System architecture and method for enhancing wireless networks with mini-satellites and pseudollites and adaptive antenna processing

• US 10,348,394 B1
• Filed: 12/14/2015
• Issued: 07/09/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Tarana Wireless, Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Tarana Wireless, Incorporated
• Inventors: Bakr, Omar, Branlund, Dale
• Primary Examiner(s): Ho, Chuong T
• Application Number:
  US14/968,700
• Time in Patent Office: 1,303 Days
• Field of Search: 370277, 370278, 370279, 370328
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0408 using two or more beams, i.e. beam diversity
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0417 Feedback systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0695 using beam selection
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18504 Aircraft used as relay or high altitude atmospheric platform
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18506 Communications with or from aircraft, i.e. aeronautical mobile service
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18515 Transmission equipment in satellites or space-based relays
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/2041 Spot beam multiple access
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2854 Wide area networks, e.g. public data networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/4625 Single bridge functionality, e.g. connection of two networks over a single bridge
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/14 Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/24 Cell structures
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/30 by measured or perceived connection quality data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/06 Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/16 Discovering, processing access restriction or access information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/06 Airborne or Satellite Networks space-based or airborne stations H04B7/185

Abstract

A wireless communication network and wireless communication method are disclosed. The network has a plurality of transceivers forming a wireless communication network in which the plurality of transceivers include one or more central nodes and each end node capable of connecting to the one or more central nodes and forming a link. At least some of the transceivers of the network having a plurality of antennas and an array processing element coupled to the plurality of antennas and at least some of the transceivers are housed in an aerial communication node that may be a mini-satellite, a balloon or a drone.

Claims

1. A wireless communication network, comprising:

a plurality of radio frequency transceivers forming a wireless communication network, the plurality of radio frequency transceivers including one or more central nodes and one or more end nodes wherein each end node is capable of connecting to the one or more central nodes and forming a wireless radio frequency link;

at least some of the radio frequency transceivers having a plurality of antennas and an array processing element coupled to the plurality of antennas to form an adaptive antenna array;

at least some of the radio frequency transceivers that form part of the wireless communication network being located on ground;

the radio frequency transceivers having the adaptive antenna array being housed in an aerial communication node in air above the ground that forms part of the wireless communication network with the ground radio frequency transceivers;

wherein the aerial communication node is one of a mini-satellite, a balloon and a drone; and

wherein a height of the aerial communication node is adjusted to adjust the coverage area of the aerial communication node.

2. The network of claim 1 further comprising a super central node that performs backhaul operations for the wireless communication network.

3. The network of claim 1 further comprising a backhaul node for the aerial communication node that can be installed adjacent a fiber connection.

4. The network of claim 1 further comprising an orbiting satellite that is a backhaul node for the aerial communication node.