Terrestrial-Non-Terrestrial Network Switching for Flexible Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular networks are limited by ground-based communication equipment, which is difficult to install in remote areas and relocate to high-demand areas, lacking flexibility and coverage.
Innovation Solution
Integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication systems, including satellite and flying TRPs, to enhance wireless communications, providing flexible deployment and extended coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ground-based communication equipment is used, then network coverage is provided in populated areas, but installation in remote areas becomes difficult and relocation to high-demand areas becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions communication infrastructure from the ground plane to the aerial dimension by deploying balloons, airships, and other flying platforms as communication nodes. This dimensional shift enables coverage of remote and inaccessible areas while providing easy relocation capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between deployment flexibility and installation difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flying platforms (balloons, airships) as intermediary communication nodes between ground-based infrastructure and remote users. These intermediaries carry communication equipment into the atmosphere, enabling service deployment without ground installation while maintaining connectivity to terrestrial networks through wireless backhaul
2Adaptability or versatility
If ground-based communication equipment is used, then service is provided in accessible locations, but relocation to high-demand areas becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic, mobile communication infrastructure using balloons and airships that can be freely repositioned in three-dimensional space. These platforms can quickly relocate to follow demand patterns, such as moving to disaster zones, event locations, or high-traffic areas, eliminating the time loss associated with traditional ground infrastructure relocation
Solution Approach 2:
By moving communication nodes to the aerial dimension, the system gains freedom of movement不受ground constraints. The platforms can rapidly transport themselves to new locations by simply navigating to different coordinates in the sky, dramatically reducing relocation time compared to physically moving ground-based equipment
3Adaptability or versatility
If terrestrial communication systems are used, then infrastructure is stable and fixed, but flexibility to serve remote and high-demand areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication infrastructure into independent, modular flying platforms that can operate autonomously or in coordination. Each balloon or airship carries complete communication functionality, allowing flexible deployment configurations that can serve remote areas while maintaining reliable service through self-contained operational units
Solution Approach 2:
The flying platforms are designed as universal communication nodes that can serve multiple functions: providing coverage in remote areas, relaying signals during disasters, supporting high-demand events, and backhauling traffic for terrestrial cells. This multi-functionality enables a single platform type to address diverse deployment scenarios while maintaining reliable service across different contexts
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates, in part, to non-terrestrial communication systems, and in some embodiments to the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication systems. Non-terrestrial communication systems can provide a more flexible communication system with extended wireless coverage range and enhanced service quality compared to conventional communication systems. A method representative of aspects of the present application includes receiving, by an apparatus connected in a first type of sub-system, signaling to notify the apparatus to turn-on a connection to a second type of sub-system. The method further includes communicating, upon turning on the connection to the second type of sub-system, using the connection to the second type of sub-system, according to a configuration parameter associated with the type of the second type of sub-system.