High-Altitude Platform Stations for Low-Latency Backhaul
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying intermediate networks in regions with little to no telecommunications infrastructure is challenging due to high initial and operational costs, as well as latency issues, particularly when using optical fibers, microwave links, or geostationary satellites.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate network using high-altitude platforms connected via high-speed free-space optical links, with routing elements and microwave or radiofrequency links to ground stations and base stations, allowing for low-latency, cost-effective, and robust communication across vast geographical areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibers or metal cables are used to connect remote base stations to network gateway, then communication reliability is improved, but initial investment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) as intermediary nodes between ground base stations and the core network. These HAPS stations deployed in the upper atmosphere (20-50 km altitude) serve as relay points, enabling wireless backhaul connectivity without requiring expensive fiber-optic infrastructure to reach every remote base station. The HAPS stations form an intermediate layer that mediates communication between ground infrastructure and the core network.
2Ease of manufacture
If microwave links are used to connect remote base stations to network gateway, then initial investment cost is reduced, but communication latency increases and reliability deteriorates over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the communication infrastructure from a two-dimensional ground-based layout to a three-dimensional spatial configuration by deploying HAPS stations in the upper atmosphere. This vertical dimensionality change enables direct line-of-sight microwave or millimeter-wave links between HAPS stations and ground base stations, reducing the number of hops and intermediate relay stations required, thereby lowering latency while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple relay stations are deployed to extend microwave link coverage beyond 50 km, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backhaul network into hierarchical layers: HAPS stations operating in the upper atmosphere and ground-based base stations. Each HAPS station can cover a large geographic area (hundreds of kilometers radius) due to its elevated position, reducing the need for numerous ground-based relay stations. The network is further segmented into functional domains managed by control entities that optimize routing and resource allocation.
4Area of stationary object
If HAPS stations are deployed to provide broadband access in remote areas, then coverage area and accessibility are improved, but infrastructure complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The HAPS stations are designed as multi-functional platforms that can simultaneously provide backhaul connectivity for multiple base stations, mobile phone services, broadband Internet access, and potentially satellite communication relay. This universality allows a single HAPS deployment to serve multiple purposes and multiple operators, amortizing the infrastructure complexity and operational costs across diverse services and customers.
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 solution provides a competitive, low-latency, and economically viable option for deploying broadband communication infrastructure with high availability and robustness, reducing the need for multiple relay stations and minimizing latency compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
at least one station located on a high-altitude platform being designed to establish a communication link with another station located on a high-altitude platform, said communication link being a free-space optical link
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediate network for a radiocommunication system, the intermediate network includes one or more stations located on high-altitude platforms in order to connect a set of remote base stations to one or more ground stations. The high-altitude platforms are networked by way of communication links, for example high-speed free-space optical links. The invention also proposes to connect remote base stations positioned outside of the area of coverage of the stations located on high-altitude platforms via for example microwave-link relay stations or base stations at the edge of the area of coverage.