Abstract: A backend communications system can manage communications, using transmission control protocol (TCP), between a fleet of AVs in a given region and a backend system that manages transportation for the fleet of AVs. For each of the fleet of AVs, the backend communications system can select a designated one of a plurality of communication channels to transmit and receive transmission acknowledgments (ACKs). The backend communications system can transmit data packets to the fleet of AVs using any number of communication channels and receive ACKs from each of the fleet of AVs over the designated communication channel.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) tracking and updating system tracks locations of AVs traveling throughout a given region. Using a stored network resource map, the system identifies a number of network-limited areas in the given region, and determines when respective AVs will enter one of the network-limited areas. In response, the system transmits a set of configuration commands to a number of proximate AVs to establish a mesh network with the respective AVs.

Abstract: A system for managing network connections for AVs can store a spectrum heat map that indicates network coverage strength for networks throughout a given region. The system can identify a travel route for a selected AV. Using the spectrum heat map, the system can determine a connection schedule for the selected AV. The connection schedule can indicate location points along the travel route at which the selected AV is to switch from previous network connections to succeeding network connections. The system may then transmit the connection schedule to the selected AV to enable the selected AV to switch network connections at the location points along the travel route.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) can include a communication system to communicate with a backend system, a sensor system to collect sensor data representing an operational environment of the AV, and a control system that can processes the sensor data to (i) perform a localization operation to determine a location and an orientation of the AV within a given region, and (ii) autonomously operate the AV's acceleration, braking, and steering system throughout the given region. Based on the localization operation, the AV can implement a set of configuration commands to configure the communication system to transmit and receive data with the backend system using a number of specified network nodes.

Abstract: A backend system for a fleet of autonomous vehicles (AVs) for a given region can store a spectrum heat map indicating network coverage strength for a plurality of network types sourced at base stations located throughout the given region. The backend system can dynamically receive network quality data from the plurality of AVs traveling throughout the given region, and dynamically update the spectrum heat map based on the received network quality data.

Abstract: A backend system can store a network resource map that indicates network coverages areas for a plurality of base stations over a given region. The system can receive a pick-up request from a requesting user seeking transportation from a pick-up location to a destination, and instruct an automated vehicle (AV) to service the pick-up request. The system can further determine a plurality of possible routes from the pick-up location to the destination, and perform an optimization operation to determine an optimal route by utilizing the network resource map. The system can then transmit route data for the optimal route to the selected AV.

Abstract: A communication configuration system for a fleet of autonomous vehicles (AVs) stores a network resource map for a given region that indicates locations of base stations for connecting the fleet of AVs with a backend system. The communication configuration system receives localization information from a respective AV of the fleet which indicates location and orientation of the respective AV. Using the network resource map, the system selects a proximate base station relative to the respective AV transmits array configuration commands to the respective AV to cause the respective AV to direct an on-board communications array to transmit and receive data with the proximate base station.