UAV C2 Link Switching with Pre-Established Network Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing command and control (C2) communications for unmanned aerial systems (UAS), particularly in dynamic environments where network connectivity and UAV changes occur, leading to inefficiencies and potential communication disruptions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods and systems for C2 communications setup and update, including procedures for initial mode selection, switching, and authorization, utilizing on-demand and pre-established network connectivity, and managing IP address changes to ensure seamless communication links between UAVs and control entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic network connectivity is implemented for C2 communications, then adaptability to changing network conditions is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to potential disruptions during transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a new C2 communication link with a second network node before releasing the first link. This ensures that the communication path is already prepared and operational before the transition completes, preventing communication disruptions during network changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach by maintaining both the first and second C2 communication links during the transition period. The second link acts as a buffer or mediator that takes over communication functions as the first link is released, ensuring continuous reliable communication during network reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If on-demand network connectivity establishment is used, then ease of operation is improved, but setup time increases leading to loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the second C2 communication link before the first link is released. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time connection establishment during operation, reducing overall setup time while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining overlapping C2 communication links during transitions. The second link is established and becomes operational before the first link is fully released, ensuring continuous communication without interruption and eliminating idle setup time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If IP address changes are managed during UAV-C changes, then adaptability to network reconfiguration is improved, but communication disruption risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing the second C2 communication link with the new network node before releasing the first link. This ensures that IP address changes and network reconfiguration occur without interrupting communication, as the new connection is already prepared and operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the second C2 communication link as an intermediary during the IP address change process. This intermediary link maintains communication continuity while the first link is being released, acting as a buffer that prevents disruption during network reconfiguration and IP updates.
Data Source
AI summary
Method, apparatus and systems are disclosed that may be implemented in wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and/or a UAV-controller (UAV-C). In one representative method, the UAV may switch from a first Command and Control (C2) communication link between a UAV and a first UAV-C to a second C2 communication link for C2 communications. The method may include determining, by the WTRU, to switch C2 communications from the first C2 communication link to the second C2 communication link based on a C2 switching condition; sending, by the WTRU to a C2 control entity, a notification indicating link information used to determine switching from the first C2 communication link to the second C2 communication link; receiving, by the WTRU from the C2 control entity, information indicating a switch; and switching, by the WTRU, C2 communications from the first C2 communication link to the second C2 communication link.