of stably realizing a three-dimensionalized network over a wide area can be provided, in which a propagation delay is low, a simultaneous connection with a large number of terminals in a wide-range area and a high-speed communication can be performed, and a system capacity per unit area is large, in radio communications with terminal apparatuses including devices for the IoT, in mobile communications of the fifth generation or the like. The communication system comprises a plurality of radio relay for relaying a radio communication between a terrestrial base station and a terminal apparatus. The plurality of radio relay stations include a plurality of first radio relay stations capable of communicating with each other, each first radio relay station being provided in a floating object controlled to be located in a floating airspace with an altitude less than or equal to 100 [km] by an autonomous control or an external control, and a second radio relay station for relaying a communication between the plurality of first radio relay stations and the terrestrial base station, the second radio relay station being provided in a floating object moored on the ground or the sea so as to be located in a floating airspace with an altitude less than or equal to 100 [km].