UAV Application Server Selection During Cellular Network Attach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV systems lack a centralized mechanism for efficiently selecting and assigning a suitable application server within a cellular network, limiting the ability of central agencies to monitor and enforce flight regulations, such as restricted flight spaces and travel speeds, due to manual configuration and lack of real-time monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A computing unit within the cellular network selects a UAV application server based on UAV-related parameters, minimizing distance for reduced latency, and provides access information to the UAV during the attach procedure, using DNS queries and standardized protocols to automate the server assignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual configuration of access information is used in UAVs, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to lack of automation
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV automatically discovers and selects an appropriate application server by querying the DNS using its own identification parameters (such as IMSI or MEID) without requiring manual configuration. The system serves itself by using built-in identification data to autonomously obtain server access information through standard DNS queries.
Solution Approach 2:
The DNS system acts as an intermediary between the UAV and the application server. The UAV queries the DNS with its identification information, and the DNS resolves this to provide the appropriate server address, thereby mediating the connection without requiring direct manual configuration or complex discovery protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple UAV manufacturers run their own application servers, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to lack of centralized management
Solution Approach 1:
The DNS-based server selection mechanism is universally applicable across UAVs from different manufacturers. Any UAV can use its standard identification parameters to query the DNS and receive appropriate server information, making the system multi-functional and manufacturer-agnostic without requiring manufacturer-specific configuration or management complexity.
3Productivity
If DNS-based automatic selection is implemented, then productivity is improved through automation, but device complexity increases due to additional configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV uses its existing identification parameters (IMSI, MEID, or other unique identifiers) that are already built into the device for cellular network operation. These same parameters are used to query the DNS for server selection, eliminating the need for additional configuration data or complex setup procedures while maintaining high automation.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A technique for selecting an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, application server is disclosed. A computing unit for executing a cellular network entity configured to select a UAV application server residing in a cellular network to be assigned to a UAV connecting to the cellular network comprises at least one processor and at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory contains instructions executable by the at least one processor such that the cellular network entity is operable to trigger (S204) selecting, as part of an attach procedure of the UAV to the cellular network, a UAV application server in the cellular network to be assigned to the UAV.