Advancements in Long-Range Drone Communication (2024)

Using cellular networks to provide a more reliable and longer range communication link between drones and ground stations compared to traditional methods like radio. The system uses cellular modems in the drone and ground station to send compressed video and flight control commands over the cellular network. The link is managed to adapt to variable network conditions and maintain a connection.

Using existing mobile network infrastructure to create a centralized control system for remotely piloted aircraft (SAPRs) to enable safe beyond line of sight operation. The system uses the same infrastructure used by phones and leverages the existing SIM cards, cellular towers, and network functionality to track and control the SAPRs. The centralized system takes travel requests from SAPR operators and plans routes that avoid conflicts. It then monitors and guides the SAPRs along the approved routes using the cellular network.

A drone that can be controlled over a mobile network using Internet protocols instead of a limited-range radio-frequency controller. The drone has a network adapter that allows it to receive commands over the mobile network and actuate its functions accordingly. This enables extended-range drone operations beyond the limits of a radio controller.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that has a built-in dual-band antenna to provide improved wireless communication performance. The antenna has a first microstrip antenna for a lower frequency band (e.g. 900 MHz) and a second microstrip antenna for a higher frequency band (e.g. 2.4 GHz). The first antenna is placed in the UAV arm and the second antenna in the landing gear. This arrangement allows the larger lower frequency antenna to be protected from internal electromagnetic interference of wires and components, while the smaller higher frequency antenna is in a more complex environment.

Communication system for unmanned aerial vehicles that provides reliable and fail-safe communication between the UAV and ground control. The system uses two separate communication channels/frequencies, such as C-band and UHF, for transmitting control signals. An onboard communication apparatus on the UAV and a ground communication apparatus communicate over these two preset frequency bands. This dual-frequency setup ensures stable communication without loss or interference even in emergencies or congested environments.

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication system that enables reliable data communication between the UAV and a ground station. The system uses dual-link communication where a low-throughput link is maintained continuously to send flight commands from the ground station to the UAV. The UAV also has a high-throughput link to opportunistically transfer aerial data to the ground station when possible. This leverages intermittent high-bandwidth links to maximize data transfer while ensuring continuous reliable command reception.

A drone with a reconfigurable antenna system that can steer beams without rotating the entire drone. This is done by having the antenna panel move relative to the drone body into different positions. The drone has a motorized mechanism to control the antenna panel position. The drone's control system can then select the best beam direction for communication and move the antenna panel to steer the beams in that direction.

Dynamic beam steering between UAVs and ground stations for stable and efficient communication links as the UAV moves. The antenna of the UAV and ground station can dynamically adjust to maintain the best signal strength and quality as the UAV's position changes.

Managing wireless connections of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to reduce interference and improve communication reliability. The method involves reserving network resources across multiple cells in a wireless network based on UAV flight plans. This allows the UAV to use the same set of resources as it moves between cells. Coordinating resource reservations prevents resource collisions that cause interference and disruption.

System for managing interference between base stations serving flying aerial devices like drones. The system schedules when each base station can provide service to avoid interference. The airspace is divided into over-the-air areas and each area is served by a specific set of base stations. The base stations are scheduled to provide service in specific time grids so that only one set is active at a time. This prevents multiple base stations from simultaneously serving the same area and interfering with each other's signals.

Implementing a wireless communication network using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that provides optimized coverage for terrestrial areas. The network uses distributed optimization techniques to coordinate the UAVs for backhaul, access, and core functions in order to provide seamless wireless coverage.

Communication system between an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a ground station that uses frequency bands to safely control the UAV. The system has an onboard communication apparatus on the UAV and a ground communication apparatus. They communicate with each other using a preset frequency band that is separate from other signals to avoid interference. The onboard apparatus receives control signals from the ground station using the dedicated frequency band. This provides secure and reliable communication to ensure safe operation of the UAV.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control system and method for real-time, long-distance control and image transmission of UAVs beyond the range of direct radio control. The system uses a ground control device connected to the internet and relay stations to communicate with the UAV over long distances. The ground control device controls the UAV and receives images through the relay stations acting as intermediaries. The relay stations are also connected to the ground control device via a local network or internet.

Optimizing data transmission between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and cellular networks to ensure critical command and control data gets priority over payload data. The UAV has two communication modules, one optimized for narrowband cellular and one for broadband cellular. It uses the narrowband module to transmit command and control data, reserving the broadband module for payload data. This ensures critical control signals always get through, even in low bandwidth situations.

Controlling transmit power in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control system to increase link availability and minimize interference. The power control involves checking the maximum transmit power, margin value, required power, and comparing to determine the appropriate transmit power.

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) tethered to a ground-based station by a tether containing power lines and fiber optics. The tethered UAV can maintain communication over a longer range than its onboard radios allow by relaying signals through the fiber optic tether. The tether also supplies power to the UAV.

Ensuring continuous UAV communication coverage by strategically placing relays along a UAV's flight path to facilitate communication between the UAV and public cellular networks. The locations of the relays are determined based on existing cell signal distribution along the flight path. When cell coverage is insufficient, the UAV communicates with the relays via WiFi instead. The relays receive the WiFi signals and relay them over cellular to maintain continuous network connectivity while the UAV flies.

Enabling drones to optimize wireless communication performance when operating in cellular networks. The drone adjusts its measurement and reporting of network signal quality based on its flight dynamics. This allows the drone to avoid excessive handover attempts as it moves rapidly in 3D space which can degrade network performance. The drone reports signal quality when stationary and reduces reporting when moving quickly to avoid unnecessary handovers.

A system for remotely piloted aerial vehicle telemetry recording that ensures safe and controlled operation of the aerial vehicle from a ground control station. It receives and stores command signals from the ground station as well as telemetry data from the aerial vehicle. The telemetry data is compared to the commands to ensure proper operation. It also compares the telemetry to historical data and information about high-value assets to identify threats.