Techniques and apparatuses to improve drone-mounted user equipment performance

A method, an apparatus, a base station, user equipment, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. In some aspects, the apparatus may identify a user equipment as a drone-mounted user equipment, and/or may configure one or more parameters associated with the user equipment based at least in part on identifying the user equipment as a drone-mounted user equipment. In some aspects, the apparatus may determine, for a user equipment mounted on a drone, that a threshold is satisfied with regard to an uplink throughput, a downlink throughput, a signal strength, or a signal quality associated with the user equipment, and/or may configure a transmission power parameter or a measurement reporting parameter based at least in part on determining that the threshold is satisfied.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems, and more particularly, to techniques and apparatuses for improving drone-mounted user equipment (UE) performance.

Background

SUMMARY

In an aspect of the disclosure, a method, an apparatus, and a computer program product are provided.

In some aspects, the method may include identifying, by a base station, a user equipment (UE) as a drone-mounted UE; and/or configuring, by the base station, one or more parameters associated with the UE based at least in part on identifying the UE as a drone-mounted UE.

In some aspects, the apparatus may include a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to identify a UE as a drone-mounted UE; and/or configure one or more parameters associated with the UE based at least in part on identifying the UE as a drone-mounted UE.

In some aspects, the apparatus may include means for identifying a UE as a drone-mounted UE; and/or means for configuring one or more parameters associated with the UE based at least in part on identifying the UE as a drone-mounted UE.

In some aspects, the method may include determining, by a UE mounted on a drone, that a threshold is satisfied with regard to an uplink throughput, a downlink throughput, a signal strength, or a signal quality associated with the UE; and/or configuring, by the UE, a transmission power or a measurement reporting parameter based at least in part on determining that the threshold is satisfied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The E-UTRAN includes the evolved Node B (eNB)106and other eNBs108, and may include a Multicast Coordination Entity (MCE)128. The eNB106provides user and control planes protocol terminations toward the UE102. The eNB106may be connected to the other eNBs108via a backhaul (e.g., an X2 interface). The MCE128allocates time/frequency radio resources for evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) (eMBMS), and determines the radio configuration (e.g., a modulation and coding scheme (MCS)) for the eMBMS. The MCE128may be a separate entity or part of the eNB106. The eNB106may also be referred to as a base station, a Node B, an access point, a base transceiver station, a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), or some other suitable terminology. The eNB106provides an access point to the EPC110for a UE102. Examples of UEs102include a cellular phone, a smart phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a satellite radio, a global positioning system, a multimedia device, a video device, a digital audio player (e.g., MP3 player), a camera, a game console, a tablet, or any other similar functioning device. The UE102may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communications device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology. In some aspects, the UE102may be mounted to, attached to, or integrated in a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In such a case, the UE102may be referred to as a drone-mounted UE, or DMUE.

The eNB106is connected to the EPC110. The EPC110may include a Mobility Management Entity (MME)112, a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)120, other MMEs114, a Serving Gateway116, a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) Gateway124, a Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC)126, and a Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway118. The MME112is the control node that processes the signaling between the UE102and the EPC110. Generally, the MME112provides bearer and connection management. All user IP packets are transferred through the Serving Gateway116, which itself is connected to the PDN Gateway118. The PDN Gateway118provides UE IP address allocation as well as other functions. The PDN Gateway118and the BM-SC126are connected to the IP Services122. The IP Services122may include the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a PS Streaming Service (PSS), and/or other IP services. The BM-SC126may provide functions for MBMS user service provisioning and delivery. The BM-SC126may serve as an entry point for content provider MBMS transmission, may be used to authorize and initiate MBMS Bearer Services within a PLMN, and may be used to schedule and deliver MBMS transmissions. The MBMS Gateway124may be used to distribute MBMS traffic to the eNBs (e.g.,106,108) belonging to a Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) area broadcasting a particular service, and may be responsible for session management (start/stop) and for collecting eMBMS related charging information.

FIG. 1is provided as an example. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described in connection withFIG. 1.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating an example of an access network200in an LTE network architecture. In this example, the access network200is divided into a number of cellular regions (cells)202. One or more lower power class eNBs208may have cellular regions210that overlap with one or more of the cells202. The lower power class eNB208may be a femto cell (e.g., home eNB (HeNB)), pico cell, micro cell, or remote radio head (RRH). The macro eNBs204are each assigned to a respective cell202and are configured to provide an access point to the EPC110for all the UEs206in the cells202. There is no centralized controller in this example of an access network200, but a centralized controller may be used in alternative configurations. The eNBs204are responsible for all radio related functions including radio bearer control, admission control, mobility control, scheduling, security, and connectivity to the Serving Gateway116. An eNB may support one or multiple (e.g., three) cells (also referred to as a sectors). The term “cell” can refer to the smallest coverage area of an eNB and/or an eNB subsystem serving a particular coverage area. Further, the terms “eNB,” “base station,” and “cell” may be used interchangeably herein.

FIG. 2is provided as an example. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described in connection withFIG. 2.

FIG. 3is provided as an example. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described in connection withFIG. 3.

FIG. 4is provided as an example. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described in connection withFIG. 4.

FIG. 5is provided as an example. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described in connection withFIG. 5.

Channel estimates derived by a channel estimator658from a reference signal or feedback transmitted by the eNB610may be used by the TX processor668to select the appropriate coding and modulation schemes, and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the TX processor668may be provided to different antenna652via separate transmitters654TX. Each transmitter654TX may modulate an RF carrier with a respective spatial stream for transmission.

FIG. 6is provided as an example. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described in connection withFIG. 6.

A drone (e.g., an unmanned aerial vehicle, or UAV) may be controlled by a UE mounted to, integrated with, and/or connected to the drone. Such a UE may be referred to herein as a drone-mounted UE, or DMUE. A controlling entity (e.g., a user of the drone, an administrator of a system that implements the drone, a control center that manages drone delivery or deployment, and/or the like) may control the drone via the DMUE (e.g., via an LTE network, a 5G network, or a network associated with another radio access technology). Thus, the drone may be controlled over large distances using a cellular network, even when line of sight and/or direct radio contact between the DMUE and the controlling entity are broken. This may enable package delivery, long-range transportation, and other useful services and implementations of drones.

DMUEs may present certain difficulties for a network operator. For example, a cellular network may be configured to provide coverage at ground-level and/or within buildings, and may be configured to compensate for some degree of obstruction of signals by buildings and/or the like (e.g., by transmitting at a high signal strength, by performing interference cancellation on the assumption that some degree of obstruction is present, etc.). A DMUE that is flying above such obstructions may be covered by several different cells. Therefore, some features of the DMUE, which may be configured for coverage by a small number of cells with some degree of obstruction, may not function properly. For example, the DMUE may experience poor RF quality, since no dominant interferer is established when the DMUE is covered by many cells at comparable power levels. As another example, the DMUE may experience a high rate of measurement report transmission and/or a ping-pong handover effect due to being covered by many cells at comparable power levels, which may drain battery of the DMUE. As more examples, a fast-moving DMUE may experience frequent satisfaction of measurement triggers and, therefore, frequent transmission of measurement reports, or a high rate of handover. Still further, the DMUE may cause uplink interference from cells that would otherwise be out of range of the DMUE.

Techniques and apparatuses, described herein, may identify a UE as a DMUE, and may configure the UE to improve performance, reduce battery usage, and reduce interference associated with the DMUE based at least in part on the UE being identified as a DMUE. For example, aspects described herein may limit transmit power of the DMUE, which may reduce interference at cells other than the serving cell of the DMUE. Additionally, or alternatively, aspects described herein may allocate a restricted set of RACH preambles for the DMUE, which may improve RACH performance of the DMUE when the DMUE is moving at a high rate of speed. Additionally, or alternatively, aspects described herein may allocate a particular band, set of resource blocks, and/or set of sub-frames to DMUEs, which may enable interference mitigation techniques to be employed for the DMUEs. Additionally, or alternatively, aspects described herein may reconfigure measurement reporting thresholds of the DMUE, which may reduce redundant measurement reporting by the DMUE. In this way, RF performance of the DMUE and the cellular network is improved, battery usage of the DMUE is reduced, and redundant measurement reporting by the DMUE is reduced relative to not using the techniques and apparatuses described herein.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bare diagrams of examples700of configuring a drone-mounted UE and/or a network to improve performance of the drone-mounted UE and/or the network. As shown,FIG. 7Aincludes a DMUE702. DMUE702may include a UE (e.g., the UE102) mounted to a drone. As further shown,FIG. 7Aincludes an eNB704. The eNB704may include, for example, eNB106and/or the like. For the purpose ofFIGS. 7A and 7B, assume that eNB704provides a serving cell of the DMUE702.

As shown inFIG. 7A, and by reference number706, the DMUE702may provide UE information to the eNB704. The UE information may include information to be used by the eNB704to identify the DMUE702as a DMUE, as described in more detail below. In some aspects, the eNB704may receive UE information from other sources, such as other eNBs704, a self-organizing network (SON) component, and/or the like.

In some aspects, the UE information may include measurement reports. For example, the UE information may identify a quantity of cells reported within a threshold power level of a serving cell of DMUE702. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE information may identify a pathloss of one or more cells that cover DMUE702. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE information may identify a signal quality variation based at least in part on network conditions (e.g., a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) metric and/or the like). In some aspects, the UE information may identify locations of cells that cover the DMUE702(e.g., of eNBs704that provide the cells). In some aspects, the UE information may identify a quantity of handovers per unit time. In some aspects, the UE information may identify a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) of one or more DMUEs702.

As shown inFIG. 7A, and by reference number708, the eNB704may identify the UE associated with DMUE704as a DMUE based at least in part on one or more parameters. Examples of the parameters are shown by reference numbers710through720, and are described in turn below.

As shown by reference number710, in some aspects, the eNB704may identify the DMUE702based at least in part on a quantity of cells reported with a threshold signal strength of a serving cell of the DMUE702. For example, when a threshold quantity of cells (e.g., 3 cells, 5 cells, and/or the like) are within a threshold signal strength (e.g., within 2 dBm, 3 dBm, 5 dBm, and/or the like) of a serving cell of the DMUE702, it may be assumed that the DMUE702is located above obstructions between the cells and the serving cell. Therefore, the eNB704may determine that the DMUE702is a DMUE when the threshold quantity of cells is within the threshold signal strength of the serving cell of the DMUE702(e.g., at a particular time, over a particular length of time, and/or the like). In some aspects, the eNB704may determine the signal strength of the other cells based at least in part on a measurement report received from the UE702that identifies the signal strength of the other cells.

As shown by reference number712, in some aspects, the eNB704may identify the DMUE702based at least in part on an average pathloss difference between a set of the top reported cells. A pathloss is a reduction in power density of a cellular signal as the cellular signal propagates through space. Pathloss may be caused by interferers or obstructions in the path of the cellular signal. The DMUE702may report pathloss values for a set of top reported cells (e.g., cells associated with highest signal strengths). The eNB704may identify the DMUE702as a DMUE702when an average pathloss difference between a set of top reported cells is less than a threshold, such as 3 dB, 5 dB, and/or the like. When the average pathloss difference is less than the threshold, it may be inferred that DMUE702is operating above obstructions that may cause differing pathloss values between the set of top cells. Therefore, the eNB704may determine that the DMUE702is a DMUE when the average pathloss difference between the set of top reported cells is lower than the threshold.

As shown by reference number714, in some aspects, the eNB704may identify the DMUE702based at least in part on an average reference signal received quality (RSRQ) variation in different network conditions. The different network conditions may include, for example, a lightly-loaded network condition, a moderately-loaded network condition, a heavily-loaded network condition, and/or the like. A DMUE702may experience less RSRQ variation than a UE102at ground level in different network conditions. Therefore, the eNB704may identify the DMUE702as a DMUE based at least in part on an RSRQ variance in different network conditions of the DMUE702being less than a threshold (e.g., less than 1 dB, 2 dB, 5 dB, and/or the like). The DMUE702may provide information identifying the RSRQ values as part of measurement reports of the DMUE702.

As shown by reference number716, in some aspects, the eNB704may identify the DMUE702based at least in part on a quantity of cells that are greater than a threshold distance from a serving cell of the DMUE702. For example, the eNB704may receive information identifying locations of cells that cover the DMUE702. When the DMUE702is covered by a threshold quantity of cells (e.g., 1 cell, 3 cells, and/or the like) that are greater than a threshold distance (e.g., 1 kilometer, 3 kilometers, 5 kilometers, and/or the like) from a serving cell of the DMUE702, it may be inferred that the DMUE702is at an altitude above obstructions that would otherwise obstruct signals of the threshold quantity of cells. Therefore, the eNB704may determine that the DMUE702is a DMUE when the eNB704determines that the DMUE702is covered by a threshold quantity of cells that are a threshold distance from a serving cell of the DMUE702.

As shown by reference number718, in some aspects, the eNB704may identify the DMUE702based at least in part on the DMUE702being associated with a threshold quantity of handovers in a particular time period. For example, a handover may be initiated when the DMUE702identifies a neighbor cell with a better signal strength than a serving cell of the DMUE702. When the DMUE702is covered by many neighbor cells due to a lack of obstructions, the DMUE702may experience frequent handover. Additionally, or alternatively, a DMUE702may experience frequent handover when a drone to which the DMUE702is mounted moves at high velocity through many cells. The eNB704may identify the DMUE702as a DMUE based at least in part on the DMUE702being associated with a threshold quantity of handovers (e.g., 3 handovers, 5 handovers, and/or the like) in a particular time period (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes, and/or the like).

As shown by reference number720, in some aspects, the eNB704may identify the DMUE702based at least in part on clustering of UEs according to signal to interference plus noise (SINR) and received signal reference power (RSRP) metrics of the UEs. For example, the eNB704may identify a set of UEs with similar RSRP metrics. When the set of UEs includes a subset of UEs that have SINR values that are similar to each other and lower than SINR values of the set of UEs by a threshold amount (e.g., 3 dB, 5 dB, or another value), the eNB704may identify the subset of UEs as DMUEs702.

In some aspects, the eNB704may determine that the DMUE702is a DMUE based at least in part on a combination of the above parameters. For example, the eNB704may assign respective score(s) for one or more of the above parameters, and may determine whether a UE is a DMUE based at least in part on combining the respective score(s). Additionally, or alternatively, the respective scores may be determined based at least in part on respective weights, such that one or more of the above parameters may be weighted to be more important or less important than another of the above parameters. In this way, the eNB704identifies a UE as a DMUE based at least in part on network performance metrics and cell locations associated with the UE, which saves time, network resources, and configuration resources that would otherwise be used to configure the DMUE702to identify itself as a DMUE (e.g., based at least in part on a signal indicating that the DMUE702is a DMUE, and/or the like).

As shown inFIG. 7B, the eNB704may configure one or more parameters associated with DMUE702based at least in part on identifying the UE as a DMUE702. Examples of the parameters are shown by reference numbers724through738, and are described in turn below. In some aspects, the eNB704may configure a single one of the parameters with regard to the DMUE702. In some aspects, the eNB704may configure multiple, different parameters, of the parameters listed below, with regard to the DMUE702. By configuring one or more of the parameters, the eNB704may improve performance and reduce battery consumption of the DMUE702, and/or may improve network performance of the eNB704and/or other network elements associated with a cellular network that covers the DMUE702relative to not configuring one or more of the parameters.

As shown by reference number724, in some aspects, the eNB704may configure the DMUE702to report a single reported cell as part of a measurement report provided by the DMUE702. For example, the DMUE702may transmit a measurement report when a measurement trigger is satisfied. The measurement trigger may be based at least in part on an order of the n strongest cells that cover the DMUE702changing. In other words, when a second-strongest cell that covers the DMUE702becomes a strongest cell that covers the DMUE702, or when a third-strongest cell that covers the DMUE702becomes a second-strongest cell, the DMUE702may collect measurement information for the cells covering the DMUE702, and may report the measurement information to the eNB704. When the order of strongest cells changes frequently, as may be expected for DMUE702, the DMUE702may transmit measurement reports frequently. By limiting n to 1, thus causing DMUE702to transmit measurement reports only when a strongest cell covering DMUE702changes, battery and processor resources of DMUE702are conserved, and network congestion is reduced relative to not limiting the transmission of measurement reports by DMUE702.

As shown by reference number726, in some aspects, the eNB704may configure a quantity of consecutive measurement reports to a particular value (e.g., 1, 3, and/or the like). For example, when a measurement trigger of the DMUE702is satisfied, the DMUE702may determine to transmit a quantity m of measurement reports over a particular length of time. Therefore, when the measurement trigger is frequently satisfied, as may be expected for DMUE702, the DMUE702may frequently transmit m measurement reports, which may use resources and battery power of the DMUE702and congest the cellular network. By reducing the quantity m to a value such as 1, 2, and/or the like, the eNB704may conserve resources that would otherwise be used to transmit repetitive measurement reports when a measurement trigger of the DMUE702are frequently triggered.

As shown by reference number728, in some aspects, the eNB704may configure the DMUE702to provide an A3 measurement report based at least in part on an A2 trigger condition. For example, an A2 measurement report may be triggered when a serving cell power and/or quality becomes worse than a threshold. An A3 measurement report may be triggered when a neighbor cell power and/or quality becomes better than a primary cell power and/or quality by a particular offset. Furthermore, the A3 measurement report may trigger handover from the primary cell to the neighbor cell. Therefore, the A3 measurement report may be frequently triggered, and handover may be frequently caused, due to the DMUE702being associated with many cells at similar power and/or quality levels. By configuring the A3 measurement report to be triggered based at least in part on the A2 trigger condition, the eNB704reduces handover and extraneous reporting of the DMUE702, which conserves network resources and DMUE702resources, and which conserves network resources that would otherwise be used to handle frequent handover of the DMUE702.

As shown by reference number730, in some aspects, the eNB704may configure a maximum allowable transmit power of the DMUE702. For example, signals transmitted by the DMUE702may not encounter interference due to obstructions, which may lead to interference at other eNBs704. By decreasing the maximum allowable transmit power of the DMUE702, the eNB704reduces interference at the other eNBs704due to the signals transmitted by the DMUE702. For example, different classes of UE may be associated with different maximum allowable transmit power, which may be denoted using a variable p.max. An eNB704may specify a value of p.max based at least in part on a band associated with a UE, channel conditions, and/or the like. In this case, the eNB704may specify a value of p.max to decrease a maximum allowable transmit power of the DMUE702. Thus, interference at other eNBs704originating from the DMUE702is reduced. This may be advantageous in situations where many DMUEs702are located in a particular area. By reducing maximum allowable transmit powers of the many DMUEs702, a cumulative effect of interference by the many DMUEs702is mitigated relative to not reducing the maximum allowable transmit powers.

As shown by reference number732, in some aspects, the eNB704may configure the DMUE702to use a restricted set of random access channel (RACH) process preambles. The DMUE702may establish uplink synchronization with the eNB704using the RACH process. To establish the uplink synchronization, the DMUE702may encode particular information into a RACH preamble to be transmitted at a start of the RACH process. In some aspects, the DMUE702may use an unrestricted set of RACH preambles, but such an approach may reduce efficiency of the RACH process when the DMUE702is moving at high speed. By configuring the DMUE702to use a restricted set of RACH preambles, the eNB704may improve RACH synchronization performance of the DMUE702, which, in turn, improves network and UE performance of the DMUE702.

As shown by reference number734, in some aspects, the eNB704may assign the DMUE702to one or more bands associated with DMUEs. For example, the eNB704may allocate network resources for UEs that are to communicate via the eNB704. The eNB704may allocate one or more bands to be used by DMUEs, including DMUE702. By allocating the one or more bands, the eNB704may isolate the DMUEs from bands associated with other UEs, which may reduce interference caused by the DMUEs.

As shown by reference number736, in some aspects, the eNB704may schedule one or more RBs, associated with DMUEs, for the DMUE702. For example, the eNB704may schedule a particular range of RBs for DMUEs, which may reduce uplink interference on other bands and/or other RBs within a band. Additionally, or alternatively, the eNB704may schedule one or more sub-frames for DMUEs, and may schedule communications for the DMUE702in the one or more sub-frames. This may also reduce uplink interference on other bands and/or other sub-frames associated with other UEs.

As shown by reference number738, in some aspects, the eNB704may activate a frequent handover mitigation feature with regard to the DMUE702. For example, the eNB704(or a SON system associated with the eNB704) may have one or more features to reduce frequency of handover of UEs (e.g., UEs associated with high speed flags, DMUEs, and/or the like). For example, the one or more features may include a feature to disallow a second handover within a particular length of time of a first handover, a feature to increase an offset of measurement values before handover is triggered, and/or the like. By activating the one or more frequent handover features, the eNB704may reduce network congestion and loading due to handover of DMUEs702.

In some aspects, the eNB704may configure a single one of the above-identified parameters. In some aspects, the eNB704may configure a plurality of the above-identified parameters. The above-identified parameters are examples of possible parameters that may be configured.

In some aspects, the eNB704may configure the one or more parameters based at least in part on a measurement or condition associated with the DMUE702and/or a network including the eNB704. For example, the eNB704may configure the DMUE702to reduce a quantity of reported cells and/or a quantity of consecutive measurement reports based at least in part on the eNB704determining that the DMUE702has transmitted a threshold quantity of measurement reports in a particular amount of time. Additionally, or alternatively, the eNB704may configure the DMUE702to provide an A3 measurement report based at least in part on an A2 measurement trigger based at least in part on the eNB704determining that the DMUE702has transmitted a threshold quantity of A3 measurement reports in a threshold amount of time. Additionally, or alternatively, the eNB704may configure the DMUE702to use the restricted set of RACH preambles and/or to activate the frequent handover mitigation feature based at least in part on the eNB704determining that the DMUE702is moving at a threshold speed. Additionally, or alternatively, the eNB704may configure a maximum allowable transmit power, a particular band for DMUEs, a particular set of RBs for DMUEs, and/or a particular set of sub-frames for DMUEs based at least in part on determining that DMUE702and/or other DMUEs are causing interference at other eNBs and/or other bands. In this way, effectiveness of configuration of the parameters may be improved by configuring parameters that are relevant to a detected condition associated with the DMUE702.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bare provided as examples. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described in connection withFIGS. 7A and 7B.

FIG. 8is a diagram of an example800of configuring a drone-mounted UE and/or a network to improve performance of the drone-mounted UE and/or the network. As shown,FIG. 8includes a DMUE802, which may include a UE102mounted to a drone. Additionally, or alternatively, the DMUE802may include DMUE702, apparatus1302/1302′, and/or the like. Furthermore,FIG. 8includes serving eNB804-1and non-neighbor eNBs804-2through804-N. Serving eNB804-1and non-neighbor eNBs804-2through804-X may include eNB106, other eNBs108, and/or the like. For example, serving eNB804-1may provide a serving cell of the DMUE802, and non-neighbor eNBs804-2through804-X may provide other cells that may not be neighbor cells of the serving cell. The non-neighbor eNBs804may be negatively impacted by interference or signals transmitted by the DMUE802. For example, since the DMUE802may be located above obstructions, signals from the DMUE802may reach farther than intended. This, in turn, may create interference at the non-neighbor eNBs804.

As shown inFIG. 8, and by reference number806, the DMUE802may determine that a DMUE threshold is satisfied with regard to downlink throughput, uplink throughput, signal strength, or signal quality. The DMUE threshold may be configured so that the DMUE threshold is likely to be satisfied when the DMUE802is located above obstructions of the cellular network. For example, the downlink throughput, uplink throughput, signal strength, or signal quality thresholds may include values that are higher than average values for the DMUE802.

As shown by reference number808, the DMUE802may limit a maximum allowable transmission power and/or a measurement reporting frequency based at least in part on the DMUE threshold being satisfied. In some aspects, the DMUE802may limit a maximum allowable transmission power. For example, when the DMUE802determines that the DMUE threshold is satisfied with regard to downlink throughput or uplink throughput, the DMUE802may report a reduced power headroom value. The reduced power headroom value may cause the serving eNB804-1to allocate a reduced maximum allowable transmission power for the DMUE802. By reducing the maximum allowable transmission power, the DMUE802may reduce interference at non-neighbor eNBs804.

In some aspects, the DMUE802may reduce a measurement reporting frequency. For example, as described above, a lack of obstructions around the DMUE802may cause the DMUE802to frequently transmit measurement reports, since the DMUE802is covered by many, different cells with similar signal strength or signal quality values. The DMUE802may reduce a measurement reporting frequency based at least in part on determining that the DMUE threshold is satisfied with regard to signal strength and/or signal quality. For example, the DMUE802may reduce a quantity of cells identified in a measurement report and/or may reduce a quantity of consecutive measurement reports. In this way, the DMUE802may reduce unnecessary measurement reporting, which reduces interference and load on the cellular network. Further, this may conserve processor and battery resources of the DMUE802.

As shown by reference number810, the DMUE802may transmit signals at a diminished transmission power and/or a diminished measurement reporting (MR) frequency. In this way, the DMUE802reduces interference and loading at non-neighbor eNBs804, which may be particularly beneficial when an area includes many DMUEs802.

FIG. 8is provided as an example. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described in connection withFIG. 8.

FIG. 9is a flow chart900of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a base station (e.g., the eNB106, the eNB704, the eNB804, the apparatus1102/1102′, and/or the like).

At910, the base station may identify a user equipment (UE) as a drone-mounted UE. For example, the base station may identify a DMUE as a DMUE based at least in part on measurement reporting of the DMUE, UE information associated with the DMUE, and/or information provided by other base stations regarding the DMUE, as described in more detail in connection withFIG. 7A.

At920, the base station may configure one or more parameters associated with the UE based at least in part on identifying the UE as a drone-mounted UE. For example, the base station may configure one or more parameters associated with the DMUE, or may cause the DMUE or another device to configure the one or more parameters, as described in more detail in connection withFIG. 7B.

In some aspects, configuring the one or more parameters associated with the DMUE may include configuring the DMUE to report a single cell measurement as part of a set of measurement reports of the DMUE. In some aspects, configuring the one or more parameters associated with the DMUE may include configuring the DMUE to provide a single measurement report based at least in part on a measurement trigger. In some aspects, configuring the one or more parameters associated with the DMUE may include configuring the DMUE to provide an A3 measurement report based at least in part on a measurement trigger associated with an A2 measurement report.

In some aspects, configuring the one or more parameters associated with the DMUE may include configuring the DMUE to limit a transmission power of the DMUE based at least in part on a power headroom or maximum transmission power of the DMUE.

In some aspects, configuring the one or more parameters associated with the DMUE may include configuring the DMUE to use a restricted set of RACH preambles. In some aspects, configuring the one or more parameters associated with the DMUE may include assigning the DMUE to a particular band based at least in part on the DMUE being identified as a DMUE. In some aspects, configuring the one or more parameters associated with the DMUE may include assigning one or more of a particular range of resource blocks or a particular range of sub-frames to the UE based at least in part on the UE being identified as a drone-mounted UE. In some aspects, configuring the one or more parameters associated with the DMUE may include configuring a frequent handover mitigation parameter to reduce handover of the DMUE.

In some aspects, the DMUE may be identified as a DMUE based at least in part on one or more of a threshold quantity of cells being identified as within a threshold signal strength of a serving cell of the UE, a path loss variation value of a set of cells satisfying a threshold, a path loss variation value of a set of cells satisfying a threshold, a signal quality variation value of a set of cells satisfying a threshold, one or more cells being identified as located within a threshold distance from a serving cell of the UE, a threshold quantity of handovers being performed in a particular length of time, or the UE being identified as included in a set of drone-mounted UEs based at least in part on a signal to interference and noise ratio and a signal strength of the set of drone-mounted UEs.

AlthoughFIG. 9shows example blocks of a method of wireless communication, in some aspects, the method may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those shown inFIG. 9. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more blocks shown inFIG. 9may be performed in parallel.

FIG. 10is a flow chart of a method1000of wireless communication. The method1000may be performed, for example, by a UE (e.g., the UE102, the apparatus1302/1302′, and/or the like).

At1010, the UE, which is mounted on a drone, may determine that a threshold is satisfied with regard to an uplink throughput, a downlink throughput, a signal strength, or a signal quality associated with the UE, as is described in more detail in connection withFIG. 8, above.

At1020, the UE may configure a transmission power parameter or a measurement reporting parameter based at least in part on determining that the threshold is satisfied. In some aspects, the UE may cause another device to configure the transmission power parameter and/or the measurement reporting parameter, as is also described in more detail in connection withFIG. 8, above.

In some aspects, configuring the transmission power parameter or the measurement reporting parameter may include configuring a maximum transmission power of the UE to less than a maximum allowable transmit power of the UE. In some aspects, configuring the transmission power parameter or the measurement reporting parameter may include configuring a measurement report to be provided by the UE only when the signal strength or the signal quality satisfies the threshold.

AlthoughFIG. 10shows example blocks of a method of wireless communication, in some aspects, the method may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those shown inFIG. 10. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more blocks shown inFIG. 10may be performed in parallel.

FIG. 11is a conceptual data flow diagram1100illustrating the data flow between different modules/means/components in an example apparatus1102. The apparatus1102may be an eNB (e.g., the eNB106,704,804, and/or the like). In some aspects, the apparatus1102includes a reception module1104, an identifying module1106, a configuring module1108, and/or a transmission module1110.

The reception module1104may receive signals1112from a UE1150(e.g., a UE102,702,802,1302/1302′, and/or the like). The signals1112may include uplink traffic, reference signals, measurement reports, and/or the like. The reception module1104may process the signals1112, and may provide data1114to the identifying module1106based at least in part on the signals1112. The data1114may identify measurement information, uplink communications, and/or the like.

The identifying module1106may identify the UE1150as a DMUE based at least in part on the data1114. The identifying module1106may provide data1116to the configuring module1108. The data1116may indicate that the UE1150is a DMUE, and/or may include part of or all of the information identified by data1114.

The configuring module1108may configure one or more parameters associated with the UE1150based at least in part on the data1116. For example, the configuring module1108may configure one or more components of the apparatus1102or another base station (e.g., the reception module1104, transmission module1110, and/or the like). Additionally, or alternatively, the configuring module1108may cause one or more components of the UE1150to be configured. The configuring module1108may provide data1118to the transmission module1110to cause the UE1150to be configured. The transmission module1110may transmit the data1118as signals1120.

The number and arrangement of modules shown inFIG. 11are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional modules, fewer modules, different modules, or differently arranged modules than those shown inFIG. 11. Furthermore, two or more modules shown inFIG. 11may be implemented within a single module, or a single module shown inFIG. 11may be implemented as multiple, distributed modules. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of modules (e.g., one or more modules) shown inFIG. 11may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of modules shown inFIG. 11.

FIG. 12is a diagram1200illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an apparatus1102′ employing a processing system1202. The apparatus1102′ may be reception module1104, identifying module1106, configuring module1108, and transmission module1110.

The processing system1202may be implemented with a bus architecture, represented generally by the bus1204. The bus1204may include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges depending on the specific application of the processing system1202and the overall design constraints. The bus1204links together various circuits including one or more processors and/or hardware modules, represented by the processor1206, the modules1104,1106,1108, and1110, and the computer-readable medium/memory1208. The bus1204may also link various other circuits such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art, and therefore, will not be described any further.

The processing system1202may be coupled to a transceiver1210. The transceiver1210is coupled to one or more antennas1212. The transceiver1210provides a means for communicating with various other apparatus over a transmission medium. The transceiver1210receives a signal from the one or more antennas1212, extracts information from the received signal, and provides the extracted information to the processing system1202, reception module1104. In addition, the transceiver1210receives information from the processing system1202, transmission module1110, and based at least in part on the received information, generates a signal to be applied to the one or more antennas1212. The processing system1202includes a processor1206coupled to a computer-readable medium/memory1208. The processor1206is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium/memory1208. The software, when executed by the processor1206, causes the processing system1202to perform the various functions described supra for any particular apparatus. The computer-readable medium/memory1208may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by the processor1206when executing software. The processing system further includes at least one of the modules1104,1106,1108, and1110. The modules may be software modules running in the processor1206, resident/stored in the computer readable medium/memory1208, one or more hardware modules coupled to the processor1206, or some combination thereof. The processing system1202may be a component of the eNB610and may include the memory676and/or at least one of the TX processor616, the RX processor670, and/or the controller/processor675.

In some aspects, the apparatus1102/1102′ for wireless communication includes means for identifying a UE as a drone-mounted UE; and means for configuring one or more parameters associated with the UE based at least in part on identifying the UE as a drone-mounted UE. The aforementioned means may be one or more of the aforementioned modules of the apparatus1102and/or the processing system1202of the apparatus1102′ configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means. As described supra, the processing system1202may include the TX processor616, the RX processor670, and the controller/processor675. As such, in one configuration, the aforementioned means may be the TX processor616, the RX processor670, and the controller/processor675configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means.

FIG. 13is a conceptual data flow diagram1300illustrating the data flow between different modules/means/components in an example apparatus1302. The apparatus1302may be a UE (e.g., the UE102,702,802, and/or the like). In some aspects, the apparatus1302includes a reception module1304, a determining module1306, a configuring module1308, and/or a transmission module1310.

The reception module1304may receive signals1312from a base station1350(e.g., an eNB106,704,804,1102/1102′, and/or the like). The signals1312may include downlink traffic, reference signals, and/or the like. The reception module1304may process the signals1312to determine data1314, and may provide the data1314to the determining module1306.

The determining module1306may determine, based at least in part on the signals1312and/or data1314, that a threshold is satisfied with regard to an uplink throughput, a downlink throughput, a signal strength, or a signal quality associated with the apparatus1302. The determining module1306may provide data1316to the configuring module1308indicating that the threshold is satisfied.

The configuring module1308may configure a transmission power parameter or a measurement reporting parameter based at least in part on the data1316. In some aspects, the configuring module1308may cause configuration of another apparatus or component, such as one or more other components of the apparatus1302and/or the base station1350. The configuring module1308may provide data1318that identifies the configuration to the transmission module1310. The transmission module1310may transmit the data1318as signals1320to cause the base station1350, or another apparatus or component, to be configured.

The number and arrangement of modules shown inFIG. 13are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional modules, fewer modules, different modules, or differently arranged modules than those shown inFIG. 13. Furthermore, two or more modules shown inFIG. 13may be implemented within a single module, or a single module shown inFIG. 13may be implemented as multiple, distributed modules. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of modules (e.g., one or more modules) shown inFIG. 13may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of modules shown inFIG. 13.

FIG. 14is a diagram1400illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an apparatus1302′ employing a processing system1402. The apparatus1302′ may be reception module1304, determining module1306, configuring module1308, and transmission module1310.

The processing system1402may be implemented with a bus architecture, represented generally by the bus1404. The bus1404may include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges depending on the specific application of the processing system1402and the overall design constraints. The bus1404links together various circuits including one or more processors and/or hardware modules, represented by the processor1406, the modules1304,1306,1308, and1310, and the computer-readable medium/memory1408. The bus1404may also link various other circuits such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art, and therefore, will not be described any further.

The processing system1402may be coupled to a transceiver1410. The transceiver1410is coupled to one or more antennas1412. The transceiver1410provides a means for communicating with various other apparatus over a transmission medium. The transceiver1410receives a signal from the one or more antennas1412, extracts information from the received signal, and provides the extracted information to the processing system1402, reception module1304. In addition, the transceiver1410receives information from the processing system1402, transmission module1310, and based at least in part on the received information, generates a signal to be applied to the one or more antennas1412. The processing system1402includes a processor1406coupled to a computer-readable medium/memory1408. The processor1406is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium/memory1408. The software, when executed by the processor1406, causes the processing system1402to perform the various functions described supra for any particular apparatus. The computer-readable medium/memory1408may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by the processor1406when executing software. The processing system further includes at least one of the modules1304,1306,1308, and1310. The modules may be software modules running in the processor1406, resident/stored in the computer readable medium/memory1408, one or more hardware modules coupled to the processor1406, or some combination thereof. The processing system1402may be a component of the UE650and may include the memory660and/or at least one of the TX processor668, the RX processor656, and/or the controller/processor659.

In some aspects, the apparatus1302/1302′ for wireless communication includes means for determining that a threshold is satisfied with regard to an uplink throughput, a downlink throughput, a signal strength, or a signal quality associated with the apparatus1302/1302′; and means for configuring a transmission power parameter or a measurement reporting parameter based at least in part on determining that the threshold is satisfied. The aforementioned means may be one or more of the aforementioned modules of the apparatus1302and/or the processing system1402of the apparatus1302′ configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means. As described supra, the processing system1402may include the TX processor668, the RX processor656, and/or the controller/processor659. As such, in one configuration, the aforementioned means may be the TX processor668, the RX processor656, and/or the controller/processor659configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means.