Automated LTE IAN Activation via Geo-Location Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public-safety responders often face communication challenges due to incidents occurring outside the range or coverage of established radio access networks, and existing systems lack the capacity to support communication needs during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
The development of automated systems and methods for activating and configuring broadband Incident Area Networks (IANs), which include mobile LTE base stations that can quickly set up at incident scenes to provide enhanced coverage and capacity, utilizing geo-location databases to determine optimal operation parameters and avoid interference with existing networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If mobile base stations are deployed to extend coverage outside established RANs, then communication coverage and capacity for public-safety responders is improved, but system complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures mobile base stations with automated activation capabilities and pre-establishes coordination protocols with existing RANs. When deployed, the base stations automatically register with nearby networks and configure themselves without requiring complex manual setup, thus extending coverage while minimizing the operational complexity burden
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile base stations perform self-configuration and self-coordination with existing networks through automated registration and parameter exchange processes. The system autonomously manages its own integration into the broader network infrastructure, reducing the need for complex external coordination and simplifying deployment operations
2Reliability
If manual activation and configuration of IANs is performed, then network coordination and resource allocation can be optimized, but response time and deployment efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where mobile base stations continuously monitor network conditions, resource availability, and coordination status. This real-time feedback enables dynamic adjustment of configuration parameters and automatic optimization of resource allocation, maintaining reliable network coordination while eliminating manual configuration delays
Solution Approach 2:
The IAN activation system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting network conditions, selecting appropriate operational parameters, and establishing coordination protocols with existing RANs. This autonomous self-service capability maintains reliable network integration while dramatically reducing activation time from manual processes
3Ease of operation
If mobile base stations operate independently without coordination, then deployment speed and ease of operation are improved, but network resource allocation efficiency and interference management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-programs mobile base stations with standardized coordination protocols and automated registration procedures. This preliminary configuration enables rapid deployment with simple operations while ensuring that the base stations are pre-capable of efficient resource allocation and interference management through built-in coordination mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for automated activation and configuration of broadband LTE IANs. A mobile IAN base station, an activated mode and a dormant mode, determines at least one location in a local region of the mobile IAN base station while in the dormant mode. An activation-permission request is submitted to a geo-location-database (GDB) function, and the mobile IAN base station receives an activation-permission response. The response is based on an expected level of wide-area-network (WAN) coverage associated with the determined location. Responsive to receiving an activation-permission grant, the mobile IAN base station transitions to the activated mode. Responsive to not receiving an activation-permission grant, the mobile IAN base station remains in the dormant mode.