Multi-Link Aircraft Cellular System Traffic Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Air-To-Ground cellular communications network faces limitations in call handling capacity and reliability due to a single radio frequency link between aircraft and terrestrial base stations, leading to congestion and service interruptions, especially when multiple aircraft are in close proximity, resulting in a need for enhanced capacity and availability.
Innovation Solution
The Multi-Link Aircraft Cellular System employs multiple physically separated antennas on aircraft and advanced signal isolation techniques, such as orthogonal polarizations and sectoring, to distribute traffic load across multiple terrestrial cells or sectors, increasing capacity and reliability by creating multiple communication links and optimizing antenna patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single radio frequency link is used between aircraft and terrestrial base station, then device complexity is reduced, but call handling capacity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single communication link into multiple separate radio frequency links between the aircraft and different terrestrial base stations. Each link operates independently, so if one link fails or becomes congested, other links can maintain service continuity, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of link diversity by establishing multiple simultaneous radio frequency connections with different base stations. This parameter change allows the system to distribute traffic load across multiple paths, improving both call handling capacity and service availability while managing complexity through coordinated multi-link management
2Area of stationary object
If multiple aircraft are served by a single cell site, then network coverage is improved, but call handling capacity deteriorates due to congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traffic load from multiple aircraft across multiple terrestrial base stations rather than concentrating all traffic through a single cell site. Each aircraft can simultaneously communicate with multiple base stations, distributing the aggregate load and preventing congestion while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to traffic distribution by utilizing multiple geographically separated base stations. Instead of vertical stacking of traffic through one cell site, the system horizontally distributes traffic across multiple sites, increasing call handling capacity while preserving coverage area
3Device complexity
If single link communication is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but traffic load distribution capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic traffic load distribution by enabling aircraft to flexibly switch between single-link and multi-link modes based on real-time network conditions. The system can adaptively allocate traffic across multiple base stations when needed while reverting to simpler single-link operation when sufficient, maintaining versatility without permanent complexity increase
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 approach significantly enhances call handling capacity and system availability by spreading traffic load across multiple links, reducing the risk of service interruptions and improving overall network performance even during high congestion periods.
Implementation Method 1
determining a secondary polarization orthogonal to the primary polarization; causing the first and second transceivers to operate on the determined primary and secondary polarizations, respectively
Implementation Method 2
Each terrestrial base station uses an antenna pattern which is insensitive to the reception of ground-originating or ground-reflected signals and which antenna pattern is transmissive only in a skyward direction
Implementation Method 3
provides a radio frequency coverage area in a predetermined volume of space; The plurality of Air-To-Ground terrestrial base stations are geographically distributed
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~2B
Figure 3~3B
AI summary
The Multi-Link Aircraft Cellular System makes use of multiple physically separated antennas mounted on the aircraft, as well as the use of additional optional signal isolation and optimization techniques to improve the call handling capacity of the Air-To-Ground cellular communications network. These additional techniques can include polarization domain and ground antenna pattern shaping (in azimuth, in elevation, or in both planes). Further, if code domain separation is added, dramatic increases in capacity are realized. Thus, the Air-To-Ground cellular communications network can increase its capacity on a per aircraft basis by sharing its traffic load among more than one cell or sector and by making use of multiple physically separated antennas mounted on the aircraft, as well as the use of additional optional signal isolation and optimization techniques.