Multi-Layer Aerial Access Network for Dynamic Service Continuity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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, especially in dynamic environments, and existing solutions lack effective management of mobility and on-demand configuration for aerial nodes, leading to network degradation and latency issues.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tier aerial access network (AAN) system comprising control, forwarding, and access layers, utilizing UAVs and HAPs, with SDN control planes for dynamic network management, enabling flexible deployment and interference mitigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cellular network models are used to serve highly mobile dynamic environments, then network infrastructure can be maintained with existing protocols, but network reliability and service continuity deteriorate due to inability to adapt to real-time changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network slicing that can be created, modified, and destroyed in real-time based on service requirements. Network slices are dynamically allocated to aerial nodes (UAVs, HAPs) to provide continuous service during mobility transitions between ground and aerial networks, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable service and adapting to dynamic environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cellular network into multiple independent network slices, each optimized for specific service types (e.g., eMBB, uRLLC, mMTC). This segmentation allows different slices to handle different mobility scenarios independently, maintaining service continuity for aerial nodes while preserving existing ground network operations.
2Quantity of substance
If ultra-dense small cell networks are deployed to increase capacity, then network bandwidth capacity is improved, but device complexity and interference management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized network slice manager as an intermediary that coordinates resource allocation across ultra-dense small cells. This manager handles interference coordination and link management centrally, reducing the complexity burden on individual base stations while maintaining high network capacity through coordinated resource sharing among network slices.
3Quantity of substance
If MMWave communication is used to provide high capacity, then network bandwidth is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to line-of-sight dependency and signal blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different communication technologies to different network slices based on local requirements. Network slices requiring high bandwidth (eMBB) use MMWave with aerial node support, while slices requiring high reliability (uRLLC) use sub-6GHz frequencies. Aerial nodes dynamically adjust their communication frequency based on local environmental conditions and service requirements, maintaining both high bandwidth and reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If aerial nodes (UAVs, HAPs) are deployed to expand coverage, then network availability in underserved areas is improved, but network topology complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal network slice templates that can be instantiated for different aerial node types (UAVs, HAPs, balloons). These templates define standardized interfaces and management protocols, allowing diverse aerial nodes to be managed through a unified system. The network slice manager handles topology changes uniformly regardless of node type, reducing management complexity while expanding coverage capabilities.
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.