Hybrid Adaptive Network

Abstract

This document describes a Hybrid Adaptive Network (HAN) that can use multiple independent communication networks as a unified communication system. The disclosed HAN includes multiple communication networks that a user terminal can access simultaneously. The disclosed HAN enables the user terminal to seamlessly roam across multiple communication networks. The disclosed HAN can increase the capabilities and resiliency of the user terminal by providing simultaneous access to multiple communication networks. For example, these communication networks can span multiple orbital regions, operate on multiple frequency bands, provide independent terrestrial infrastructures, and / or be characterized by different network management and network defense implementations, thereby providing inherent diversity and eliminating single points of failure and / or targets of attack.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 822,666, filed on March 22, 2019, and entitled "HYBRID ADAPTIVE NETWORK", and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 772,402, filed on November 28, 2018, and entitled "HYBRID ADAPTIVE NETWORK", each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Art Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure relates to managing and selecting network connections between a user terminal and communication networks with different network characteristics.

[0005] Related Art

[0006] A communication network or a transmission network can be used to provide network connectivity between a user terminal and a destination network (such as the Internet). Communication networks can use different infrastructures (e.g., satellite networks, terrestrial networks, etc.), communication means (e.g., wireless, wired, etc.), communication protocols, and so on. The user terminal can be configured to connect to a communication network to allow two - way communication between the destination network or a device at a target address on the destination network and the user terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect, a Hybrid Adaptive Network (HAN) manager is disclosed, which is configured to manage and select network connections between a user terminal and a communication network. The HAN manager includes a network interface configured to receive network communications from the user terminal and the communication network. The HAN manager further includes a data repository that includes computer - executable instructions. The HAN manager also includes one or more processors configured to execute the computer - executable instructions stored on the data repository. The computer - executable instructions are configured to cause the HAN manager to: receive a user request from the user terminal, the user request including connection criteria; send a service request to compatible communication networks based on the user request; in response to the service request, receive bid responses from the respective compatible communication networks; determine scores for the respective compatible communication networks, the scores being at least partially based on parameters included in the received bid responses; and send a service selection to the user terminal, the service selection including the communication network having the highest score.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the service selection further includes a sorted list of compatible communication networks, the sorted list being based on the determined scores for each of the compatible communication networks in the compatible communication networks. In some embodiments of the first aspect, the network interface further includes an open standard network interface configured to send control commands to the communication network. In some embodiments of the first aspect, the network interface further includes an open standard network interface configured to receive network status information from the communication network. In some embodiments of the first aspect, the communication network includes two or more communication networks operating in different frequency ranges. In some embodiments of the first aspect, the communication network includes two or more communication networks operating using different network protocols. In some embodiments of the first aspect, the communication network includes two or more communication networks operating using different waveforms. In some embodiments of the first aspect, the user request includes a minimum data rate. In some embodiments of the first aspect, the score depends at least in part on previous bid compliance. In some embodiments of the first aspect, the bid responses each include a service delivery probability.

[0009] In some embodiments, the hybrid adaptive network includes the HAN manager according to the first aspect and one or more communication networks in the communication network. In some embodiments, the hybrid adaptive network includes the HAN manager according to the first aspect and one or more user terminals in the user terminal.

[0010] In a second aspect, a method for managing a hybrid adaptive network is provided. The method includes: receiving a user request from a user terminal; announcing a service request to a plurality of communication networks, the service request being based on the received user request; receiving service bids from the plurality of communication networks in response to the announced service request; determining a winning communication network based on an analysis of the received service bids; and allocating the service of the user terminal to the winning communication network.

[0011] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the analysis of the received service bids includes determining a score for each of the plurality of communication networks. In additional embodiments, the method further includes sending a fulfillment list of the plurality of communication networks to the user terminal, the fulfillment list including a sorted list of the plurality of communication networks based on the determined scores for each of the plurality of communication networks.

[0012] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes receiving network performance information from the winning communication network. In additional embodiments, the method further includes determining an updated winning communication network in response to network performance information indicating performance degradation of the winning communication network.

[0013] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the allocation service includes providing credentials to enable connectivity between a user terminal, a winning bid communication network, and a destination network. In some embodiments of the second aspect, the service request includes the destination network.

[0014] In a third aspect, a method for managing a hybrid adaptive network is provided. The method includes: determining a score for each of a plurality of compatible communication networks, the score being based on network performance parameters; transmitting the determined scores to one or more user terminals; receiving information that affects the network performance parameters; and updating the scores of one or more affected compatible communication networks in response to the received information indicating a degradation of the network performance parameters of one or more affected compatible communication networks.

[0015] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the received information includes weather information. In some embodiments of the third aspect, the received information includes a threat to at least one of the plurality of compatible communication networks. In some embodiments of the third aspect, the method further includes transmitting the updated scores to one or more user terminals. In some embodiments of the third aspect, a degradation of network performance is predicted to occur at a later time.

[0016] For purposes of summarizing the present disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. It should be understood that not necessarily all such advantages can be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed embodiments may be carried out in a manner that realizes or optimizes one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein, without necessarily realizing other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] For purposes of illustration, various embodiments are depicted in the drawings, and these various embodiments should in no way be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, various features of the disclosed different embodiments may be combined to form additional embodiments that are part of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1 A block diagram of a hybrid adaptive network (HAN) is shown, which includes a HAN controller or manager, a plurality of transport networks or communication networks, and a multi-mode user terminal.

[0019] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of an exemplary HAN is shown, which includes a HAN manager, a plurality of user terminals, a plurality of transport networks, and a destination network.

[0020] Figure 2B Shows Figure 2A the HAN in which the user terminal is connected to the destination network through the winning bid transport network.

[0021] Figure 3 shows another exemplary HAN, which includes additional user terminals and a transmission network with respect to the Figure 2A HAN.

[0022] Figure 4 shows another exemplary HAN, which includes a plurality of transmission networks that provide corresponding multiple point beams covering multiple user terminals.

[0023] Figure 5 shows a block diagram of an exemplary HAN manager.

[0024] Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Figure 6D , Figure 6E and Figure 6F shows a block diagram of an exemplary HAN system, which demonstrates how the HAN manager establishes a network connection between a user terminal and a winning communication network based on a bidding process.

[0025] Figure 7 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for selecting a winning communication network based on a user request.

[0026] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 800 for real-time updating of the ranking of communication networks. Detailed Description

[0027] The titles (if any) provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the invention claimed.

[0028] Overview

[0029] A user uses a communication network to connect to a destination network (such as the Internet), and the communication network provides network communication between the user terminal and the target network address. The communication network can also be referred to as a component network or a transmission network. The role of the communication network is to provide connectivity between the user terminal and the target or destination network. The communication network can be a satellite network, a terrestrial network, or a terrestrial wireless network, and the communication network can be a commercial communication network, a special government communication network, or a combination of both.

[0030] There are many disadvantages in such a network communication configuration. For example, when the communication network fails, it will cause communication failures. Another example is that in this configuration, network communication has a single point of failure, that is, the communication network. Therefore, a robust and seamless way is needed to reconstruct or switch the communication network in case of failures or performance degradation.

[0031] Accordingly, to address these and other related issues, the present document describes exemplary implementations of a Hybrid Adaptive Network (HAN) configuration that can use multiple independent communication networks as a unified communication system. The disclosed HAN includes multiple communication networks that a user terminal can access simultaneously. The disclosed HAN enables a user terminal to seamlessly roam across multiple communication networks. The disclosed HAN can increase the capabilities and resiliency of a user terminal by providing simultaneous access to multiple communication networks. For example, these communication networks can span multiple orbital regions, operate on multiple frequency bands, provide independent terrestrial infrastructures, and / or be characterized by different network management and network defense implementations, thereby providing inherent diversity and eliminating single points of failure and / or attack targets.

[0032] The connectivity between a user terminal and available communication networks is managed by a HAN manager. The HAN manager can be configured to manage the connections between multiple user terminals across multiple different types of communication networks. The HAN manager provides "communications as a service", which is similar to other on-demand services provided to users, such as software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), etc. The HAN manager can similarly be described as providing on-demand "network as a service (NaaS)". The HAN manager can be a service that brokers on-demand access to multiple available communication networks, each having different characteristics. The HAN manager can be a cloud-based service, but it is not limited to being implemented in a cloud environment.

[0033] The HAN manager is configured to manage and select connections to multiple communication networks. The HAN manager can select a winning communication network or a ranked list of winning communication networks for a user terminal based at least in part on user requirements, the capabilities of the user terminal (e.g., compatibility with the communication network), knowledge about potential threats or outages to the network, network parameters, the ability of the communication network to respond to or mitigate an attack, and so on. The HAN manager can use various methods to determine the winning communication network. These methods can include, for example, but are not limited to, analyzing user requirements, evaluating network capabilities, considering external conditions that may affect network communication, evaluating threats to the communication network, or any combination of these.

[0034] For example, the HAN manager can implement a tendering process as a method for determining a winning bid communication network. The tendering process analyzes user requirements or connectivity preferences and communication network characteristics to determine a preferred communication network or a winning bid communication network to which a requested user terminal is to be connected. For example, the HAN manager can receive a user request including communication requirements from a user terminal, forward a service request to multiple communication networks based on the user request, receive bids related to the fulfillment of the user requirements from those communication networks, and connect the user terminal to the winning bid communication network at least in part based on the scoring of the bids relative to the user requirements. Thus, the HAN manager selects one communication network over other available communication networks for a particular user at least in part based on user requirements, network parameters, and / or network capabilities.

[0035] The disclosed systems, devices, and methods provide several advantages that result in more robust and seamless network connectivity. For example, the disclosed HAN allows the use of multiple independent communication networks as a single or unified communication system. Additionally, the disclosed HAN enables a user terminal to seamlessly roam across multiple communication networks. Also, the disclosed HAN eliminates single points of failure to support network communication. The disclosed HAN also provides diversity in network communication, thereby strengthening network communication against potential attacks and failures. Also, the disclosed HAN provides a robust, scalable communication network built on open standards. Further, the disclosed HAN is capable of quickly overcoming network outages or performance degradation, thereby maintaining connectivity even in adversarial domains. The disclosed HAN can also easily improve and incrementally upgrade existing network assets. The disclosed HAN is also conducive to adapting to emerging and / or expanding network communication technologies.

[0036] Other advantages of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods include the ability of a user (or user terminal) to specify network connectivity criteria. The HAN manager receives the specified criteria and identifies candidate communication networks for the user. In some embodiments, the candidate communication networks are at least in part based on user terminal capabilities (e.g., compatibility with communication networks). The HAN manager receives bids from the candidate communication networks for analysis in order to determine an excellent or preferred communication network for the user. The HAN manager automatically analyzes the bids from the candidate communication networks and evaluates the ability of the user terminal to determine a preferred and / or ranked list of candidate communication networks for the user. The user then connects to a communication network based on the preferred and / or ranked list of candidate communication networks from the HAN manager. In some embodiments, the HAN manager can continuously, intermittently, or periodically update the preferred and / or ranked list of communication networks and send the list to the user. In certain specific implementations, this can occur without the user sending a new or updated request to the HAN manager.

[0037] Other advantages of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods include increasing the network's resilience against potential adversaries or attackers. At least in part due to the dispersion of user terminals across multiple communication networks, it may be difficult for an attacker to target user terminal communications for data collection, exploitation, or denial. This multi-network resilience provides a deterrent to potential attackers. Additionally, the ability to easily manipulate user terminals on the HAN system increases the time, effort, and cost for potential attackers.

[0038] Figure 1 A block diagram of the HAN 100 is shown, which includes a HAN controller or manager 110, multiple transmission or communication networks 120a - 120d, and multi-mode user terminals 130. The HAN 100 can provide a service delivery platform for users, where users are matched or connected to a communication network that meets their criteria or requirements. The communication network to which a user is connected can change over time, such that the user terminal can experience superior performance relative to a static connection to a single communication network. The HAN manager 110 can monitor the needs of individual users as well as the resources available through the component networks 120a - 120d, and assign users to a communication network (or a subset of communication networks) that effectively or efficiently meets the user's needs at a given time. User requirements or needs (such as the need to operate in an adversarial environment or the need for low probability of intercept (LPI) and / or low probability of detection (LPD) operation) or network parameters (such as maximum data rate, rapid scalability, congestion, availability, and cost per bit) or geographical location can cause the HAN manager 110 to select one communication network (or a subset of communication networks) for a given user terminal over others. The nature of hybrid networking as embodied in the HAN 100 allows the best or preferred communication network for a user terminal to vary based on conditions, user needs or requirements, individual use cases, geographical location, economics, and / or time.

[0039] The HAN 100 includes a user terminal 130 configured to establish network connections with each of a plurality of communication networks 120a - 120d, as shown by the dashed lines in the figure. In addition, the HAN manager 110 is configured to communicate with the user terminal 130 and each of the plurality of communication networks 120a - 120d, as shown by the solid lines in the figure. To enable connection with the plurality of communication networks 120a - 120d, the user terminal 130 may include a network selector 132 compatible with a variety of different network protocols, waveforms, communication bands, and so on. To enable communication between the communication network and the HAN manager 110, an open standard network interface 112 associated with the HAN manager 110 may be implemented. The open standard network interface 112 is configured to provide standard means for conveying status information and providing control commands. The communication networks 120a - 120c may each include a corresponding translation agent 122a - 122c for translating the communication protocol native to the associated communication network into a communication protocol compatible with the open standard network interface 112. In Figure 1 the example, the communication network 120d is configured to be compatible with the open standard network interface 112 and thus does not include a translation agent.

[0040] The HAN manager 110 or HAN controller is configured to maintain a list of the plurality of communication networks 120a - 120d including the capabilities of each communication network. The HAN manager 110 is configured to select a winning communication network for the user terminal 130 from the plurality of communication networks 120a - 120d. The HAN manager 110 may use various methods to determine the winning communication network for the user terminal 130, and the various methods may include, for example but not limited to, analysis of user requirements, analysis of network capabilities, analysis of external conditions that may affect network communication, analysis of threats to the communication network, analysis of capabilities and technologies for responding to and mitigating attacks, and so on.

[0041] As a specific example, the HAN manager 110 can be configured to implement a bidding process to determine the winning communication network for the user terminal 130. The bidding process involves the HAN manager 110 receiving information from one or more of the user terminal and the communication networks 120a - 120d, and determining the preferred or winning communication network at least in part based on an analysis of the received information. For example, the HAN manager 110 is configured to receive from the user terminal 130 a request to connect to a destination network via an available communication network, where the user request includes user requirements for the connection. In response, the HAN manager 110 is configured to identify the available communication networks that meet the received requirements. Then, the HAN manager 110 can solicit bids from those communication networks. The HAN manager 110 can also be configured to receive bids from those communication networks and evaluate the received bids to determine a preferred communication network or a list of fulfillments of the preferred communication network. The preferred communication network is determined based on scoring the received bids according to the user requirements and / or according to information about the communication networks stored on the HAN manager 110. The list of fulfillments includes a sorted list of communication networks, where the order is based on a scoring system derived from the analysis of the received bids. The HAN manager 110 is also configured to establish a connection between the user terminal 130 and the winning communication network. The HAN manager 110 is configured to monitor the status of the communication networks 120a - 120d.

[0042] In some embodiments, the HAN manager 110 is configured to repeat the bidding process or at least evaluate whether another bidding process is beneficial when network conditions change, user terminal conditions change, and / or the geographical location of the user terminal relative to the communication network changes. By way of example, changes that can initiate another bidding process can include, but are not limited to, changes in security level, changes in network vulnerabilities, changes in communication network performance, changes in user requirements, changes in the coverage of the communication network relative to the user terminal (e.g., moving out of the spot beam of a satellite network), and so on. In certain specific implementations, the bidding process can be re-initiated without a request from the user terminal 130 and / or without receiving updated user requirements from the user terminal 130.

[0043] In some embodiments, the HAN manager 110 updates the list of fulfillments and / or the winning communication network without initiating another bidding process. In such embodiments, the HAN manager 110 can be configured to re-analyze the scoring of the communication networks based on the performance parameters of the communication networks. Based on the updated scoring analysis, a new preferred communication network or an updated list of fulfillments can be sent to the user terminal 130. Then, the HAN manager 110 can continue to connect the user terminal 130 to the new winning or preferred communication network.

[0044] The HAN manager 110 may also be configured to provide credentials to the destination network that permit the user terminal and the destination network to each connect to the winning bid communication network. In some embodiments, the HAN manager 110 is also configured to set the network selector 132 of the user terminal 130 and / or the destination network to route traffic over the winning bid communication network.

[0045] The HAN manager 110 is configured to monitor the needs of individual users, monitor the availability of resources over the communication networks 120a - 120d, and allocate the user terminal 130 to the communication network that most effectively meets its needs at any given time. The HAN manager 110 is configured to select one communication network over others for a given user terminal based at least in part on mission parameters (e.g., the need to operate in an adversarial environment or the need for a particular operation), knowledge about potential threats or outages to the network (e.g., weather or a deliberate threat to the network that could cause an outage or performance degradation), network parameters (e.g., maximum data rate, network congestion, availability, cost per bit, etc.), the network's ability to respond to and mitigate attacks, and in-network technologies, among other things. The nature of the hybrid adaptive network enables the preferred or optimal network to vary based on user needs, geographical location, economy, time, network performance, threats to the network, and so on.

[0046] The HAN manager 110 is configured to provide control and detailed situational awareness to individual user terminals, for example, for various groups with millions of users. The HAN manager 110 may also provide a detailed common operating picture and the ability to manage individual users, regardless of which communication network the users are currently using.

[0047] The HAN manager 110 may be implemented on a general-purpose computer or across a distributed computing environment using one or more processors and memory. The functions and components of the HAN manager 110 may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.

[0048] The HAN manager 110 may have an associated open standard network interface 112. To participate in the HAN 100, each communication network provides a means to receive commands from and provide status to the HAN manager 110. The open standard network interface 112 specifies the type and structure of information that can be exchanged between the HAN manager 110 and the communication networks 120a - 120d within the HAN 100. Thus, the communication networks 120a - 120d may be configured to communicate natively with the HAN manager 110 through the open standard network interface 112 (such as the communication network 120d), or the communication network may be configured to include a translation agent that translates status and commands between the open standard network interface 112 and the corresponding communication network (such as the communication networks 120a - 120c with corresponding translation agents 122a - 122c).

[0049] The open standard network interface 112 allows the HAN manager 110 to control multiple communication networks 120a - 120d with a single set or a few sets of commands, thereby allowing new communication networks to be added to the HAN 100 without changing the HAN manager 110. In the case of having a simple scalable interface at the network or control layer (such as an XML schema or a similar framework), communication networks that wish to participate in the HAN 100 can construct a translation agent or can be configured to be compatible with the open standard network interface 112. A translation agent is a software layer that converts the native control and status facilities of a communication network into a format compatible with the open standard network interface 112. Software translation agents can be created quickly and at low cost without changing the proprietary network or its management system. However, if the network management system is already compatible with the open standard network interface 112, a translation agent is not required.

[0050] The open standard network interface 112 specifies the type and / or structure of information exchanged between the HAN manager 110 and the component networks 120a - 120d within the HAN 100. The open standard network interface 112 allows the HAN manager 110 to control multiple different component networks with a single set or a few sets of commands. The open standard network interface 112 allows new networks to be added to the HAN 100 without changing the HAN manager 110. The open standard network interface 112 manages the connection between the user terminal and the available communication networks. However, in some embodiments, the HAN manager 110 does not have an associated open standard network interface.

[0051] Multiple communication networks 120a - 120d or transmission networks can be any suitable networks that connect user terminals 130 to a destination network such as the Internet, a private network such as the Department of Defense Information Network or DoDIN, an entity's internal network, and so on. The communication network can be provided via satellite, satellite constellations, terrestrial networks, terrestrial wireless networks, or any combination of these networks. Communication networks 120a - 120d can operate using different network protocols, waveforms, frequency bands, etc. Communication networks 120a - 120d can be independent of each other, such as where each communication network is managed or owned by a different entity. Communication networks 120a - 120d can be commercial, government - specific, or a combination of both. Examples of communication networks 120a - 120d include, for example but not limited to, COMSAT, MILSAT, Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS), terrestrial networks, terrestrial wireless networks, and / or other commercial networks. In some embodiments, each of the communication networks 120a - 120d can include a network controller (not shown) with which the HAN manager 110 communicates.

[0052] Each of the communication networks 120a - 120c includes a corresponding translation agent 122a - 122c that enables the communication network to communicate with the HAN manager 110 via an open - standard network interface 112. Each translation agent 122a - 122c can be a software layer that converts the native control and status facilities of the network into a format compatible with the open - standard network interface 112. Thus, translation agents for communication networks can be created relatively quickly and at low cost without changing the proprietary network or its management system. For some communication networks such as communication network 120d, a translation agent may not be required because the network controller or manager of communication network 120d is natively compatible with the open - standard network interface 112.

[0053] Communication networks 120a - 120d are configured to intermittently send status information to the HAN manager 110 via their corresponding translation agents (if required) and via the open - standard network interface 112 (if included). The status information includes data associated with network performance parameters and can include, for example but not limited to, data rate, interference environment, service delivery probability, price, outages, deactivations, service - affecting events, threat details, coverage area, congestion or network loading, overall network and user health status information, etc.

[0054] In some embodiments, the HAN 100 does not impose compatibility requirements on individual communication networks. For example, there may be no waveform or air protocol specifications, nor internal management or routing requirements. Individual communication network providers are free to build the networks they see fit. This approach can increase or maximize the number of communication networks compatible with the HAN 100. The HAN 100 can use a large number of communication networks, and as new networks come online, new networks can be added. This can allow users to benefit from the ongoing market-based competition among network providers, which can increase or maximize capacity and resilience and reduce or minimize costs.

[0055] The user terminal 130 is a multi-mode user terminal configured to operate on multiple frequency bands (e.g., C, X, Ku, Ka, UHF, Mil-Ka, etc.) and support multiple network protocols and waveforms (e.g., Enhanced Bandwidth Efficient Modem (EBEM), Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW), Digital Video Broadcasting - Second Generation (DVB-S2), terrestrial and terrestrial wireless, etc.). Thus, the multi-mode user terminal 130 is configured to operate using different communication networks that provide different capabilities in terms of efficiency, performance, resilience, etc. In addition, the multi-mode user terminal 130 is configured to use the communication networks 120a - 120d in their native format, enabling the use of the entire protocol suite of a particular communication network. The user terminal 130 is configured to quickly switch from one operating frequency band and / or protocol to another. In some embodiments, the user terminal 130 is configured to automatically switch between operating frequency bands and / or protocols without human intervention. Thus, the user terminal 130 can provide seamless access to the communication networks 120a - 120d of the HAN 100.

[0056] If the communication network to which the user terminal 130 is connected malfunctions or suffers performance degradation, the user terminal can be configured to switch between communication networks. In such cases, the user terminal 130 can be configured to automatically switch to the next communication network on the fulfillment list, or the user terminal can receive a new winning bid network from the HAN manager 110 and switch to that communication network. In some embodiments, the user terminal 130 is configured to intermittently receive an updated fulfillment list or updated winning bid communication network from the HAN manager 110 without initiating a bidding process via a user request.

[0057] The user terminal 130 can be a customer-provided device that includes these capabilities. The network selector 132 provides the ability to switch between different communication networks 120a - 120d, which have corresponding differences in terms of frequency band, network protocol, waveform, etc. This makes the user terminal 130 flexible and interoperable. In some embodiments, a software-defined user terminal can be utilized. The software-defined terminal can switch between multiple different networks and maintain interoperability, all of which can be incremental upgrades to the terminal base. A subset of the user terminals can be upgraded while maintaining compatibility with the existing terminals on the installed base. This can allow the user terminal population to upgrade in small units rather than upgrading all user terminals, which can avoid a major overhaul of the installed base.

[0058] Exemplary Hybrid Adaptive Network

[0059] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of an exemplary HAN 200 is shown, which includes a HAN manager 210, multiple user terminals 230a, 230b, multiple transmission networks 220a - 220d, and a destination network 240. The HAN manager 210 is similar to the HAN manager 110 described herein with reference to Figure 1 Although not shown, the HAN manager 210 can interact with the transmission networks 220a - 220d using an open standard network interface, as described herein with reference to Figure 1 The user terminals 230a, 230b are each similar to the multimode user terminal 130 described herein with reference to Figure 1 Although not shown, each of the user terminals 230a, 230b includes a network selector that enables connectivity with the various transmission networks 220a - 220d. The transmission networks 220a - 220d share characteristics with the communication networks 120a - 120d described herein with reference to Figure 1 Although not shown, one or more of the transmission networks 220a - 220d can include a translation agent similar to the translation agent described herein with reference to Figure 1 The transmission networks 220a, 220b are shown as satellite networks, and each of these transmission networks can include one or more satellites to form the transmission network. The transmission networks 220c, 220d include terrestrial networks. However, it should be understood that each of the transmission networks 220a - 220d can include satellite components, terrestrial components, or a combination of both.

[0060] The HAN manager 210 is configured to control components of each of the transport networks 220a - 220d, the user terminals 230a, 230b, and the destination network 240, as shown by the solid lines in the figure. This allows the HAN manager 210 to send and receive status information from the transport networks 220a - 220d, control the connections between the transport networks 220a - 220d and the user terminals 230a, 230b, and control the connections between the transport networks 220a - 220d and the destination network 240. By way of example, the HAN manager 210 can issue commands to the user terminals 230a, 230b that list preferred transport networks, including fulfilling network priorities (e.g., when to switch to a different transport network), guiding the selection of a particular transport network, and so on. As another example, the HAN manager 210 can issue control commands to the transport networks 220a - 220d that specify service requirements (e.g., performance or network effects) to the network. Although not shown, the transport networks 220a - 220d include network controllers with which the HAN manager 210 communicates.

[0061] The dashed lines between the transport networks 220a - 220d and the user terminals 230a, 230b and the destination network 240 are used to illustrate the network connectivity. This indicates that each user terminal 230a, 230b is capable of connecting to each transport network 220a - 220d. Similarly, the destination network 240 is capable of connecting to each transport network 220a - 220d. It should be understood that although a single destination network is shown, there may be multiple destination networks. At least in part due to the multiple paths between the user terminals 230a, 230b and the HAN manager 210 via the transport networks 220a - 220d, communication can be established between the HAN manager 210 and a particular user terminal even if a transport network fails or is attacked. This allows the HAN manager 210 to update the preferred or winning transport network or fulfillment list on the user terminal even in the event of a transport network failure. This enhances the resilience of the HAN 200 against network failures. Even in the absence of network failures, if the network state changes significantly, the user terminals 230a, 230b can preemptively switch transport networks. The significance of the change can be determined by the user terminal and / or by the HAN manager 210. Examples of changes that may prompt a switch to a new transport network include, for example but not limited to, link impairment information (e.g., low signal - to - noise ratio (SNR)), failure to achieve the return - link or forward - link data rate required to support user requirements, identification of threats or outages that may cause service disruption or degradation (e.g., network congestion), performance degradation due to weather or other interference (intentional or unintentional), an increase in network congestion, movement of the user terminal to a different performance coverage area, etc. The user terminals 230a, 230b can change the transport network by receiving an updated winning transport network from the HAN manager 210 or by moving to the next transport network on a previously received fulfillment list. In some embodiments, the user terminals 230a, 230b can automatically switch the transport network without human intervention.

[0062] The destination network 240 includes any suitable destination such as the Internet, a private network (e.g., the Department of Defense Information Network), an access network, a terminal, a "meet - me - point", or other such destinations. The HAN manager 210 does not need to know the path between the destination network 240 and the user terminals 230a, 230b as the path is handled by the components of the transport networks 220a - 220d, the user terminals 230a, 230b, and / or the destination network 240.

[0063] Figure 2BAn example of a user terminal 230a connected to a destination network 240 via a transmission network 220b is shown. The user terminal 230a issues a request 260 to connect to the HAN manager 210, and the HAN manager 210 in turn determines the winning transmission network and establishes a connection between the user terminal 230a, the transmission network 220b, and the destination network 240. The request 260 may include user requirements and / or preferences. The HAN manager 210 identifies available and compatible transmission networks that can meet the user requirements. After soliciting bids from the compatible transmission networks, the HAN manager 210 determines which bid among the bids is preferred for the user terminal 230a. The HAN manager 210 provides credentials to the destination network 240 and the user terminal 230a, which allow the destination network and the user terminal to connect to the winning transmission network 220b respectively. Establishing the connection may include setting the network selectors of the destination network 240 and the user terminal 230a to route data 270 through the winning transmission network 220b. Thus, the user terminal 230a can use the transmission network 220b to send network data 270 to the destination network 240. If at a later time, a different transmission network is determined to be the winning network, the HAN manager 210 can change the route to pass through the different winning transmission network.

[0064] Figure 3 Another example HAN 300 is shown, which includes additional user terminals 330a - 330d and transmission networks 320a, 320b with respect to Figure 2A the HAN 200. The user terminals 330a - 330d may be similar to the user terminal 130 described herein with reference to Figure 1 The transmission network 320a is a fixed or mobile transmission network not controlled by the HAN manager 210. The user terminals 330a, 330b are connected to the destination network 240 via the transmission network 320a. The transmission network 320b is controlled by the HAN manager 210 and is connected to the destination network 240. The user terminals 330c, 330d are connected to the destination network 240 via the transmission network 320b.

[0065] The destination network 240 itself may be connected to other networks 320a, 320b and user terminals 330a - 330d. Here, the HAN manager connects the user terminal 230a to the destination network 240 via the transmission network 220b, but the ultimate destination of the network data 370 is the user terminal 330a connected to the destination network 240 via the transmission network 320a.

[0066] Figure 4Another example HAN 400 is shown, which includes a plurality of transmission networks 420a - 420f that provide corresponding multiple point beams 424 covering a plurality of user terminals (not shown). HAN 400 also includes a satellite gateway 426 that connects a destination network 440 to the corresponding transmission networks 420a - 420f through a network selector 442. The transmission networks 420a - 420f are similar to the communication networks 120a - 120d and the transmission networks 220a - 220d described herein with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2A . The transmission networks 420a - 420f are shown as individual satellites, but it should be understood that each transmission network 420a - 420f may include one or more satellites and one or more terrestrial components to form a transmission network. The transmission networks 420a - 420f may utilize different network communication protocols and / or waveforms and may use different frequency ranges. The network selector 442 is similar to the network selectors described herein in that it enables the destination network 440 to connect to multiple different transmission networks 420a - 420f even though the transmission networks utilize different frequency ranges, network protocols, and / or waveforms.

[0067] Although not shown for clarity, it should be understood that HAN 400 includes a HAN manager similar to the HAN managers described herein with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figures 6A through 6F . The HAN manager of HAN 400 is configured to control the transmission networks 420a - 420f, the user terminals, and the destination network 440. The HAN manager processes the bidding process disclosed herein and determines the preferred or winning transmission network and / or determines the fulfillment list for each user terminal. As described herein, this may occur with or without an accompanying user request. The HAN manager also establishes connections between the individual user terminals, the winning transmission network, and the destination network 440.

[0068] The spot beams 424 provided by various transport networks 420a-420f overlap and cover multiple user terminals. Therefore, each user terminal can be covered by multiple spot beams. This allows each user terminal to connect to a preferred transport network using the systems, devices and methods disclosed herein. For example, a user terminal can send a request to a HAN manager (not shown) to connect to a destination network 440. The HAN manager can determine which transport networks cover the user terminal and can solicit bids from those available transport networks. Based on the analysis of the received bids, the HAN manager can then connect the user terminal to the destination network through the winning transport network. This allows the user terminal to switch between available transport networks to improve network performance and / or avoid network failure or performance degradation. Similarly, a mobile user terminal can move between spot beams 424, and when the user terminal enters the spot beams of one or more new transport networks and / or leaves the spot beams of one or more transport networks, the HAN manager can provide the winning transport network (or an updated fulfillment list).

[0069] By way of example and not limitation, transmission network 420a may be a geosynchronous (GEO) Ku-band network, transmission network 420b may be an advanced extremely high frequency (AEHF) network, transmission network 420c may be a WGS / Skynet network, transmission network 420d may be a GEO Ka-band network, transmission network 420e may be a medium earth orbit (MEO) Ka-band network, and transmission network 420f may be a low earth orbit (LEO) Ku / Ka band. Thus, spot beams 424 may be provided by a combination of government networks, commercial networks, geospatial satellites, MEO satellites, LEO satellites, terrestrial networks, and / or terrestrial wireless networks.

[0070] Exemplary HAN Manager

[0071] Figure 5 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary HAN manager 510. The HAN manager 510 is configured to manage network connections between user terminals, communication networks, and destination networks using a bidding and scoring system. The HAN manager 510 is similar to the one described herein with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figures 6A through 6F The HAN managers 110, 210, 410, 610 described herein may be implemented in the HAN system described herein. The HAN manager 510 may employ any of the methods described herein for managing a connection to a transport network, such as those described herein with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The exemplary methods 700 and 800 are described.

[0072] The HAN manager 510 may include hardware, software, and / or firmware components for managing network connections, communicating with user terminals and communication networks, monitoring the status of communication networks, and scoring communication network bids. The HAN manager 510 is configured to receive a request to connect via a communication network from a user terminal, request a bid from the communication network based on the received request, receive the requested bid, analyze the received bid and score it, send the winning communication network or a list of fulfillments of the communication network to the requesting user terminal, and establish a connection between the user terminal and the winning communication network. The HAN manager 510 is also configured to monitor the network status and update the winning transmission network or list of fulfillments in response to changes in the communication network, new user requests, and / or external factors that may affect network performance. The HAN manager 510 includes a data repository 511, one or more processors 513, one or more network interfaces 515, a network management module 514, a bidding module 516, and a scoring module 518. The components of the HAN manager 510 may communicate with each other, with external systems, and with other components of the network using a communication bus 519. The HAN manager 510 may be implemented using one or more computing devices. For example, the HAN manager 510 may be implemented using a single computing device, multiple computing devices, a distributed computing environment, or the HAN manager may be located in a virtual device residing in a public or private computing cloud. In a distributed computing environment, one or more computing devices may be configured to provide modules 514, 516, 518 to provide the described functionality.

[0073] The HAN manager 510 includes a network management module 514. The network management module 514 is configured to manage and establish network connections between user terminals and a component network. The network management module 514 is configured to send control commands to user terminals and communication networks to assist in establishing connections between these components. The commands may be sent to the communication network and / or user terminals using the open standard network interface associated with the network interface 515 as described herein. Figure 1 The commands may be sent to the communication network and / or user terminals using the open standard network interface associated with the network interface 515 as described herein.

[0074] The network management module 514 is also configured to receive network status information from an associated component network. In some embodiments, the network management module 514 may monitor the status information and determine whether to initiate a re - analysis of service bids to update the winning communication network and / or update the fulfillment list of one or more user terminals. In response to determining that an update is necessary, the network management module 514 communicates with the scoring module 518 to update the analysis of service bids. In certain embodiments, the network management module 514 forwards relevant status information to the scoring module 518 to allow the scoring module 518 to update the score of the communication network intermittently, periodically, or continuously. In such embodiments, the scoring module 518 does not require a triggering event or condition to update the score of the communication network. Thus, the network management module 514 in combination with the scoring module 518 can prioritize the available networks to provide fallback options to user terminals in the event of network degradation or failure. This can be done intermittently or continuously to push updates regarding the available communication networks (e.g., the winning network or the fulfillment list) to the user terminals.

[0075] The HAN manager 510 includes a bidding module 516. The bidding module 516 is configured to receive connection requests from user terminals. The user requests include user criteria, requirements, and / or preferences related to a network connection to an available communication network. The bidding module 516 formulates requests for service bids from available communication networks based on the respective connection requests received from user terminals. The bidding module 516 also receives service bids from communication networks. The bidding module 516 organizes and stores the bid information in the data repository 511 to allow the network management module 514 and the scoring module 518 to access the bid information. In some embodiments, the bidding module 516 is configured to determine which of the available communication networks in the available communication network is compatible with the connection or user request. In certain implementations, the connection request includes information regarding network compatibility. In various implementations, the HAN manager 510 is configured to determine which communication networks are compatible with the connection request.

[0076] The HAN manager 510 includes a scoring module 518. The scoring module 518 analyzes network information and knowledge about potential threats or outages to the communication network to determine a score for each communication network. The scoring module 518 uses one or more algorithms that determine the score of the communication network. The score can be at least partially based on user criteria included in connection requests from user terminals and network service information included in service bids from the communication network. In some embodiments, the scoring module 518 can determine the score at least partially based on network status information. Information in service requests, information in service bids, and network status can be combined using weighting factors to determine the score. The scoring module 518 can also consider the ability of the communication network to respond to and mitigate attacks (and the technologies within the network). For example, if the user request includes the resilience of the communication network in the presence of jammers, the scoring module 518 can be configured to evaluate the unique characteristics of each communication network to determine which networks have properties suitable for maintaining connectivity if a jammer attempts to disrupt the communication network.

[0077] In some embodiments, the score can be updated continuously or intermittently, and the result of the update can be sent to the user terminal. In certain embodiments, the update of the score can be triggered by certain events or conditions. For example, the update of the score can be triggered by receiving a new service request or an update to user criteria from the user terminal. As another example, the update of the score can be triggered by external conditions such as threats to the communication network and / or weather information. As another example, the update of the score can be triggered by a change in network performance (e.g., a change caused by network congestion). As another example, the update of the score can be triggered by a change in the location of the user terminal and / or the communication network. As another example, the update of the score can be triggered due to reaching a time limit. The time limit can be set by the user terminal, the communication network, or the HAN manager 510.

[0078] The scoring module 518 allows for the continuous update of the connections established in the associated HAN. The scoring module 518 can be configured to update the score in real time. In this way, the HAN manager 510 can continuously and quickly push recommendations to the user terminal to ensure a satisfactory or improved network performance for the user. The scoring module 518 enables the HAN manager 510 to analyze potential threats to the communication network, potential adverse effects caused by weather information, network congestion, etc., so as to more closely examine the health of the communication network and take predictive or preemptive actions to prevent or reduce network degradation or failures for the user. The scoring module 518 provides quantitative information based on the user's connection requirements, communication network performance, communication network capabilities, and / or communication network service bids to enable real-time adaptation based on changing conditions. These changing conditions can include, for example, changes in geographical location (e.g., the user is on an airplane), data requirements (e.g., high data throughput requirements versus low data throughput requirements), threats to the network (e.g., denial-of-service attacks, network congestion, bad weather, etc.), and so on. These quantitative assessments can be used to change the communication network before a deactivation occurs. In some embodiments, the scoring module 518 provides a prediction model that can be configured to anticipate congestion, see if other communication networks are congested, and move the user terminal to a new communication network before the user experience is adversely affected.

[0079] The HAN manager 510 includes a network interface 515 that is configured to connect to any compatible communication network. The network interface 515 is configured to allow the HAN manager 510 to be shielded from the communication network, thus allowing it to connect to any user terminal that can communicate with the compatible communication network. Reference is made herein Figure 1 to the open standard network interface described. The open standard network interface can be part of the network interface 515. As described herein, the open standard network interface is configured to receive network status information from the communication network and send control commands to the communication network and the user terminal. The status information can be sent to the network management module 514 for further processing and analysis, as described herein. Similarly, the network management module 514 can send control commands to the user terminal and the communication network through the network interface 515 and the associated open standard network interface (if included).

[0080] The HAN manager 510 includes one or more processors 513 configured to control the operation of modules 514, 516, 518, and data repository 511. The one or more processors 513 implement and utilize software modules, hardware components, and / or firmware elements configured to manage connections to the transport network through a bidding process. The one or more processors 513 may include any suitable computer processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other suitable microprocessor. The one or more processors 513 may include other computing components configured to interact with the various modules and data repositories of the HAN manager 510.

[0081] The HAN manager 510 includes a data repository 511 configured to store configuration data, user requirements, network status, network characteristics and capabilities, control commands, databases, algorithms, executable instructions (e.g., instructions for the one or more processors 513), and so on. The data repository 511 may be any suitable data storage device or combination of devices, including but not limited to, for example, random access memory, read only memory, solid state disks, hard disk drives, flash drives, bubble memories, etc.

[0082] The HAN manager 510 may be implemented in various contexts. For example, the HAN manager 510 may be implemented to provide network connectivity for transportation (e.g., commercial flights, trains, buses, ships, etc.) to provide wireless network connectivity to customers at commercial establishments (e.g., gas stations, coffee shops, stadiums, etc.). As another example, the HAN manager 510 may be used to provide network connectivity to user terminals distributed in a remote environment and / or to an organization in which user terminals move. This may occur in a military environment with forward operating bases, or in a civilian environment for a news network that wishes to have network access at remote news locations. The HAN manager 510 enables the analysis and ranking of multiple communication networks to determine which communication network best serves the user terminal.

[0083] Exemplary HAN Management Program

[0084] Figures 6A through 6F A block diagram of an exemplary HAN system 600 is shown, which illustrates how the HAN manager 610 establishes a network connection between the user terminal 630 and the winning communication network based on a bidding process. Figure 6A Shown is a HAN 600 including a HAN manager 610, which is similar to the HAN manager described herein with reference to Figures 1 through 5 the HAN manager. The HAN 600 also includes a user terminal 630, which is similar to the user terminal described herein with reference to Figures 1 through 3The user terminal described. The HAN 600 also includes communication networks 620a - 620c, which are similar to the network reference herein Figures 1 through 4 described network.

[0085] Figure 6B Illustrated is the user terminal 630 sending a user request 652 for a service to the HAN manager 610. The user request 652 can include various requirements and preferences. For example, the user request 652 can include data rate (e.g., forward link (FL), return link (RL), interference environment (e.g., benign or adversarial), user terminal location (e.g., latitude and longitude), user terminal type (e.g., fixed or mobile), mobile terminal type (ground, sea, air, or space), terminal RF parameters (EIRP, G / T, etc.), terminal network compatibility. The following are exemplary user requests: data rate (10Mbps FL, 2Mbps RL), interference (adversarial), terminal location (33.13N, 117.28W), terminal type (mobile), mobile terminal type (air), terminal parameters (55dBW, 14.2dB / K), network compatibility (Network A, Network B).

[0086] Figure 6C Illustrated is the HAN manager 610 announcing a service request 654 to the communication networks 620a - 620c. In some embodiments, the service request 652 can include parameters to be specified in a service bid and / or the format of the service bid. The HAN manager 610 formulates the service request 654 based on the user request 652.

[0087] In some embodiments, the service request 654 can be sent to the compatible networks specified in the user request 652. In Figure 6C the example, the user request 652 can indicate that the user terminal 630 is not compatible with Network C 620c, so the HAN manager 610 does not send the service request 654 to Network C 620c.

[0088] In some embodiments, the HAN manager 610 does not announce the service request 654 to incompatible networks. Instead, upon receiving the user request 652, the HAN manager 610 first determines which of the available communication networks are compatible with the service request 654, and then announces the service request 654 only to these compatible networks. In Figure 6C the example, the HAN manager 610 can determine that Network C 620c is not compatible with the service request 654, so it does not announce the service request 654 to Network C 620c.

[0089] In some embodiments, the HAN manager 610 announces a service request 654 to all available communication networks 620a - 620c. In such embodiments, incompatible communication networks either do not respond to the service request 654 or provide a response that the HAN manager 610 determines does not meet the criteria of the service request 654.

[0090] Figure 6D Illustrated is the HAN manager 610 receiving bid responses 656a, 656b from compatible communication networks 620a, 620b. By way of example, the format of the bid can include data rate (e.g., FL, RL), interference environment (e.g., benign or adversarial), service delivery probability (0% - 100%), and / or price ($ / bit, $ / minute, $ / bps, etc.). The following is an exemplary bid response 656a from network A 620a: data rate (8Mbps FL, 2Mbps RL), interference (adversarial), service delivery probability (95%), and price ($10 / Mbit). The following is an exemplary bid response 656b from network B 620b: data rate (12Mbps FL, 4Mbps RL), interference (adversarial), service delivery probability (98%), and price ($50 / Mbit). In this example, network C is incompatible and thus not eligible to bid.

[0091] Figure 6E Illustrated is the HAN manager 610 sending a service selection 658 to the user terminal 630. The service selection 658 can be the communication network with the highest score based on the analysis of the bid responses 656a, 656b. The service selection 658 can be an execution list of communication networks sorted by score based on the analysis of the bid responses 656a, 656b. The analysis of the bid responses can include assigning a score or ranking value to the bid responses 656a, 656b. The process for assigning scores or rankings can include variable weighting of the parameters of the bid responses 656a, 656b.

[0092] In some embodiments, the scoring criteria can include an assessment of interference performance based on gap distance (km) and frequency agility (MHz) (e.g., a value between 1 - 10). The scoring criteria can also include an assessment of waveform performance based on spreading factor (e.g., a value) and hopping speed (e.g., time delay) (e.g., a value between 1 - 10). The scoring criteria can also include a network security score (e.g., a value between 1 - 10), and can also include a score for previous bid compliance (e.g., a value between 1 - 10).

[0093] Figure 6FIllustrated is that the HAN manager 610 sends a service allocation 659 to the winning bid communication network 620a. The HAN manager 610 can also send the service allocation 659 to the user terminal 630. In some embodiments, the service allocation 659 includes credentials to enable connectivity between the user terminal 630, the communication network 620a, and a destination network (not shown).

[0094] Figure 7 A flowchart of an exemplary method 700 for selecting a winning bid communication network based on a user request is illustrated. Method 700 may be performed by any HAN manager described herein with reference to Figures 1 through 6F those described. For ease of description, method 700 will be described as being performed by the HAN manager. This should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Instead, any step or part of method 700 may be performed by any component or combination of components of the systems described herein.

[0095] In block 705, the HAN manager receives a user request for a service from the user terminal. This is similar to that described with reference to Figure 6B those described. In some embodiments, the user request may include a destination network, such as the destination network described herein with reference to Figures 2A through 4 those described. The user request may be sent at any time the user terminal desires to connect to a communication network and / or at any time the performance requirements of the user terminal change. In some embodiments, method 700 restarts each time a user request is received from the user terminal.

[0096] In block 710, the HAN manager announces a service request formulated according to the user request to communication networks in the hybrid adaptive network. This is similar to that described with reference to Figure 6C those described. The available communication networks may change dynamically. In some specific implementations, method 700 may return to block 710 in response to a change in network availability. In some embodiments, the HAN manager does not send service requests to incompatible networks. In such embodiments, incompatible communication networks may be identified in the user request, and / or the HAN manager may determine which communication networks are incompatible with the service request.

[0097] In block 715, the HAN manager receives service bids from compatible communication networks. This is similar to that described with reference to Figure 6D those described. In some embodiments, in response to a change in the corresponding communication network, a service bid may be sent to the HAN manager without the HAN manager requesting the bid. For example, in the case of a change in performance or price, the HAN manager may request an updated service bid, or the affected communication network may send an updated service bid without first receiving a request from the HAN manager. In the case of receiving an updated service bid, method 700 may be restarted starting from block 715.

[0098] In block 720, the HAN manager selects the winning communication network based on the scores of the determined service bids. In some embodiments, the HAN manager constructs a fulfillment list including a sorted list of compatible communication networks based on the scores of the determined service bids. Scoring the received service bids may include determining weighted scores for the parameters included in the service bids. This is similar to that described with reference to Figure 6E The service selection (e.g., the winning communication network and / or the fulfillment list) may be sent to the requesting user terminal.

[0099] In some embodiments, when the network performance of one or more of the compatible communication networks changes, the HAN manager repeats method 700 starting from block 720. In certain specific implementations, the HAN manager monitors the status of the communication network to determine when the network performance or other relevant network parameters have changed. Accordingly, in response to such changes, the HAN manager recalculates the scores or rankings of each compatible communication network. If the score of the winning communication network changes and / or the order of the fulfillment list changes, the HAN manager may send an updated service selection to the affected or relevant user terminals.

[0100] In block 725, the HAN manager assigns the service to the winning communication network. This is similar to that described with reference to Figure 6F The HAN manager may be configured to notify the user terminal of the winning network as well as the winning network. As described herein, a network connection may be established through a translation agent, thereby allowing the user to use the same interface to connect and communicate with each compatible communication network.

[0101] Method 700 represents a bidding process that can be used to establish an initial connection to a communication network and can also be repeated based on changing conditions or criteria, as described herein. For example, when some triggering event or condition occurs, method 700 may be repeated, starting from any suitable step of the method. Examples of triggering events include, but are not limited to, a change in the status of the communication network, a change in the status of the user terminal, a change in the status of a threat to the communication network (e.g., a natural threat such as weather, an unnatural threat such as equipment failure, an intentional threat such as a denial-of-service attack, etc.). In some embodiments, the user terminal is configured to update the HAN manager using the link performance of the communication network to which it is connected. If the link performance changes, an update to the service selection may be triggered (e.g., method 700 restarts at a suitable step in the method). For example, in the case of a service level agreement (SLA) with the user, this may be desirable and may facilitate maintaining at least a minimum level of service to meet the SLA, which may benefit from switching communication networks.

[0102] Another triggering event can be the expiration of a service bid. In some embodiments, a service bid can have a certain duration. As long as the service bid remains valid, the user terminal can use the communication network. The service bid can have a duration of, for example but not limited to, hours, days, weeks, months, etc. After the bid expires, method 700 can be repeated by starting at an appropriate step, such as starting at block 710 to request a new service bid, or starting at block 720 to determine a new score for the bids that are still valid.

[0103] Other triggering events can include the user terminal requesting a re-bid, the HAN manager determining that the winning communication network no longer meets the user's request, the HAN manager determining that the network characteristics have changed, and so on.

[0104] Figure 8 A flowchart of an exemplary method 800 for real-time updating of the ranking of a communication network is shown. Method 800 can be performed by any HAN manager described herein with reference to Figures 1 through 6F any of the HAN managers described. For ease of description, method 800 will be described as being performed by a HAN manager. This should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. On the contrary, any step or part of method 800 can be performed by any component or combination of components of the systems described herein.

[0105] In block 805, the HAN manager determines the scores of the compatible communication networks. The scores or rankings can be determined based on user criteria, user requirements, service bids, network performance, etc., as described herein.

[0106] In block 810, the HAN manager transmits the scores to the relevant user terminals. The relevant user terminals can include user terminals that are compatible with the communication networks for which the scores or rankings have changed. This can allow the user terminals to change the communication network in the presence of a preferred communication network. The HAN manager transmits or pushes the updated scores or rankings to the user terminals, and the user terminals do not have to request the updated information. This is advantageous because it allows the user terminals to connect to an excellent communication network without first requesting an update to the scoring or ranking of the communication network.

[0107] In block 815, the HAN manager receives information related to the performance of the communication network. This information includes parameters directly associated with the network performance provided by the communication network itself (e.g., information included in the service bid). This information also includes data associated with external factors that may affect network performance, such as weather, intelligence related to threats to the network, etc. The information that can be received by the HAN manager in this block can adapt over time and can include any suitable factors that affect network performance.

[0108] In block 820, the HAN manager determines whether a trigger criterion has occurred and, in response to determining that a trigger criterion has occurred, returns to block 805 to update the analysis of the communication network. The trigger criterion includes any of the criteria described herein, including, for example, but not limited to, a change in network performance, a change in user requirements, an external threat to the network, an excellent option becoming available, and so on.

[0109] Method 800 can be used as a predictive model. For example, method 800 can be used to anticipate network congestion and see if other networks are congested. In response, the HAN manager can move the user terminal before the user experience is adversely affected.

[0110] In addition, method 800 allows for continuous updating of the score or ranking of the communication network. These updates can be triggered in real time. This can cause the HAN manager to continuously or persistently push recommendations to the user terminal. Method 800 allows the HAN manager to receive and react to potential threats that may exist. Threats may arise in response to the analysis of, for example, weather information, network congestion, intelligence about potential attacks on the network, and so on. Method 800 allows the HAN manager to analyze the network performance as a whole, including external factors that may not be considered by other similar systems. Although method 800 can be triggered by an updated request from the user terminal, this is not required or may be unnecessary, at least in part because the HAN manager continuously updates the score and ranking of the communication network.

[0111] Terms and Additional Embodiments

[0112] Systems, devices, and methods for managing connections to a transmission network or a communication network based on a bidding and scoring process are described herein. As used herein, the terms transmission network, communication network, and component network may be used interchangeably. These terms include, but are not limited to, a communication network that provides network connectivity between a user terminal and a destination network, as described herein. These networks can include satellite networks, terrestrial networks, terrestrial wireless networks, or any combination thereof.

[0113] The present disclosure describes various features, none of which alone is responsible for the benefits described herein. It should be understood that the various features described herein may be combined, modified, or omitted, which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Other combinations and sub-combinations other than those specifically described herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and are intended to form part of the present disclosure. Various methods are described herein in connection with various flowchart steps and / or stages. It should be understood that in many cases, certain steps and / or stages may be combined such that multiple steps and / or stages shown in the flowchart may be performed as a single step and / or stage. Additionally, certain steps and / or stages may be broken into additional sub-components to be performed separately. In some cases, the order of steps and / or stages may be rearranged and certain steps and / or stages may be entirely omitted. Additionally, the methods described herein should be understood as open-ended such that additional steps and / or stages of those shown and described herein may also be performed.

[0114] Some aspects of the systems and methods described herein may advantageously be implemented using, for example, computer software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of computer software, hardware, and firmware. The computer software may include computer-executable code stored on a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) that, when executed, performs the functions described herein. In some embodiments, the computer-executable code is executed by one or more general-purpose computer processors. In accordance with the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that any feature or function that can be implemented using software to be executed on a general-purpose computer can also be implemented using a different combination of hardware, software, or firmware. For example, such modules may be implemented entirely in hardware using a combination of integrated circuits. Alternatively or in addition, such features or functions may be implemented, in whole or in part, using a special-purpose computer designed to perform the specific functions described herein rather than a general-purpose computer.

[0115] Multiple distributed computing devices may replace any one of the computing devices described herein. In such distributed embodiments, the functionality of one computing device is distributed (e.g., via a network) such that some functions are performed on each of the distributed computing devices in the distributed computing device.

[0116] Some embodiments may be described with reference to formulas, algorithms, and / or flowcharts. These methods may be implemented using computer program instructions executable on one or more computers. These methods may also be implemented individually as a computer program product or as components of a device or system. In this regard, each formula, algorithm, block, or step of the flowchart and combinations thereof may be implemented by hardware, firmware, and / or software, which includes one or more computer program instructions embodied in computer-readable program code logic. It should be understood that any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto one or more computers (including but not limited to general-purpose computers or special-purpose computers, or other programmable processing devices) to produce a machine such that the computer program instructions executed on the computer or other programmable processing device implement the functions specified in the formula, algorithm, and / or flowchart. It should also be understood that each formula, algorithm, and / or block in the flowchart illustration and combinations thereof may be implemented by a special-purpose hardware-based computer system that performs the specified functions or steps, or by a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer-readable program code logic devices.

[0117] In addition, computer program instructions, such as those embodied in computer-readable program code logic, may also be stored in a computer-readable memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium), which may direct one or more computers or other programmable processing devices to operate in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory implement the functions specified in the blocks of the flowchart. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto one or more computers or other programmable computing devices so that a series of operational steps are performed on the one or more computers or other programmable computing devices to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable processing device provide the steps for implementing the functions specified in the formula, algorithm, and / or blocks of the flowchart.

[0118] Some or all of the methods and tasks described herein can be performed by a computer system and fully automated. In some cases, the computer system can include a plurality of different computers or computing devices (e.g., physical servers, workstations, storage arrays, etc.) that communicate and interoperate via a network to perform the described functions. Each such computing device typically includes a processor (or processors) that executes program instructions or modules stored in a memory or other non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or device. The various functions disclosed herein can be embodied in such program instructions, but some or all of the disclosed functions can alternatively be implemented in dedicated circuitry (e.g., ASIC or FPGA) of the computer system. In cases where the computer system includes multiple computing devices, these devices can, but need not, be co-located. The results of the methods and tasks disclosed by the present invention can be persistently stored by converting a physical storage device (such as a solid-state memory chip and / or a disk) into a different state.

[0119] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", etc. shall be construed in an inclusive sense, rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including, but not limited to". As used generally herein, the word "coupled" means that two or more elements can be directly connected or connected through one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, when used in this application, the words "herein", "above", "below", and words of similar import shall refer to the application as a whole and not to any particular part of the application. Where context permits, words used in the singular or plural in the above detailed description can also include the plural or singular, respectively. The word "or" refers to a list of two or more items, and this word encompasses all of the following interpretations of the word: any item in the list, all items in the list, and any combination of items in the list. The word "exemplary" is used herein solely to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any particular embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0120] The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments shown herein. Various modifications to the specific embodiments described in the present disclosure may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The teachings of the present invention provided herein can be applied to other methods and systems without being limited to the above methods and systems, and the elements and actions of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide additional embodiments. Therefore, the novel methods and systems described herein can be embodied in many other forms; in addition, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the forms of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the essence of the present disclosure. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover these forms or modifications that will fall within the scope and essence of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A Hybrid Adaptive Network (HAN) manager configured to manage a network connection between a user terminal and a communication network, the HAN manager comprises: a network interface configured to receive network communications from the user terminal and the communication network; a data repository including computer-executable instructions; and one or more processors configured to execute the computer-executable instructions stored on the data repository, the computer-executable instructions being configured to cause the HAN manager to: receive a user request from the user terminal, the user request including connection criteria; determine a set of compatible communication networks from a plurality of communication networks, the set of compatible communication networks including communication networks compatible with the connection criteria of the user request; send a service request based on the user request to the set of compatible communication networks; in response to the service request, receive bid responses from each of the compatible communication networks; determine a score for each of the compatible communication networks, the score being at least partially based on parameters included in the received bid responses; send a service selection to the user terminal, the service selection including a sorted list of at least some of the compatible communication networks, the sorted list being based on the determined scores for each of the compatible communication networks; and in response to a trigger event affecting the availability of at least one of the compatible communication networks, the trigger event including a threat to at least one of the compatible communication networks; update the sorted list determined at the HAN manager to generate an updated sorted list; and send a second service selection to the user terminal, the second service selection including the updated sorted list.

2. The HAN manager according to claim 1, wherein the network interface further includes an open standard network interface configured to send control commands to the communication network.

3. The HAN manager according to claim 1, wherein the network interface further includes an open standard network interface configured to receive network status information from the communication network.

4. The HAN manager according to claim 1, wherein the communication network includes two or more communication networks operating in different frequency ranges.

5. The HAN manager according to claim 1, wherein the communication network includes two or more communication networks operating using different network protocols.

6. The HAN manager according to claim 1, wherein the communication network includes two or more communication networks operating using different waveforms.

7. The HAN manager according to claim 1, wherein the user request includes a minimum data rate.

8. The HAN manager according to claim 1, wherein the score is at least partially dependent on previous bid compliance.

9. The HAN manager according to claim 1, wherein each of the bid responses includes a service delivery probability.

10. The HAN manager according to claim 1, wherein the trigger event includes a change in network performance of at least one of the compatible communication networks.

11. The HAN manager according to claim 1, wherein the updated sorted list reorders the part of the compatible communication network that remains on the updated sorted list relative to the sorted list, and the order of the updated sorted list is based on the updated scores determined for the respective compatible communication networks.

12. A hybrid adaptive network, the hybrid adaptive network comprising the HAN manager according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and one or more communication networks in the communication network.

13. A hybrid adaptive network, the hybrid adaptive network comprising the HAN manager according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and one or more user terminals in the user terminal.

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