초록 ▼

A wireless telecommunications system with a base station positioned on an airborne platform is provided. The system utilizes a ground-based wireless switching center which communicates via a microwave link with a plurality of airborne base stations positioned above a geographic area being serviced b

A wireless telecommunications system with a base station positioned on an airborne platform is provided. The system utilizes a ground-based wireless switching center which communicates via a microwave link with a plurality of airborne base stations positioned above a geographic area being serviced by the telecommunications system. The base stations are supported on an airborne platform having a propulsion system designed to maintain the platform and the base stations in position above the geographic area being serviced. Advantageously, the platform may be positioned in the stratonull which is generally very stable and is located above the troposphere, wherein weather variations occur.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A cellular-type wireless communications system comprising:a wireless switching center connected to a telephone network;a plurality of airborne base stations each associated with a cell corresponding to a specific geographic area, each airborne base station operable to d

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A cellular-type wireless communications system comprising:a wireless switching center connected to a telephone network;a plurality of airborne base stations each associated with a cell corresponding to a specific geographic area, each airborne base station operable to directly transmit and receive communication signals to/from individual subscriber terminals within the associated cell and to/from said wireless switching center to enable communication sessions to be maintained, through the telephone network, between individual subscriber terminals and other telecommunication terminals, said plurality of airborne base stations including at least one antenna for communicating with said wireless switching center and with individual subscriber terminals in an associated cell; andeach of said plurality of airborne base stations being supported by at least one airborne platform including a propulsion system, the propulsion system being mounted on the airborne platform and being operable to maintain the platform airborne above a geographic area being serviced by the airborne base station; andeach of said plurality of airborne base stations being operative, in conjunction with the wireless switching center, to hand off communication sessions with subscriber terminals to at least one other airborne base station.