{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854408","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854408","title":"Deploying cell on drone or droneap to mitigate radio capacity and coverage issues","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-02-18T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04W","G05D","H04B","H04L","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"Embodiments herein describe a system that includes an autonomous vehicle (referred to herein as a drone) which is controlled by a self-organizing network (SON) to expand the capabilities of a cellular network in real time. In one embodiment, the SON monitors the cellular network and identifies congestion or capacity issues where the cell towers covering the geographic region may be unable to satisfy the large number of requests for data by the users in the region. Once a congestion or capacity issue is detected, the SON determines whether dispatching a drone access point (AP) may improve or resolve the issue. In one example, the drone AP is an autonomous vehicle that includes a radio that permits the drone to serve as a mobile cell site for the cellular network."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Deploying Cell on Drone or Droneap to Mitigate Radio Capacity and Coverage Issues patent introduces a system that utilizes autonomous drones to dynamically expand cellular network capabilities in real-time. The core innovation lies in using a self-organizing network (SON) to monitor network performance and dispatch drone access points (APs) to areas experiencing congestion or capacity issues. This approach solves the problem of inadequate cellular coverage and capacity in densely populated areas or during peak usage times, where traditional cell towers may be insufficient. \n\nThe key technical approach involves equipping drones with radios, enabling them to serve as mobile cell sites. The SON continuously monitors the network, identifies areas of need, and directs the drones to those locations. This allows for rapid and flexible deployment of additional capacity exactly where and when it is required. \n\nThe business value of this technology is significant. It offers a cost-effective and scalable solution to network congestion, improving user experience and increasing customer satisfaction. Potential applications include providing enhanced coverage at large events, supporting disaster relief efforts, and augmenting existing infrastructure in urban areas. The market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for reliable and high-speed mobile connectivity continues to grow. This innovation allows for targeted investment in capacity only where needed, rather than broad infrastructure upgrades. The system provides seamless integration with existing networks, reducing implementation costs and time.","layman_explanation":"The Deploying Cell on Drone or Droneap to Mitigate Radio Capacity and Coverage Issues patent addresses the problem of cellular network congestion in areas with high user density or during peak usage times. Existing solutions, such as building more cell towers, are often expensive and time-consuming. This patent offers a more flexible and scalable alternative. \n\nThe invention uses autonomous drones equipped with cellular radios to act as mobile cell sites. These drones are controlled by a self-organizing network (SON) that monitors network performance in real-time. When the SON detects congestion in a particular area, it dispatches a drone to that location to provide additional cellular capacity. The drone effectively acts as a temporary cell tower, increasing the available bandwidth and improving network performance for users in the area. \n\nThis technology matters because it allows mobile network operators to dynamically adjust their network capacity to meet changing demand. It offers a cost-effective way to improve user experience, reduce churn, and generate new revenue streams. The potential market impact is significant, as the demand for mobile data continues to grow. \n\nFuture applications of this technology include providing enhanced coverage at large events, supporting disaster relief efforts, and augmenting existing infrastructure in urban areas. The market adoption timeline will depend on factors such as regulatory approvals, technological advancements, and market demand. Investment implications include the potential for significant returns for companies that develop and deploy this technology.","technical_analysis":"The Deploying Cell on Drone or Droneap to Mitigate Radio Capacity and Coverage Issues patent details a system for dynamically augmenting cellular network capacity using autonomous drones. The system architecture comprises a self-organizing network (SON), drone access points (APs), and existing cellular infrastructure. The SON continuously monitors network performance metrics such as signal strength, traffic volume, and user density. It employs algorithms to detect congestion or capacity shortfalls and determine the optimal placement of drone APs to address these issues. \n\nThe drone APs are equipped with radios that operate within the same frequency bands as the existing cellular network. They communicate with the SON via a dedicated communication channel, receiving instructions on their deployment location, transmit power, and other operating parameters. The drones utilize GPS and onboard sensors for autonomous navigation and positioning. \n\nThe implementation involves integrating the drone APs with the existing cellular network infrastructure. This requires careful coordination of frequency allocation, handover procedures, and network management protocols. The patent describes techniques for ensuring seamless integration and minimizing interference. \n\nPerformance characteristics of the system depend on factors such as drone battery life, communication range, and the density of drone AP deployments. The patent outlines methods for optimizing these parameters to maximize network capacity and coverage. Code-level implications involve developing software for the SON to manage drone deployment, monitor network performance, and coordinate handover procedures. The technology has the potential to significantly improve cellular network performance in challenging environments.","business_analysis":"The Deploying Cell on Drone or Droneap to Mitigate Radio Capacity and Coverage Issues patent presents a compelling business opportunity within the telecommunications industry. The market for mobile network optimization is substantial and growing, driven by increasing demand for high-speed data and reliable connectivity. This technology addresses a key pain point for mobile network operators (MNOs): the need to dynamically scale capacity to meet fluctuating demand. \n\nThe competitive advantages of this system include its flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods of expanding cellular capacity, such as building new cell towers. The system can be deployed rapidly and targeted to specific areas of need, minimizing capital expenditure and maximizing return on investment. \n\nThe revenue potential for this technology is significant. MNOs can use it to improve customer satisfaction, reduce churn, and attract new subscribers. It can also be offered as a managed service to event organizers, municipalities, and other organizations that require temporary network augmentation. \n\nPotential business models include direct sales of drone APs, licensing of the underlying technology, and offering a cloud-based platform for managing drone deployments. Strategic positioning involves targeting MNOs in densely populated urban areas, as well as those serving large events or disaster-prone regions. ROI projections suggest that this technology can deliver significant cost savings and revenue gains for MNOs.","faqs":null,"topics":["drone cell network","radio capacity","network coverage","self-organizing network","autonomous vehicle","deploying","drone","droneap"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Drone Cell Network - Patent US-9854408","description":"Discover how Deploying Cell on Drone or Droneap to Mitigate Radio Capacity and Coverage Issues uses drones to mitigate radio capacity issues. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details.","keywords":["drone cell network","radio capacity","network coverage","self-organizing network","autonomous vehicle","patent","patent US-9854408"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854408","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854408","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Deploying cell on drone or droneap to mitigate radio capacity and coverage issues\" (US-9854408). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854408","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854408","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854408","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T17:21:26.090Z"}