UAV Base Station Handover with Dedicated Bearer Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular networks are unable to provide adequate service for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), limiting their usage and application range due to inefficiencies in base station handover processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for base station handover that involves receiving measurement reports from UAVs, sending handover requests to target base stations with specific information for dedicated bearers, and performing handover operations when acknowledged, ensuring continuity and efficiency of service by determining the target base station's capability to provide service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing cellular networks use standard base station handover processes, then general mobile service is provided, but service continuity and reliability for UAVs cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing UAV-specific handover parameters and procedures tailored to UAV characteristics. The network differentiates handover handling between UAVs and ground terminals, with specialized measurement reporting, handover decision criteria, and execution procedures that account for UAV mobility patterns, altitude variations, and service continuity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying handover-related parameters specifically for UAVs, including measurement reporting intervals, handover margin adjustments, and bearer management parameters. These parameter adaptations enable the network to optimize handover performance for UAVs while maintaining standard operations for conventional terminals.
2Reliability
If base station handover is performed without dedicated bearer management, then handover process is simple, but service efficiency and reliability for UAVs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the handover process into distinct phases with dedicated bearer management. Control plane bearers and user plane bearers are handled separately, with specific procedures for bearer establishment, modification, and release during handover. This segmentation ensures service continuity while organizing complexity into manageable, standardized steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing dedicated bearers before handover execution and preparing target base station resources in advance. The source base station initiates bearer management procedures during the handover preparation phase, ensuring that service pathways are ready before the UAV actually switches base stations, thereby guaranteeing service continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard handover procedures are used for UAVs, then network operation is simple, but application range and usage rate of UAVs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a handover framework that can serve both UAVs and conventional ground terminals through a unified interface. The network maintains standard handover procedures for general terminals while incorporating UAV-specific enhancements that are transparently managed. This multi-functionality allows the same network infrastructure to support diverse applications including drone delivery, aerial surveillance, and emergency response without requiring separate specialized systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A base station switching method for a source base station includes: receiving a measurement report sent by the unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the measurement report comprises information used for indicating a target base station to which the unmanned aerial vehicle requests to switch; when determined to switch to the target base station according to the measurement report, sending a switch request carrying first information to the target base station, wherein the first information is used to indicate that a terminal requesting the switch is an unmanned aerial vehicle; when receiving a handover request acknowledge returned by the target base station, performing a switching operation from the source base station to the target base station. As such, the source base station achieves a base station switch for an unmanned aerial vehicle, ensures continuity of service for the unmanned aerial vehicle, and broadens the application range of the unmanned aerial vehicle.