Mobile Base Station Roaming Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile base stations face issues such as interference, regulatory infringement, and cost-related problems when roaming between different networks or crossing regulatory borders, as their fixed position assumptions are not met, leading to network planning challenges and increased operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A dual-mode mobile base station (mBS) that operates as a full base station within its network but switches to a limited relay mode, such as an amplify-forward, decode-forward, or diversity-providing relay node when roaming, using Software Defined Radio (SDR) to adapt to new configurations and avoid interference, allowing seamless operation across borders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mobile base station operates with full base station functionality when roaming, then service quality is maintained, but interference and regulatory infringement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidinterference and regulatory infringement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The base station operates in dual modes: full base station functionality when stationary within home network, and limited relay node functionality when roaming. The system dynamically switches between these modes based on location and mobility state, allowing full functionality only when fixed position assumptions are met, thereby maintaining service quality while reducing interference and regulatory issues during roaming

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different functional capabilities are applied in different locations: full base station functionality is used when the mobile base station is stationary within its home network where it can meet fixed position assumptions, while limited relay node functionality is used when roaming. This localized adaptation of functionality resolves the contradiction between maintaining service quality and avoiding interference/regulatory infringement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If a mobile base station operates as a full base station when roaming, then network coverage is maintained, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidoperational costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile base station is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating both as a full base station and as a limited relay node. When roaming, it universally applies the relay node function which provides sufficient network coverage through collaboration with host network base stations, thereby maintaining adequate coverage while significantly reducing operational costs compared to full base station operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a mobile base station switches operating modes based on location, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation-based adaptabilityVSAvoidmode switching complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile base station autonomously determines its operating mode based on its own location and mobility state without requiring complex external control. The base station self-manages the switching between full base station and relay node modes, and self-configures appropriate parameters, thereby improving adaptability while minimizing the complexity increase that would result from external control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3008941B1Methods and apparatuses for reconfiguring a roaming mobile base station based upon its location
Publication Date: 2020.01.22 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3008941B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3008941B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3008941B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for a mobile or roaming base station are described. An operating mode of a mobile base station is determined, based upon the mobile base station's current location and/or current mobility mode. The operating mode of the mobile base station is switched from a full base station functionality to a limited base station functionality, based upon the determining. A connection to a network is established by the mobile base station.