Unmanned Radio Unit Deployment for Remote Network Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rural and remote areas often lack sufficient network connectivity due to high deployment costs of fiber-based access, spotty coverage from existing radio-based networks, unreliable satellite connectivity, and insufficient edge computing capacity, which fails to meet quality-of-service requirements for customers.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of unmanned vehicles (UVs) equipped with portable radio units and edge computing capacity to provide network connectivity and computing workloads, optimizing travel paths to serve multiple customers, and allocating ephemeral network resources based on demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fiber-based network access is deployed in rural and remote areas, then network connectivity quality is improved, but deployment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs portable radio units that can be rapidly deployed and relocated using unmanned vehicles, replacing expensive and difficult-to-deploy fiber infrastructure in remote areas. These portable units provide temporary but sufficient connectivity where permanent fiber deployment is not economically viable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces portable radio units as intermediary devices between the core network and remote users, enabling connectivity without requiring direct fiber installation to end locations. These units act as mobile base stations that can be positioned optimally to serve multiple remote users.
2Area of stationary object
If satellite connectivity is used in remote areas, then network coverage is improved, but reliability and quality of service deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions portable radio units as intermediary nodes between satellite infrastructure and end users. These units receive satellite signals and provide localized high-quality radio access, improving reliability for users who would otherwise depend directly on satellite connectivity.
3Productivity
If unmanned vehicles are deployed to provide network connectivity, then deployment flexibility and speed are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the portable radio units, including base station operations, edge computing capabilities, and mobility management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and simplifies overall deployment despite the advanced capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The unmanned vehicles autonomously navigate to optimal locations and deploy portable radio units without human intervention. The system includes self-management capabilities for positioning, deployment, and initial configuration, reducing operational complexity despite the sophisticated deployment mechanism.
4Ease of manufacture
If portable radio units are used instead of fiber infrastructure, then deployment cost is reduced, but network capacity and bandwidth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines portable radio units with edge computing resources into integrated platforms. This merging allows the system to provide both connectivity and computing services, effectively increasing the value and capacity of the deployment without requiring additional infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for using unmanned vehicles to manage radio-based network infrastructure. In one embodiment, a determination is made to add coverage to a radio-based network via a radio unit. An unmanned vehicle carrying the radio unit as a payload is instructed to travel to a particular location. The unmanned vehicle is instructed to deliver the radio unit to the particular location. The radio unit is activated to add the coverage to the radio-based network.