Layered Aerial Access Networks for Dynamic UAV Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Next-generation cellular networks face challenges in providing high-bandwidth capacity, reliability, and availability due to the increasing number of network-capable devices, with UAVs connected to cellular networks introducing integration complexities, and existing solutions lack effective management of mobility and on-demand configuration in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
An aerial access network (AAN) system comprising multiple control, forwarding, and access layer units, utilizing Software-Defined Networking (SDN) to dynamically manage network infrastructure, with UAVs acting as mobile base stations or relays to provide scalable and ubiquitous connectivity, especially in disaster-stricken or infrastructure-lacking areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If ultra-dense small cell networks are implemented to increase network capacity, then network bandwidth capacity is improved, but device complexity and interference management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces aerial base stations (drones, balloons, airships) operating in the three-dimensional airspace above the ground, creating a vertical dimension for network deployment. This aerial dimension provides additional spatial resources for base station placement, enabling network capacity expansion without increasing ground-based device complexity or interference management burden.
2Quantity of substance
If millimeter wave communication is used to increase network capacity, then bandwidth capacity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to line-of-sight requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Aerial base stations positioned in the air provide elevated line-of-sight paths that bypass ground-based obstructions such as buildings, trees, and terrain. This vertical positioning restores reliable millimeter wave connectivity by ensuring clear propagation paths, thereby maintaining both high capacity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerial base station acts as an intermediary platform between the core network and ground user equipment. By positioning itself in the airspace, it mediates the communication link, providing stable line-of-sight connectivity that bridges the gap between network capacity requirements and reliability constraints.
3Reliability
If moving networks are deployed to provide network connectivity in dynamic environments, then network availability is improved, but energy consumption and resource management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial base station platform is designed to perform multiple functions: it can serve as a mobile base station for providing network connectivity in disaster-stricken areas, function as a relay node for backhaul connectivity, and act as an aerial user equipment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby lowering overall energy consumption and resource management complexity while maintaining high network availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods relate to an aerial access network (AAN). The system comprises multiple control layer units, multiple forwarding layer units, and multiple access layer units. A first control layer unit in the multiple control layer units is configured to administrate the multiple forwarding layer units and the multiple access layer units and perform first data transmissions between the multiple forwarding layer units and a ground base station. A first forwarding layer unit is configured to be associated with at least one access layer unit and perform second data transmissions between the at least one access layer unit and one of the first control layer unit or the ground base station. A first access layer unit is configured to be associated with at least one user equipment (UE) and perform third data transmissions between the first forwarding layer unit and the at least one UE.