Radio Access Network Unauthorized Aerial UE Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications systems lack effective mechanisms to manage and control unauthorized aerial user equipment (UEs) engaged in unauthorized operations, such as drones flying above permitted altitudes or in restricted areas, leading to network resource wastage and interference with conventional UEs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods and procedures within the radio access network (RAN) and core network (CN) to detect unauthorized aerial operations, restrict resource allocation, and initiate detach procedures, including sending messages with conditions for reconnection, such as minimum wait times or altitude adjustments, to manage and control UEs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the network allows all UEs to connect without restriction, then network coverage and accessibility are improved, but network resource wastage and interference increase due to unauthorized aerial UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing differentiated access control policies for different types of UEs. Authorized UEs receive full network resources and services, while unauthorized aerial UEs are subjected to restricted access with limited resources. This is achieved through network nodes examining UE characteristics and applying appropriate access rules, ensuring that resource allocation and network treatment vary locally based on authorization status and UE type.
2Productivity
If the network restricts resources for unauthorized UEs, then network resource efficiency is improved, but network complexity increases due to detection and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring access control rules and authorization criteria in network nodes before unauthorized aerial UEs attempt to connect. Network nodes are pre-programmed with rules to identify aerial UEs based on characteristics such as altitude, velocity, and flight patterns, and to apply appropriate restriction policies. This preliminary setup enables automatic detection and control without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining high resource efficiency.
3Reliability
If the network implements detection mechanisms for unauthorized aerial UEs, then network security is improved, but detection precision deteriorates due to difficulty in distinguishing aerial UEs from conventional UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the detection distinction from traditional two-dimensional ground-based parameters to three-dimensional aerial parameters. Instead of relying solely on ground-based identification methods, the network nodes detect aerial UEs by examining vertical dimension characteristics such as altitude, vertical velocity, and flight path patterns. This additional spatial dimension enables more accurate differentiation between aerial and conventional UEs, improving detection precision while maintaining network security.
Data Source
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AI summary
Exemplary embodiments include methods performed by a network node of a radio access network (RAN). Such embodiments can include establishing a connection with a user equipment (UE) in a cell served by the network node, and determining that the UE is engaged in unauthorized aerial operation. Unauthorized operation can include various UE operational conditions. Such embodiments can also include, based on determining the unauthorized aerial operation, performing at least one of the following operations: restricting the performance of the connection; and sending the UE a message comprising an indication that the connection will be released, and one or more conditions that the UE must meet before attempting to reestablish the connection. Embodiments also include complementary methods performed by one or more core network nodes and/or functions, as well as various network nodes and/or functions that are configured to perform various disclosed methods.