UAE Server C2 Mode Switching for UAS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems lack mechanisms for dynamically switching between direct and indirect C2 communication modes for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) during ongoing flights, leading to potential service disruptions and QoS degradation, especially in Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Implement a UAE server that monitors real-time conditions and coordinates with UTM and 3GPP networks to facilitate seamless switching between direct and indirect C2 modes by triggering mode changes based on CBR measurements and location information, ensuring minimal impact on other UAS operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct C2 communication is used for UAS, then communication reliability is improved, but service continuity deteriorates in BLOS scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between direct and indirect C2 communication modes based on real-time link quality assessment. The UAE server monitors communication conditions and triggers mode transitions when direct link quality degrades, ensuring service continuity while maintaining reliability through adaptive mode selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The network introduces an indirect C2 communication mode as an intermediary solution when direct communication becomes unavailable. This mode uses network infrastructure (gNB, AMF) as intermediaries to relay commands and telemetry data, maintaining service continuity in BLOS scenarios where direct UAV-UAV-C link is blocked.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If indirect C2 communication is used for UAS, then service continuity is improved in BLOS scenarios, but communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously assesses direct link quality and dynamically transitions between communication modes. When indirect mode is activated, the system maintains readiness to switch back to direct mode when link quality improves, optimizing reliability while ensuring service continuity through conditional mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAE server implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring direct link quality metrics and triggering mode transitions based on assessed conditions. The system evaluates whether switching to indirect mode is necessary and manages the transition with feedback from network elements (gNB, AMF) to ensure reliable service delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If C2 mode switching is implemented for UAS, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UAE server acts as a centralized intermediary that manages C2 mode switching logic, reducing complexity at the UAV and UAV-C endpoints. The server coordinates with network elements (gNB, AMF) to handle mode transitions, distributing the complexity burden to dedicated management functions rather than requiring complex local decision-making at multiple nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables semi-autonomous operation where the UAE server automatically assesses link quality and triggers mode transitions without requiring manual intervention. The network elements (gNB, AMF) autonomously execute switching procedures based on server instructions, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
4Reliability
If mode switching is triggered by direct link degradation, then communication reliability is maintained, but loss of time occurs during transition
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of direct link quality before triggering mode switching. By monitoring link conditions and predicting degradation, the system can initiate mode transitions proactively, reducing the actual transition time when switching becomes necessary while maintaining reliability through early detection of link quality issues.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for managing a C2 communication mode of operation. One apparatus (500) includes a transceiver (525) supporting a network interface (540) that receives (705) an application request to manage an operation mode of C2 communication for a first UAS (101). Here, the first UAS (101) comprises a first UAV (103) and a first UAV-C (104). The network interface (540) receives (710) a first report from an application of the first UAS (101), where the first application is located in one of the first UAV (103) and the first UAV-C (104). The apparatus (500) includes a processor (505) that determines (715) to switch the operation mode of C2 communication for the first UAS (101) based on the received first report and transmits (720), via the network interface (740), a C2 communication switching instruction to the first UAS (101).