WO2025008935A1

WO2025008935A1 - An unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2025008935A1
Application number: PCT/IN2024/050875
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sumit Gupta; Brijesh Shah; Pradeep Kumar Bhatnagar; Aayush Bhatnagar
Original assignee: Jio Platforms Ltd
Current assignee: Jio Platforms Ltd
Priority date: 2023-07-03
Filing date: 2024-06-20
Publication date: 2025-01-09
Anticipated expiration: 2026-01-03
Also published as: EP4740331A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102) for providing 5G network coverage, comprising: an unmanned aerial vehicle 5 (310) configured to establish a first network connection with at least one user equipment (108) via a small cell (302) mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle (310), and a second network connection with at least one radio tower (308) via an Ultra Broadband Radio (UBR) antenna (304) also mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle (310); a tethered station (316) configured to transfer power to the unmanned 10 aerial vehicle (310); a memory (204); and at least one processor (202) configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory (204).

Description

AN UNMANNED VEHICLE WIRELESS BACKHAUL SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material, which is subject to intellectual property rights such as, but are not limited to, copyright, design, trademark, Integrated Circuit (IC) layout design, and/or trade dress protection, belonging to Jio Platforms Limited (JPL) or its affiliates (hereinafter referred as owner). The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever. All rights to such intellectual property are fully reserved by the owner.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present invention, in general, relates to the field of wireless communication systems and more particularly, relates to unmanned vehicle-based wireless backhaul systems for providing network coverage.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

[0003] The following description of related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section be used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0004] In emergency situations such as natural disasters or other crises, rapid deployment of communication networks is crucial for facilitating rescue operations and providing essential connectivity to affected communities. However, traditional methods of establishing temporary network infrastructure, such as Cell on Wheel (COW) deployments, often face significant challenges and delays. In India, the lack of readily available infrastructure resources hinders the swift establishment of communication channels for emergency responders and impacted populations. The deployment of COW sites is a time-consuming process that can take several days for planning and execution, especially in remote areas.

[0005] Existing solutions attempt to address these challenges through the use of drones equipped with tethered connections to ground stations. For instance, EP2978258B1 describes a method of replacing a first drone base station with a second drone base station, involving the transmission of pilot signals and coordination between the two drones to maintain a consistent cell identifier. However, such solutions primarily focus on the handover process between drones and do not adequately address the need for seamless bi-directional communication between user equipment on the ground and radio towers.

[0006] Similarly, the solution proposed by M.Y. Selim and A.E. Kamal in their paper "post-disaster 4G/5G Network Rehabilitation using Drones: Solving Battery and Backhaul Issues" utilizes a grid of drones to provide cellular coverage in disaster- struck regions. While their approach tackles the issues of battery life and backhaul capacity, it does not sufficiently emphasize the importance of establishing reliable bi-directional communication channels between user equipment and radio towers via the drones.

[0007] Conventional systems often struggle to provide uninterrupted connectivity between users on the ground and the broader communication network during emergencies. The lack of efficient signal relay mechanisms between user equipment, drones, and radio towers hinders the effectiveness of emergency response efforts. There is a need for a system that seamlessly integrates these components, ensuring that signals from user equipment are reliably transmitted to radio towers and vice versa, with the drones acting as intermediaries.

[0008] It is, therefore, a need in the art to provide an unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system that enables rapid deployment of communication networks in emergency situations, ensures uninterrupted power supply to the unmanned aerial vehicles, and establishes reliable bi-directional connectivity between user equipment on the ground and radio towers.

SUMMARY

[0009] One embodiment of the present subject matter relates to an unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system. The system may comprise an unmanned aerial vehicle configured to establish a first network connection with at least one user equipment via a small cell and a second network connection with at least one radio tower via an Ultra Broadband Radio (UBR) antenna. The small cell and the UBR antenna may be mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle. The system may further include a tethered station configured to transfer power to the unmanned aerial vehicle, a memory, and at least one processor. The processor may execute programmed instructions stored in the memory for receiving signals from the user equipment over the first network connection and sending them to the radio tower over the second network connection, as well as receiving signals from the radio tower over the second network connection and sending them to the user equipment over the first network connection. In this system, the unmanned aerial vehicle may be in the air, while the user equipment may be on the ground.

[0010] The second network connection may utilize an unlicensed frequency band for signal transmission. The unmanned aerial vehicle may be a tethered drone unit capable of flying at heights between 10 - 50 meters. The small cell may be a small 5G cell. The small cell mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle may comprise a radio frequency band of 3.3 - 3.6 GHz (3GPP n78), a channel bandwidth between 50 - 200 MHz, a total transmit power between 10 - 24 dBm, 2T2R transmit/receive chains, and an omnidirectional antenna. The UBR antenna may be configured to communicate with a transmitting unit at the radio tower at distances between 500 meters to 2kmfor backhaul communication. The tethered station may include a mobile battery charging station between 5 kVA to 20 kVA single phase for supplying uninterrupted power to the unmanned aerial vehicle and radio equipment via a wired connection. [0011] The unmanned aerial vehicle may be an octocopter designed to maintain redundancy and stability during extreme weather conditions and may include a fail-safe mechanism for automatic return to the ground in case of power failure. The small cell may generate a 5G network transmitted over a coverage distance of between 50 - 150 meters and may have specific dimensions, weight, and power consumption characteristics. The UBR antenna may have a throughput in a range of 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps, power consumption in a range of 10 to 20 W, weight in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 kg, operate in a frequency range of 5 to 6 GHz, and have an output power in a range of 20 to 30 dBm.

[0012] One potential benefit of this unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system is its ability to rapidly deploy a communication network in emergency situations, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the unmanned aerial vehicles and establishing reliable bi-directional connectivity between user equipment on the ground and radio towers.

[0013] Another embodiment of the present subject matter relates to a method for deploying an unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system. The method may involve flying an unmanned aerial vehicle in the air and transferring power to it from a tethered station. A small cell mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle may establish a first network connection with at least one user equipment, while an Ultra Broadband Radio (UBR) antenna, also mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle, may establish a second network connection with at least one radio tower. The method may include executing programmed instructions stored in a memory by at least one processor for receiving signals from the user equipment over the first network connection, sending them to the radio tower over the second network connection, and vice versa, with the unmanned aerial vehicle in the air and the user equipment on the ground.

[0014] The method may utilize an unlicensed frequency band for signal transmission over the second network connection. The small cell may be a small 5G cell. The unmanned aerial vehicle, being a tethered drone unit, may fly at heights between 10- 50 meters. The method may involve communicating, via the UBR antenna, with a transmitting unit at the radio tower at distances between 500 meters to 2 km for backhaul communication. Uninterrupted power may be supplied to the unmanned aerial vehicle and radio equipment from a mobile battery charging station up to 10 kVA single phase in the tethered station via a wired connection.

[0015] The unmanned aerial vehicle, an octocopter, may maintain redundancy and stability during extreme weather conditions. The method may include automatically returning the unmanned aerial vehicle to the ground in case of power failure using a fail-safe mechanism. The 5G small cell may generate a 5G network and transmit it over a coverage distance having a range of 50-150 meters.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0016] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as listed herein below.

[0017] One object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for rapid deployment of communication networks in emergency situations or in areas such as large events or disaster-stricken locations. The system aims to enable the establishment of a functional network within a few hours, ensuring quick restoration of connectivity.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to offer a mobile, scalable, and adaptable solution for effective communication network deployment. The system is designed to be easily mounted on various platforms, such as vehicles, boats, or directly placed on land, requiring only a continuous power supply through battery or direct 3 -phase supply.

[0019] Yet another object of the present invention is to increase the endurance of the communication network by facilitating extended mission durations. The system aims to enable the drone-based system to remain operational in the air for prolonged periods, ranging up to several days, depending on the performance of motors and propellers.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to enable ease of use and require minimal manual intervention. The invention incorporates an automated BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) control mechanism and the ability to adapt to weather conditions, reducing the need for constant monitoring and adjustment by pilots or technicians.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective solution in comparison to traditional COW (Cell on Wheels) or permanent communication sites. The present system offers a more economical alternative to building permanent network infrastructure in remote or low-traffic areas, making it an attractive option for network providers.

[0022] An additional object of the present invention is to develop a versatile system that can be alternatively used for various 5G services beyond emergency situations. The system aims to be suitable for deployment at sports events, stadiums, small gatherings, open events, and other scenarios requiring temporary or supplementary communication networks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes the disclosure of electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components. [0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture of an unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system for deploying drone-based 5G networks, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary micro service-based architecture of the system 102, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a system for deployment of drone-based 5G networks, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIGs. 4A-4B illustrate a drone and user interface, respectively, for deploying drone-based 5G networks, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIGs. 5A-5C illustrate an exemplary user interface for deploying drone-based 5G networks, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary computer system in which or with which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented, showcasing the hardware components and their interactions.

[0030] FIG.7 illustrates a flowchart of a method for deploying an unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed description of the disclosure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 00 - Network Architecture 02 -System 04 -Network -Centralized server -1, 108-2. . . 108-N - User Equipment (s)-1, 110-2... 110-N - User (s) - One or more processor(s) - Memory - A Plurality of Interfaces - Processing Engine (s) - Data Acquisition Module - GPS Module - Notification Module - Other Module (s) - Small cell - Ultra Broadband Radio (UBR) antenna - Wired connection - Radio tower - Unmanned aerial vehicle - Tethered station - Power source - External Storage Device - Bus 630 - Main Memory

640 - Read Only Memory

650 - Mass Storage Device

660 - Communication Port

670 - Processor

700 - Method

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings.

[0033] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth. [0034] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0035] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

[0036] The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive like the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements. [0037] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an instance” or “one instance” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0038] The terminology used herein is to describe particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should be noted that the terms “mobile device”, “user equipment”, “user device”, “communication device”, “device” and similar terms are used interchangeably for the purpose of describing the invention. These terms are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or imply any specific functionality or limitations on the described embodiments. The use of these terms is solely for convenience and clarity of description. The invention is not limited to any particular type of device or equipment, and it should be understood that other equivalent terms or variations thereof may be used interchangeably without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

[0039] As used herein, an “electronic device”, or “portable electronic device”, or “user device” or “communication device” or “user equipment” or “device” refers to any electrical, electronic, electromechanical, and computing device. The user device is capable of receiving and/or transmitting one or parameters, performing function/s, communicating with other user devices, and transmitting data to the other user devices. The user equipment may have a processor, a display, a memory, a battery, and an input-means such as a hard keypad and/or a soft keypad. The user equipment may be capable of operating on any radio access technology including but not limited to IP-enabled communication, Zig Bee, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Near Field Communication, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, etc. For instance, the user equipment may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, smartphone, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, mainframe computer, or any other device as may be obvious to a person skilled in the art for implementation of the features of the present disclosure.

[0040] Further, the user device may also comprise a “processor” or “processing unit” includes processing unit, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry for processing instructions. The processor may be a general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Field Programmable Gate Array circuits, any other type of integrated circuits, etc. The processor may perform signal coding data processing, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality that enables the working of the system according to the present disclosure. More specifically, the processor is a hardware processor.

[0041] As portable electronic devices and wireless technologies continue to improve and grow in popularity, the advancing wireless technologies for data transfer are also expected to evolve and replace the older generations of technologies. In the field of wireless data communications, the dynamic advancement of various generations of cellular technology are also seen. The development, in this respect, has been incremental in the order of second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), and now fifth generation (5G), and more such generations are expected to continue in the forthcoming time.

[0042] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

[0043] At present, the deployment of communication networks in emergency situations or disaster-stricken areas can be a time-consuming and challenging process. Traditional methods, such as Cell on Wheels (COW) deployments, often face significant delays and resource constraints, hindering the swift restoration of connectivity in affected regions. The present disclosure addresses these challenges by providing an unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system and method that enables rapid deployment of 5G networks using drone technology. By leveraging the mobility, scalability, and adaptability of unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with advanced communication capabilities, the present disclosure enables the establishment of a functional network within a matter of hours, ensuring quick restoration of connectivity in critical situations.

[0044] The present disclosure serves the purpose of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of communication network deployment in emergency scenarios, such as natural disasters or large-scale events. The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system and method provided by the present disclosure enable network operators to swiftly establish a reliable and high-speed communication infrastructure in areas where traditional terrestrial networks may be compromised or unavailable. By utilizing drone-based 5G technology, the present disclosure empowers first responders, rescue teams, and other stakeholders to communicate and coordinate their efforts effectively, ultimately leading to improved emergency response, reduced loss of life and property, and faster recovery in the aftermath of a crisis.

[0045] The present disclosure relates to an unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system and method for deploying drone-based 5G networks. The system comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a small 5G cell and an Ultra Broadband Radio (UBR) antenna, capable of establishing network connections with user equipment on the ground and radio towers, respectively. The system further includes a tethered station for providing uninterrupted power supply to the unmanned aerial vehicle and a processing unit for executing programmed instructions to facilitate bi-directional communication between the user equipment and the radio tower. The method involves flying the unmanned aerial vehicle, establishing network connections, and relaying signals between the user equipment and the radio tower, enabling seamless connectivity in emergency situations or disaster- stricken locations.

[0046] The various embodiments throughout the disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 1- FIG. 6.

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture 100 of an unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system for deploying drone-based 5G networks, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, the architecture 100 is implemented for enabling rapid deployment of 5G networks using the unmanned aerial vehicle. The terms the unmanned aerial vehicle and drone are used interchangeably. In an embodiment, the system 102 is connected to a network 104, which is further connected to at least one user equipment 108-1, 108-2, ... 108-N (collectively referred to as user equipment 108) associated with one or more user’s devices 110- 1, 110-2, ... 110-N (collectively referred as user 110). The user equipment 108 may be smartphones, laptops, tablets, or any other devices capable of connecting to the 5G network provided by the unmanned aerial vehicle. Further, the network 104 can be configured with a centralized server 106 that stores compiled data.

[0049] In an embodiment, the system 102 may receive at least one signal from the at least one user equipment 108 and vice-versa. A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the at least one user equipment 108 may be individually referred to as user equipment 108 and collectively referred to as user equipment 108. The terms "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably throughout the disclosure.

[0050] In an embodiment, the user equipment 108 may transmit the at least one signal over a wireless communication channel or network 104 to the system 102 via the small 5G cell 302 mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle 310.

[0051] In an embodiment, the system 102 may involve collection, analysis, and sharing of data received from the user equipment 108 via the communication network 104.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication network 104 may include, but not be limited to, at least a portion of one or more networks having one or more nodes that transmit, receive, forward, generate, buffer, store, route, switch, process, or a combination thereof, etc. one or more signals, packets, or messages. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication network 104 may include, but not be limited to, a wireless network, a wired network, a packet- switched network, a circuit- switched network, a cellular network, a satellite network, a fiber optic network, or some combination thereof.

[0053] In an embodiment, the user equipment 108 may communicate with the system 102 via a small cell mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle. The user equipment 108 may include, but not be limited to, smartphones, laptops, tablets, or any other devices capable of connecting to the 5G network provided by the unmanned aerial vehicle. The small cell may be a small 5G cell. [0054] A layout of the output end of the system 102 is described, as it may be implemented. The system 100 can be configured to enable rapid deployment of 5G networks, providing high-speed connectivity to user equipment 108 in emergency situations or disaster-stricken areas.

[0055] In an embodiment, the system 102 is connected to a network 104, which is connected to the at least one user equipment 108, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other devices capable of connecting to the 5G network provided by the unmanned aerial vehicle. When the user equipment 108 receives the 5G network signal via the network 104, it can benefit from the high-speed connectivity provided by the system 102.

[0056] In an embodiment, the network 104 is further configured with a centralized server 106 including a database, where all data related to the deployment and operation of the unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system is stored. This data can be retrieved whenever there is a need to reference it in the future.

[0057] In an embodiment, the user equipment 108 may transmit the at least one signal over a wireless communication channel or network 104 to the system 102 via the small 5G cell mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0058] In an embodiment, the system 102 may involve collection, analysis, and sharing of data received from the user equipment 108 via the communication network 104.

[0059] Although FIG. 1 shows exemplary components of the network architecture 100, in other embodiments, the network architecture 100 may include fewer components, different components, differently arranged components, or additional functional components than depicted in FIG. 1. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of the network architecture 100 may perform functions described as being performed by one or more other components of the network architecture 100. [0060] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary micro service-based architecture 200 of the system 102, comprising various modules and components such as memory 204 and one or more processor (s) 202, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] The disclosed micro service-based architecture 200 ensures the efficient operation of the unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system, facilitating the establishment of network connections between the unmanned aerial vehicle, user equipment 108, and radio tower.

[0062] FIG. 2, with reference to FIG. 1, illustrates an exemplary representation of the system 102 for deploying drone -based 5G networks, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] In an aspect, the system 102 may comprise one or more processor(s) 202. The one or more processor(s) 202 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that process data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the one or more processor(s) 202 may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory 204 of the system 102. The memory 204 may be configured to store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which may be fetched and executed to control the operation of the unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system. The memory 204 may comprise any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as Random Access Memory (RAM), or non-volatile memory such as Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), flash memory, and the like.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, the system 102 may include an interface(s) 206. The interface(s) 206 may comprise a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as VO devices, storage devices, and the like. The interface(s) 206 may facilitate communication to/from the system 102. The interface(s) 206 may also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the system 102. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, processing unit/engine(s) 208 and a local database 218.

[0065] In an embodiment, the processing unit/engine(s) 208 may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the processing engine(s) 208. In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the processing engine(s) 208 may be processorexecutable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine -readable storage medium, and the hardware for the processing engine(s) 208 may comprise a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the processing engine(s) 208. In such examples, the system 102 may comprise the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the system 102 and the processing resource. In other examples, the processing engine(s) 208 may be implemented by electronic circuitry.

[0066] In an embodiment, the local database 218 may comprise data that may be either stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by any of the components of the processor 202 or the processing engine 208. In an embodiment, the local database 218 may be separate from the system 102.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing engine 208 may include one or more engines selected from any of a data acquisition module 210, a global positioning system module 212, a notification module 214, and other modules 216 having functions that may include but are not limited to testing, storage, and peripheral functions, such as wireless communication unit for remote operation, audio unit for alerts, and the like. These modules may be specifically adapted to handle the operation and control of the unmanned aerial vehicle, small 5G cell, and UBR antenna in the context of the unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system.

[0068] In one embodiment, the data acquisition module 210 may be responsible for collecting and processing data from various sources, such as the user equipment 108, the small cell, and the Ultra Broadband Radio (UBR) antenna. This module may handle the reception and transmission of signals between the user equipment 108 and the radio tower via the unmanned aerial vehicle. By efficiently managing the data flow, the data acquisition module may ensure seamless connectivity and high-quality service for the users.

[0069] In one embodiment, the global positioning system module 212 may play a crucial role in determining and tracking the position of the unmanned aerial vehicle. By utilizing global positioning system technology, this module may provide accurate location information, enabling the system to optimize the placement of the drone for maximum coverage and signal strength. The global positioning system module 212 may also assist in navigation, ensuring that the unmanned aerial vehicle maintains its desired position and altitude during operation.

[0070] In one embodiment, the notification module 214 may be designed to keep the system operators and users informed about the status and performance of the unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system. This module may generate and send notifications, alerts, and updates regarding various aspects of the system, such as network connectivity, signal strength, drone battery levels, and any potential issues or maintenance requirements. By providing timely and relevant information, the notification module 214 may help in proactive management and troubleshooting of the drone-based 5G network.

[0071] FIG. 3 illustrates a system 102 for deploying drone based 5G networks, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. [0072] The present disclosure relates to an unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system 102 and a method for deploying drone -based 5G networks. The system 102 may comprise an unmanned aerial vehicle 310, a tethered station 316, a memory 204, and at least one processor 202. The unmanned aerial vehicle 310 may be configured to establish a first network connection with at least one user equipment 108 via a small 5G cell 302 and a second network connection with at least one radio tower 308 via an Ultra Broadband Radio (UBR) antenna 304. The small 5G cell 302 and the UBR antenna 304 may be mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle 310. The 5G small cell 302 may be configured to create the 5G network and the UBR antenna 304 may be configured to transmit to the receiver module nearest to the radio tower 308.

[0073] The tethered station 316 may be configured to transfer power to the unmanned aerial vehicle 310, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply for the drone-based 5G network. The tethered station 316 may be placed on ground. The memory 204 may store programmed instructions, which may be executed by the at least one processor 202. These instructions, when executed, may enable the system 102 to receive signals from the user equipment 108 over the first network connection and send them to the radio tower 308 over the second network connection. Similarly, the system 102 may receive signals from the radio tower 308 over the second network connection and send them to the user equipment 108 over the first network connection. This bi-directional communication may occur while the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 is in the air and the user equipment 108 is on the ground.

[0074] The second network connection, established between the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 and the radio tower 308, may utilize an unlicensed frequency band for transmitting signals. This approach may provide flexibility and costeffectiveness in deploying the drone -based 5G network, as it does not require the acquisition of licensed frequency bands. [0075] The unmanned aerial vehicle 310 may be a tethered drone unit capable of flying at a height ’h’ of between 10 - 50 meters. This height may be sufficient to provide adequate coverage for the 5G network while maintaining a stable and secure connection to the tethered station 316. The ability to fly at a relatively low altitude may also help in complying with local regulations and ensuring the safety of the drone operation.

[0076] The first network connection between the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 and the user equipment 108 may be established using the small cell 302 mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle 310. The small cell 302 may operate in the 3.3 - 3.6 GHz (3GPP n78) frequency band, with a channel bandwidth between 50 - 200 MHz. It may have a total transmit power of between 10 -24 dBm and utilize 2T2R (2 transmit, 2 receive) chains for enhanced performance. Additionally, the small cell 302 may incorporate an omnidirectional antenna to provide uniform coverage in all directions.

[0077] The second network connection between the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 and the radio tower 308 may be established using the UBR antenna 304 mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle 310. The UBR antenna 304 may be capable of communicating with a transmitting unit at the radio tower 308 at a distance of between 500 meters to 2km, enabling long-range backhaul communication. This extended range may allow the drone-based 5G network to cover larger areas and provide connectivity to remote locations.

[0078] The tethered station 316 may include a mobile battery charging station 318 with a capacity of up to 10 kVA single phase. This charging station 318 may supply uninterrupted power to the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 and the associated radio equipment via a wired connection 306. The continuous power supply from the tethered station 316 may enable the drone -based 5G network to operate for extended periods without the need for frequent battery replacements or recharging. [0079] The unmanned aerial vehicle 310 may be an octocopter, which is a drone with eight rotors. The octocopter design may provide enhanced stability and redundancy, allowing the drone to maintain its position and continue operating even in extreme weather conditions. The redundancy offered by the eight rotors may ensure that the drone can safely land in case of any single rotor failure, thereby increasing the reliability and safety of the system.

[0080] To further enhance the safety and reliability of the unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system 102, the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 may incorporate a fail-safe mechanism. This mechanism may be configured to automatically return the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 to the ground in case of a power failure or other critical issues. By autonomously navigating the drone to a safe landing spot, the fail-safe mechanism may help prevent accidents and minimize damage to the equipment.

[0081] The small cell 302 mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 may be capable of generating a 5G network that can be transmitted over a coverage distance having a range of 50 -150 meters. This localized 5G coverage may be sufficient to provide high-speed connectivity to users in the immediate vicinity of the unmanned aerial vehicle, such as in emergency situations or at large public gatherings.

[0082] The small cell 302 may have compact dimensions, with a length ranging from 200 to 102 mm, a width ranging from 200 to 102 mm, and a height ranging from 50 to 100 mm. The weight of the 5G small cell 302 may be in the range of 1 to 2 kg, making it lightweight and easily mountable on the unmanned aerial vehicle 310. The power consumption of the 5G small cell 302 may be in the range of 20 to 40 watts, ensuring efficient operation and extended flight times for the drone.

[0083] The UBR antenna 304, responsible for establishing the second network connection between the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 and the radio tower 308, may have a throughput in the range of 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps. This high throughput capability may enable the drone-based 5G network to support data- intensive applications and services, such as high-definition video streaming and real-time data analysis. The power consumption of the UBR antenna 304 may be in the range of 10 to 20 W, making it energy-efficient and suitable for use on battery-powered drones.

[0084] The UBR antenna 304 may have a weight in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 kg, contributing to the overall lightweight design of the unmanned aerial vehicle 310. It may operate in a frequency range of 5 to 6 GHz, which may be suitable for long-range backhaul communication. The output power of the UBR antenna 304 may be in the range of 20 to 30 dBm, providing sufficient signal strength for reliable communication with the radio tower 308.

[0085] In addition to the system 102, the present disclosure also encompasses a method for deploying the unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system 102. The method may involve flying the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 in the air and transferring power to it from the tethered station 316. The small 5G cell 302, mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle 310, may establish the first network connection with the user equipment 108, while the UBR antenna 304, also mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle 310, may establish the second network connection with the radio tower 308.

[0086] The method may further include executing programmed instructions stored in the memory 204 by the at least one processor 202. These instructions may enable the system 102 to receive signals from the user equipment 108 over the first network connection, send them to the radio tower 308 over the second network connection, and vice versa. This bi-directional communication may occur while the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 is in the air and the user equipment 108 is on the ground.

[0087] The method may utilize an unlicensed frequency band for transmitting signals over the second network connection, providing flexibility and cost-effectiveness in deploying the drone -based 5G network. The unlicensed band may be a 5G frequency band. The unmanned aerial vehicle 310, being a tethered drone unit, may fly at a height ’h’ of between 10-50 meters during the deployment process.

[0088] The method may involve establishing the first network connection using the 5G small cell 302 and the second network connection using the UBR antenna 304, both of which are mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle 310. The UBR antenna 304 may communicate with a transmitting unit at the radio tower 308 at a distance of between 500 meters to 2 km for backhaul communication. To ensure uninterrupted operation, the method may include supplying power to the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 and the associated radio equipment from a mobile battery charging station with a capacity of up to 10 kVA single phase, which is part of the tethered station 316. The power may be transferred via a wired connection 306.

[0089] As the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 used in the method may be an octocopter, the deployment process may involve maintaining redundancy and stability of the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 during extreme weather conditions. The octocopter design may help ensure reliable operation and minimize the risk of failure.

[0090] In case of a power failure or other critical issues, the method may include automatically returning the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 to the ground using a fail-safe mechanism incorporated in the unmanned aerial vehicle 310. This fail-safe mechanism may help prevent accidents and ensure the safety of the equipment and surrounding environment.

[0091] The method may also involve generating a 5G network using the 5G small cell 302 mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 and transmitting this 5G network over a coverage distance having a range of 50 meters. This localized 5G coverage may provide high-speed connectivity to users in the immediate vicinity of the drone during the deployment process. [0092] The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system 102 and the associated method may find applications in various scenarios where rapid deployment of 5G networks is required, such as in emergency situations, disaster relief operations, or large public gatherings. The drone -based approach may enable quick and flexible deployment of high-speed wireless connectivity, even in areas where traditional infrastructure may be damaged or unavailable.

[0093] The use of tethered drones, as described in the present disclosure, may offer several advantages over traditional deployment methods. The tethered connection may provide a stable and continuous power supply to the drone, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements and enabling extended operation times. Additionally, the tethered design may help in maintaining a reliable data connection between the drone and the ground station, ensuring high- quality backhaul communication.

[0094] The incorporation of the small 5G cell 302 and the UBR antenna 304 on the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 may allow for the establishment of a complete end-to-end 5G network, from the user equipment 108 to the radio tower 308. This integrated approach may simplify the deployment process and reduce the reliance on external infrastructure, making it suitable for use in remote or challenging environments.

[0095] The fail-safe mechanism integrated into the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 may enhance the overall safety and reliability of the system. In case of any unexpected events or failures, the mechanism may ensure that the drone can safely return to the ground, minimizing the risk of damage to the equipment or surrounding areas. This added layer of safety may be particularly important in emergency situations or densely populated areas.

[0096] The compact and lightweight design of the 5G small cell 302 and the UBR antenna 304 may contribute to the overall portability and ease of deployment of the unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system 102. The reduced size and weight of these components may allow for the use of smaller and more agile drones, which can be quickly transported and deployed in various locations.

[0097] The high throughput capability of the UBR antenna 304, ranging from 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps, may enable the drone-based 5G network to support a wide range of applications and services. From high-definition video streaming for real-time situational awareness to the transmission of critical data for emergency response coordination, the system may provide the necessary bandwidth and reliability to support diverse use cases.

[0098] The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system 102 and the associated method, as described in the present disclosure, may offer a novel and efficient solution for the rapid deployment of 5G networks in various scenarios. By leveraging the capabilities of tethered drones equipped with small 5G cells and high-throughput UBR antennas, the system may enable the establishment of reliable and high-speed wireless connectivity in emergency situations, disaster relief operations, and other challenging environments. The integrated design, failsafe mechanisms, and compact form factor of the system may contribute to its overall reliability, safety, and ease of use, making it a valuable tool for enhancing communication capabilities in critical situations.

[0099] In another embodiment, the present disclosure also provides a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon. When executed by at least one processor 202, these instructions cause the processor 202 to perform specific operations that enable the functioning of the unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system 102. The processor 202 receives signals from user equipment 108 over a first network connection established between the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 and the user equipment 108. This first network connection may be facilitated by a small 5G cell 302 mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle 310, which enables the user equipment 108 to connect to the drone-based 5G network. Upon receiving the signals from the user equipment 108, the processor 202 sends these signals to a radio tower 308 over a second network connection. This second network connection may be established between the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 and the radio tower 308 through an Ultra Broadband Radio (UBR) antenna 304, which may be also mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle 310. The UBR antenna 304 enables high-speed, long-range backhaul communication between the drone and the radio tower 308. Similarly, the processor 202 receives signals from the radio tower 308 over the second network connection and sends these signals to the user equipment 108 over the first network connection. This bi-directional communication flow allows the unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system 102 to provide seamless connectivity to the user equipment 108 on the ground, while the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 maintains its position in the air. Throughout this process, the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 receives a continuous power supply from a tethered station 316, ensuring uninterrupted operation of the drone -based 5G network.

[00100] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrates an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 310 and at least one user equipment (UE) 108, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The UAV 310 may be configured to fly in the air and establish a first 5G network connection with at least one user equipment (UE) 108 via the small 5G cell 302 mounted on the UAV 310. The UAV 310 also establishes a second network connection with at least one radio tower 308 via the Ultra Broadband Radio (UBR) antenna 304 also mounted on the UAV 310. FIG. 4A shows the UAV 310 flying at heights of 9 meters and 25 meters.

[00101] The UAV wireless backhaul system 102 provides temporary 5G network coverage in emergency situations, which helps rebuild 5G coverage in catastrophic situations. This reduces response and recovery time for immediate relief efforts. The tethered station 316 transfers power to the UAV 310 to keep it flying in the air and operating. FIG. 4B illustrates the user interface presenting the 5G throughput achieved on the ground by the UEs 108 via the first network connection from the small 5G cell 302 on the UAV 310. [00102] The small 5G cell 302 mounted on the tethered drone UAV 310 was tested at various heights to validate 5G coverage and performance. A walk test was conducted on the ground with the UAV 310 stationed at heights of 9 meters and 15 meters. When the UAV 310 was at 9 meters height at a stationary location, a 650 Mbps downlink throughput and 60 Mbps uplink throughput was achieved by the UEs 108 on the ground via the first 5G network connection from the small 5G cell 302. During the walk test, an average throughput of 250 Mbps was observed as shown in Table 1 (shown below). Additionally, a multi-UE downlink throughput test was performed under stationary conditions with 70 dBm coverage from the small 5G cell 302. Each UE 108 achieved 110 Mbps downlink throughput, resulting in a combined 660 Mbps downlink throughput. The terms used in 5G testing to validate 5G coverage and performance may be defined as below:

• Downlink (DL): The transmission of data from the base station (in this case, the small 5G cell 302) to the user equipment (UE) devices.

• Synchronization Signal Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SS- SINR): A measure of the quality of the synchronization signal, which is used for cell search and initial access.

• Synchronization Signal Reference Signal Received Power (SS-RSRP): The average power of the resource elements that carry the synchronization signal.

• Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP): A measure of the average power of the reference signals received by the UE from a single reference signal source.

Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH): The main downlink data channel in 5G NR (New Radio) that carries user data. • Block Error Rate (BLER): The ratio of the number of erroneous blocks to the total number of blocks received.

• Resource Block (RB): The smallest unit of resource allocation in the frequency domain, consisting of 12 subcarriers. • Rank Indicator (RI): A value reported by the UE to indicate the number of layers that can be supported in the downlink transmission.

• Channel Quality Indicator (CQI): A feedback value reported by the UE to indicate the quality of the downlink channel, which helps the base station to select an appropriate modulation and coding scheme. • Resource Element (RE): The smallest unit of resource in the time-frequency grid, consisting of one subcarrier and one symbol.

Table 1

[00103] FIGs. 5A-5C illustrate exemplary user interfaces or the unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system 102 for deploying drone-based 5G networks, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. [00104] FIG. 5A illustrates a user interface depicting the at least one user equipment (UE) 108 achieving maximum throughput of 600 Mbps downlink and 60 Mbps uplink via the first 5G network connection from the small 5G cell 302 mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 310.

[00105] FIG. 5B illustrates the tethered UAV 310 with the small 5G cell 302 and the UBR antenna 304 mounted on it. The UBR antenna 304 may be installed at a distance of 1 km from the at least one radio tower 308 to establish the second network connection for backhaul communication.

[00106] FIG. 5C illustrates the UBR antenna, model A6, mounted on the at least one radio tower 308 at a test site to receive the backhaul from the UAV's 310 UBR antenna 304.

[00107] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary computer system (600) in which or with which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The computer system (600) may include an external storage device (610), a bus (620), a main memory (630), a read-only memory (640), a mass storage device (650), a communication port (660), and a processor (670). A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the computer system (600) may include more than one processor (670) and communication port (660). The processor (670) may include various modules associated with embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the computer system (600) may be used to implement the system (102) described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, including the processors (202), memory (204), interfaces (206), processing engines (208), and database (218).

[00108] In an embodiment, the communication port (660) may be any of an RS-232 port for use with a modem-based dialup connection, a 10/100 Ethernet port, a Gigabit or 10 Gigabit port using copper or fiber, a serial port, a parallel port, or other existing or future ports. The communication port (660) may be chosen depending on a network, such as a Focal Area Network (FAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or any network to which the computer system (600) connects. In an embodiment, the communication port (660) may support wireless communication protocols, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks (e.g., 4G, 5G), enabling the computer system (600) to connect to wireless networks and devices.

[00109] In an embodiment, the main memory (630) may be Random Access Memory (RAM), or any other dynamic storage device commonly known in the art. The read-only memory (640) may be any static storage device(s), e.g., but not limited to, a Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM) chip for storing static information, e.g., start-up or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) instructions for the processor (670). In an embodiment, the main memory (630) and the read-only memory (640) may be part of the memory (204) in FIG. 2, storing instructions and data for the functioning of the system (102).

[00110] In an embodiment, the mass storage (650) may be any current or future mass storage solution, which may be used to store information and/or instructions. Exemplary mass storage solutions include, but are not limited to, Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA) or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) hard disk drives or solid-state drives (internal or external, e.g., having Universal Serial Bus (USB) and/or Firewire interfaces), one or more optical discs, Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) storage, e.g., an array of disks (e.g., SATA arrays). In an embodiment, the mass storage (650) may be used to implement the database (218) in FIG. 2, storing the data generated by the network (104) and processed by the system (102).

[00111] In an embodiment, the bus (620) communicatively couples the processor(s) (670) with the other memory, storage, and communication blocks. The bus (620) may be, e.g., a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)/PCI Extended (PCI-X) bus, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Universal Serial Bus (USB) or the like, for connecting expansion cards, drives, and other subsystems as well as other buses, such as a front side bus (FSB), which connects the processor (670) to the computer system (600). In an embodiment, the bus (620) may be used to implement the interfaces (206) in FIG. 2, providing communication pathways between the processors (202), processing engines (208), database (218), and other components of the system (102).

[00112] Optionally, operator and administrative interfaces, e.g., a display, keyboard, joystick, and a cursor control device, may also be coupled to the bus (620) to support direct operator interaction with the computer system (600). Other operator and administrative interfaces may be provided through network connections connected through the communication port (660).

[00113] Now referring to FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method for deploying an unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00114] In step 702, the method for deploying an unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system 102 begins with flying an unmanned aerial vehicle 310 in the air. The unmanned aerial vehicle 310 is equipped with the necessary components and capabilities to establish and maintain network connections while in flight.

[00115] At step 70 to ensure a continuous power supply, the method involves transferring power to the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 from a tethered station 316. The tethered station 316 provides a stable and reliable power source, enabling the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 to operate for extended periods without the need for frequent battery replacements or recharging.

[00116] In step 706 once the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 is in the air and powered, the method proceeds to establish a first network connection between a small cell 302 mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 and at least one user equipment 108. The small cell 302, which is a compact and lightweight 5G base station, enables the user equipment 108 to connect to the drone -based wireless network.

[00117] In step 708 in addition to the first network connection, the method also involves establishing a second network connection between an Ultra Broadband Radio (UBR) antenna 304 mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 and at least one radio tower 308. The UBR antenna 304 facilitates high-speed, long-range backhaul communication between the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 and the radio tower 308, enabling the integration of the drone -based network with the existing telecommunications infrastructure.

[00118] At step 710, with the network connections established, the method proceeds to execute programmed instructions stored in a memory 204 by at least one processor 202. These instructions govern the operation of the unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system 102, including the management of signal transmission and reception.

[00119] At step 712, the processor 202 receives at least one signal from the user equipment 108 over the first network connection established by the small cell 302. Upon receiving this signal, the processor 202 sends it to the radio tower 308 over the second network connection established by the UBR antenna 304. This step enables the user equipment 108 to communicate with the broader telecommunications network via the drone -based wireless backhaul system.

[00120] At step 714, Conversely, the processor 202 also receives at least one signal from the radio tower 308 over the second network connection. The processor 202 then sends this signal to the user equipment 108 over the first network connection. This step completes the bi-directional communication flow, allowing the user equipment 108 to receive data and services from the telecommunications network via the drone -based wireless backhaul system.

[00121] In another embodiment, the present disclosure also describes a user equipment 108 that is communicatively coupled to a network through an unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system 102. The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system 102 comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle 310, which plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining the communication link between the user equipment 108 and the network. The process of communicative coupling involves several steps. First, the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 receives a connection request from the user equipment 108. This request indicates the user equipment's intention to connect to the network via the drone-based wireless backhaul system. Upon receiving the connection request, the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 sends an acknowledgment back to the user equipment 108. This acknowledgment confirms that the connection request has been received and accepted by the unmanned aerial vehicle 310. Following the acknowledgment, the unmanned aerial vehicle 310 begins transmitting a plurality of signals to the user equipment 108 in response to the connection request. These signals are sent through a first network connection, which is established based on the method for deploying the unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system 102.

[00122] The method and system of the present disclosure may be implemented in a number of ways. For example, the methods and systems of the present disclosure may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of software, hardware, and firmware. The above-described order for the steps of the method is for illustration only, and the steps of the method of the present disclosure are not limited to the order specifically described above unless specifically stated otherwise. Further, in some embodiments, the present disclosure may also be embodied as programs recorded in a recording medium, the programs including machine-readable instructions for implementing the methods according to the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure also covers a recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to the present disclosure.

[00123] The present disclosure provides technical advancement related to providing network connectivity to users during emergencies or in disaster-struck regions. This advancement addresses the limitations or lack of network connectivity in the disaster-struck regions. The disclosure addresses the immediate need for connectivity and seamlessly provides reliable network connectivity, ensuring that signals from user equipment are reliably transmitted to radio towers and vice versa, with drones acting as intermediaries. The disclosure provides a cost-effective solution as it does not require building permanent network infrastructure and can offer quick connectivity.

[00124] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as limitation.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[00125] An object is to provide mobility, scalability, and adaptability to enable effective usage which can be mounted in a vehicle, or boat or directly placed at land, with the only requirement being a continuous power supply through battery or direct 3-phase supply.

[00126] It increases endurance by facilitating more missions. The unmanned aerial vehicle can remain in the air for as long as required ranging to a couple of days depending on the performance of motors and propellers.

[00127] It enables ease of use, requiring minimum manual intervention due to the automated Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) control mechanism and ability to adapt to weather conditions.

[00128] It provides a cost-effective solution in comparison to traditional Cell on Wheels (COW) or permanent sites, as it does not require building permanent network infrastructure, especially in remote or low-traffic areas.

[00129] It can alternatively be used for providing 5G services for scenarios such as large events by rapidly deploying to the event location.

Claims

1. An unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102), comprising: an unmanned aerial vehicle (310) configured to establish a first network connection with at least one user equipment (108) via a small cell (302), and establish a second network connection with at least one radio tower (308) via an Ultra Broadband Radio (UBR) antenna (304), wherein the small cell (302) and the UBR antenna (304) are mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle (310); a tethered station (316) configured to transfer power to the unmanned aerial vehicle (310); a memory (204); and at least one processor (202) configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory (204) for: receiving at least one signal from the at least one user equipment (108) over the first network connection, and sending the at least one signal to the at least one radio tower (308) over the second network connection; and receiving at least one signal from the at least one radio tower (308) over the second network connection and sending the at least one signal to the at least one user equipment (108) over the first network connection, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle (310) is in the air and the at least one user equipment (108) is on the ground.

2. The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second network connection uses an unlicensed frequency band for transmitting the at least one signal.

3. The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle (310) is a tethered drone unit configured to fly at a height ‘h’ meter, wherein the height ’h’ is between 10 - 50 meters.

4. The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first network connection is established using the small cell (302) mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle (310), wherein the small cell is a 5G small cell.

5. The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the 5G small cell (302) comprises: a) a radio frequency band of 3.3 - 3.6 GHz (3GPP n78); b) a channel bandwidth between 50 - 200 MHz; c) a total transmit power between 10 - 24 dBm; d) 2T2R transmi t/receive chains; and e) an omnidirectional antenna.

6. The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second network connection is established using an Ultra Broadband Radio (UBR) antenna (304) mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle (310).

7. The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the UBR antenna (304) is configured to communicate with a transmitting unit at the at least one radio tower (308) at a distance between 500 meters to 2 km for backhaul communication.

8. The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tethered station (316) comprises a mobile battery charging station up to 10 kVA single phase for supplying uninterrupted power to the unmanned aerial vehicle (310) and radio equipment via a wired connection (306).

9. The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle (310) is an octocopter configured to maintain redundancy and stability.

10. The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle (310) comprises a fail-safe mechanism configured to automatically return the unmanned aerial vehicle (310) to the ground in case of power failure.

11. The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the 5G small cell (302) is configured to generate a 5G network that is transmitted over a coverage distance having a range of 50 - 150 meters.

12. The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the 5G small cell (302) has dimensions in a range of 200 to 102 mm in length, 200 to 102 mm in width, and 50 to 100 mm in height, weighs in a range of 1 to 2 kg, and has a power consumption in a range of 20 to 40 watts.

13. The unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the UBR antenna (304) has a throughput in a range of 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps, power consumption in a range of 10 to 20 W, weight in a range of 0.5 to 1.5 kg, operates in a frequency range of 5 to 6 GHz, and has an output power in a range of 20 to 30 dBm.

14. A method (700) for deploying an unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102), the method comprising: flying (702) an unmanned aerial vehicle (310) in the air; transferring (704) power to the unmanned aerial vehicle (310) from a tethered station (316); establishing (706), by a small cell (302), a first network connection with at least one user equipment (108), wherein the small cell (302) is mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle (310); establishing (708), by an Ultra Broadband Radio (UBR) antenna (304), a second network connection with at least one radio tower (308), wherein the UBR antenna (304) are mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle (310); executing (710) programmed instructions stored in a memory (204) by at least one processor (202) for: receiving (712) at least one signal from the at least one user equipment (108) over the first network connection, and sending the at least one signal to the at least one radio tower (308) over the second network connection; and receiving (714) at least one signal from the at least one radio tower (308) over the second network connection and sending the at least one signal to the at least one user equipment (108) over the first network connection, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle (310) is in the air and the at least one user equipment (108) is on the ground.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, comprising using an unlicensed frequency band for transmitting the at least one signal over the second network connection.

16. The method as claimed in claim 14, comprising flying the unmanned aerial vehicle (310), wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle (310) is a tethered drone unit, at a height ‘h’ meter, wherein the height 'h' is between 10 - 50 meters.

17. The method as claimed in claim 14, comprising establishing the first network connection using the small cell (302) mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle (310), wherein the small cell is a 5G small cell.

18. The method as claimed in claim 14, comprising establishing the second network connection using the Ultra Broadband Radio (UBR) antenna (304) mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle (310).

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, comprising communicating, by the UBR antenna (304), with a transmitting unit at the at least one radio tower (308) at a distance between 500 meters to 2 km for backhaul communication.

20. The method as claimed in claim 14, comprising supplying uninterrupted power to the unmanned aerial vehicle (310) and radio equipment from a mobile battery charging station up to 10 kVA single phase in the tethered station (316) via a wired connection (306).

21. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle (310) is an octocopter, comprising maintaining redundancy and stability of the unmanned aerial vehicle (310).

22. The method as claimed in claim 14, comprising automatically returning the unmanned aerial vehicle (310) to the ground in case of power failure using a fail-safe mechanism in the unmanned aerial vehicle (310).

23. The method as claimed in claim 17, comprising generating a 5G network using the 5G small cell (302) and transmitting the 5G network over a coverage distance having a range of 50 - 150 meters.

24. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer- readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor (202), cause the at least one processor (202) to perform operations comprising: receiving at least one signal from at least one user equipment (108) over a first network connection established between an unmanned aerial vehicle (310) and the at least one user equipment (108) via a small cell (302) mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle (310); sending the at least one signal received from the at least one user equipment (108) to at least one radio tower (308) over a second network connection established between the unmanned aerial vehicle (310) and the at least one radio tower (308) via an Ultra Broadband Radio (UBR) antenna (304) mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle (310); receiving at least one signal from the at least one radio tower (308) over the second network connection; and sending the at least one signal received from the at least one radio tower (308) to the at least one user equipment (108) over the first network connection, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle (310) is configured to receive power from a tethered station (316) while the unmanned aerial vehicle (310) is in the air and the at least one user equipment (108) is on the ground.

25. A user equipment (108) communicatively coupled to a network through an unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102) comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (310), the communicative coupling comprising: receiving, by the unmanned aerial vehicle (310), a connection request; sending, by the unmanned aerial vehicle (310), an acknowledgment of the connection request to the user equipment (108); and transmitting a plurality of signals in response to the connection request through a first network connection established based on a method for deploying the unmanned vehicle wireless backhaul system (102) as claimed in claim 14.