A virtual network operator management method

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of virtual network operator management method, the virtual network operator management method includes: S100, creating exclusive virtual network operator and / or shared virtual network operator;And S200, the exclusive virtual network operator and / or the shared virtual network operator is managed;Wherein, the exclusive virtual network operator is exclusively provided by one or more satellite host station modulation and demodulation channel and satellite communication channel of exclusive use of main network operator, at least part of hardware equipment and software resources under the shared virtual network operator of one satellite communication channel are shared by main network operator.Provided is with the advantages of low cost, wide applicability, easy to use and maintain, etc., can realize the high flux satellite network multiple operators simultaneously independent operation management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of satellite communications, and more specifically to a method for managing virtual network operators. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the increasing data capacity of high-throughput satellite systems, the satellite communication services they can provide to users are becoming increasingly diverse. However, the initial investment in satellite communication systems is enormous, and the barriers to entry are high. This makes it difficult for major satellite communication operators to quickly commercialize their services to end users, recoup costs, and generate profits. On the other hand, many smaller operators, while possessing a market for VSAT end users and a strong desire to promote and expand satellite communication internet services, are unable to enter the satellite communication operation field due to the substantial capital investment required.

[0003] Generally speaking, a typical satellite network communication system service includes a satellite network provider and satellite network users who use its network communication services. The satellite network provider possesses all the equipment, including gateway stations, remote equipment, and related software, and charges its network users for communication network services.

[0004] In traditional business models, incrementally adding and expanding resource functionality for new users is quite difficult. For example, to create a new, independently managed dedicated satellite network, an operator must obtain, install, configure, add, and manage at least one new modem chassis and modem boards, as well as parameters such as repeaters and network segments.

[0005] Moreover, it is difficult for different operators to distinguish and manage their own baseband, satellite, and terminal resources within the same network management system.

[0006] At the same time, customers cannot independently utilize all network functions and need to coordinate control of these functions with third-party network operators, which increases costs and reduces customer flexibility and autonomy. In order to flexibly control these network parameters, each user needs to spend additional money to build an independent network dedicated to their application and tailored to their needs.

[0007] In addition, existing satellite communication system manufacturers all have mature network management systems, and redesigning and developing a new system would lead to a significant increase in costs.

[0008] In summary, high-throughput satellite communication systems with large bandwidth and support for more terminals will be very inconvenient when operating systems jointly by multiple operators. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To resolve the current conflict between primary network operators and virtual network operators (MVNOs) in satellite communication services, this invention proposes a MVNO management method. This method offers advantages such as low cost, ease of maintenance and use, and the ability to modify existing network management systems. It also benefits the hardware and software implementation of the system, leading to improved efficiency for operators and a win-win situation.

[0010] This invention provides a method for managing virtual network operators (VRNOs), the method comprising:

[0011] S100, creating exclusive virtual network operators and / or shared virtual network operators; and

[0012] S200, manage the exclusive virtual network operator and / or the shared virtual network operator;

[0013] The exclusive virtual network operator exclusively owns one or more satellite communication channels provided by the main network operator, while the shared virtual network operator shares at least some of the hardware and software resources under a satellite communication channel provided by the main network operator.

[0014] Furthermore, in S100, creating the exclusive virtual network operator includes:

[0015] S111, Add and / or modify at least one network segment to a private network segment;

[0016] S112, add at least one exclusive type of satellite virtual resource network, and allocate at least one dedicated network segment for each exclusive type of satellite virtual resource network;

[0017] S113, add at least one exclusive virtual network operator role, and assign satellite virtual resource network and management permissions to each exclusive virtual network operator role;

[0018] S114, add at least one Dedicated Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) user and assign at least one Dedicated MVNO role to each Dedicated MVNO user.

[0019] S115, create at least one management group for exclusive virtual network operator users and allocate an address pool to each management group.

[0020] Furthermore, in S110, when adding and / or modifying a dedicated network segment, the configuration items for the dedicated network segment include frequency point, symbol rate, output power, superframe planning, and modulation / demodulation channels.

[0021] In S130, the management permissions assigned to the exclusive virtual network operator role include at least one of the following: terminal multicast upgrade permission, network segment configuration and monitoring permission, terminal addition, deletion and modification and remote configuration permission, and a dedicated virtual network operator user can assign different permissions to its multiple exclusive virtual network operator roles.

[0022] In step S150, management groups are created based on the attributes of the end users, such that all end users in each management group have at least one set of the same attributes.

[0023] Furthermore, in S200, managing the exclusive virtual network operator includes:

[0024] The exclusive virtual network operator users manage their respective end users within their respective permissions, including the management of dedicated network segments, satellite virtual resource networks, and management groups.

[0025] Further, in S100, creating the shared virtual network operator includes:

[0026] S121, Added cloud resource management module;

[0027] S122, add at least one shared type of satellite virtual resource network, and allocate bandwidth to each shared type of satellite virtual resource network;

[0028] S123, add at least one shared virtual network operator role, and assign satellite virtual resource network and management permissions to each shared virtual network operator role;

[0029] S124, add at least one shared virtual network operator (VPN) user and assign at least one shared VPN operator role to each VPN user;

[0030] S125, create at least one management group for shared virtual network operator users and allocate an address pool to each management group.

[0031] Furthermore, in S122, the bandwidth allocated to each shared type of satellite virtual resource network includes the total MIR and total CIR, as well as the sub-MIR and sub-CIR under different beams.

[0032] Furthermore, in S200, managing the shared virtual network operator includes:

[0033] The shared virtual network operator users manage their respective terminal users within their respective permissions, including the management of the satellite virtual resource network and management groups.

[0034] The virtual network operator management method of this invention proposes two management modes for virtual operators: exclusive mode and shared mode. This allows for different management modes to be configured for operators with different operational management needs. Through improvements in the operation mode and system design, the method can effectively reduce the investment costs of other operators and improve the system's resource utilization. It also brings considerable benefits to the main network operator of the satellite. The method is characterized by low cost, wide applicability, ease of use and maintenance, and can enable multiple operators to operate and manage high-throughput satellite networks independently at the same time.

[0035] The Virtual Network Operator (VNO) management method of this invention supports operators to exclusively occupy one or more satellite networks, and allows different operators to share public equipment and satellite resources and dynamically allocate bandwidth among multiple independently managed networks. The equipment in the satellite network is reconfigurable and scalable, providing the ability to change communication capacity when additional elements are added or reconfigured. Configurable functions include communication bandwidth, Quality of Service (QoS), and the numerous communication satellites, beams, and satellite subnets included in the communication system. By configuring the VNO in the network management system through its extended mode, small operators can significantly reduce upfront investment costs, lower the barrier to entry into the satellite communication service provider market, and provide competitive satellite-based broadband IP services to end users. Simultaneously, the Host Network Operator (HNO), through the promotion of VNO services, can share system investment costs, improve system resource utilization, and reduce the difficulty of developing the end-user market, thereby achieving a win-win situation. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall process of the virtual network operator management method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a sub-process of the virtual network operator management method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a sub-process of the virtual network operator management method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of a satellite communication network system applying an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the modulation and demodulation channel configuration when the system is applied to a dedicated VNO;

[0042] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a satellite virtual resource network when the system is applied to a dedicated VNO;

[0043] Figure 7 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the modulation and demodulation channel configuration when the system is applied to a shared VNO;

[0044] Figure 8 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a satellite virtual resource network when the system is applied to a shared VNO;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the network communication configuration of a VSAT terminal user applying an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A configuration diagram of the VSAT terminal device in the diagram;

[0047] Figure 11 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of satellite network communication resource allocation for the network controller in the diagram;

[0048] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of creating and managing an exclusive VNO according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of creating and managing a shared VNO according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The description of the embodiments in this specification should be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which should form part of the complete specification. In the drawings, the shape or thickness of the embodiments may be exaggerated and may be indicated in a simplified or convenient manner. Furthermore, parts of the various structures in the drawings will be described separately; it is worth noting that elements not shown in the figures or not described in words are in a form known to those skilled in the art.

[0051] The descriptions of the embodiments herein, including any references to directions and orientations, are for ease of description only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The following description of preferred embodiments involves combinations of features, which may exist independently or in combination; the invention is not particularly limited to the preferred embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

[0052] In this embodiment of the invention, the invention involves a host network operator (HNO), a virtual network operator (VNO), and VSAT end users.

[0053] 1. Main network operator

[0054] The HNO (Network Nominated Network) is responsible for the complex infrastructure construction and maintenance of the entire system. It typically owns or leases satellite resources and is responsible for purchasing and maintaining satellite ground equipment within the satellite network, including hardware and software. Examples include baseband modem boards, baseband chassis, network controllers, network management systems and servers, switches, master station antenna assemblies, and master station radio frequency transceivers (RFTs) or radio frequency / intermediate frequency converters (IF / RF converters). The HNO is responsible for expanding the satellite network's space resources. It can create new satellite communication channels and manage shared equipment, allocating network resources to VNOs. It provides VNO users with satellite network management, installation and maintenance, remote debugging support, link budget preparation, master station equipment maintenance, upstream Internet / dedicated data connection maintenance, and software / firmware upgrade coordination. Through the network management system, the HNO has a comprehensive understanding of the entire satellite network and the operational status of all terminals, as well as the resource and terminal usage status of all VNOs.

[0055] The HNO is responsible for managing the parameters of the entire system, including inbound and outbound carriers, bandwidth, carrier frequency, power, ACM adaptive control modulation and coding parameters, QoS policies, as well as the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of the master modem, NMS clients and servers, network controllers, and the configuration of switches or routers.

[0056] HNOs generate revenue from space segment operation, hosting services, and network management fees charged to VNOs. Network management fees include, for example, fees for leasing modem boards, debugging, configuration management, real-time monitoring, and periodic report generation. HNOs also generate revenue by charging VNOs for Mbps (dedicated VNO) or MHz (shared VNO) speeds, or by charging for leasing modem boards.

[0057] 2. Virtual Network Operator

[0058] VNOs are "non-infrastructure" satellite network operators operating under a business model based on satellite network services provided by main network operators (HNOs). VNOs offer a low-cost entry point into the satellite network operations business because significant upfront capital investment has been made, and VNOs can gradually add system functionality as business opportunities grow. Furthermore, the VNO business model allows for greater control over the end-user network, resulting in better customer service.

[0059] Based on different network management modes, VNOs are divided into Dedicated VNOs, which support independent network management mode (independent resource management and expansion), and Shared VNOs, which support shared network management mode (dynamic allocation of resources).

[0060] ①Exclusive VNO user:

[0061] It can manage one or more independent satellite communication channels. The VNO is responsible for managing and maintaining a portion of the hardware and software in the satellite network, such as modem boards. The VNO is responsible for maintaining the software or firmware upgrades of leased modem channels (in coordination with the HNO when necessary), restarting, alarming and status monitoring, modem board expansion installation (in coordination with the HNO when necessary), commissioning of new remote sites and support for all network user sites, network user configuration, user IP address allocation (in coordination with the HNO when necessary), entry and exit time slots and frequency planning, remote management, monitoring and maintenance of terminals, etc.

[0062] ② Shared VNO users:

[0063] Revenue can be generated from retail terminals at the user end, and continuously from providing basic network services, terminal equipment installation and maintenance services, software upgrade services, and terminal value-added services to satellite network end users. Each high-throughput satellite network user can be managed and provided with services by their respective VNO within a shared high-throughput satellite network. For example, VNOs can provide users with internet access, data and video broadcasting services, and other IP services. In addition, satellite network users can obtain technical support through VNOs, such as terminal network access and QoS (Quality of Service) configuration when bandwidth is insufficient.

[0064] 3. VSAT end users

[0065] Users gain access to satellite communication systems and IP services by purchasing VSAT terminals and antennas, VSAT installation services, internet access services, and data plans from a VNO. VSAT terminals can be fixed stations, shipborne stations, airborne stations, vehicle-mounted stations, or backpack stations. Users can access the satellite communication system anytime, anywhere; the bandwidth and conditions for VSAT terminal access are managed and monitored by the VNO.

[0066] like Figure 1-3 The diagram shown is a flowchart of a virtual network operator (VRNO) management method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The VRNO management method includes:

[0067] S100, creating exclusive virtual network operators and / or shared virtual network operators; and

[0068] S200, manage the exclusive virtual network operator and / or the shared virtual network operator.

[0069] In step S100, creating the exclusive virtual network operator includes:

[0070] S111, Add and / or modify at least one network segment to a private network segment;

[0071] S112, add at least one exclusive type of satellite virtual resource network, and allocate at least one dedicated network segment for each exclusive type of satellite virtual resource network;

[0072] S113, add at least one exclusive virtual network operator role, and assign satellite virtual resource network and management permissions to each exclusive virtual network operator role;

[0073] S114, add at least one Dedicated Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) user and assign at least one Dedicated MVNO role to each Dedicated MVNO user.

[0074] S115, create at least one management group for exclusive virtual network operator users and allocate an address pool to each management group.

[0075] In S200, managing the exclusive virtual network operator includes:

[0076] The exclusive virtual network operator users manage their respective end users within their respective permissions, including the management of dedicated network segments, satellite virtual resource networks, and management groups.

[0077] In step S100, creating the shared virtual network operator includes:

[0078] S121, Added cloud resource management module;

[0079] S122, add at least one shared type of satellite virtual resource network, and allocate bandwidth to each shared type of satellite virtual resource network;

[0080] S123, add at least one shared virtual network operator role, and assign satellite virtual resource network and management permissions to each shared virtual network operator role;

[0081] S124, add at least one shared virtual network operator (VPN) user and assign at least one shared VPN operator role to each VPN user;

[0082] S125, create at least one management group for shared virtual network operator users and allocate an address pool to each management group.

[0083] In step S200, managing the shared virtual network operator includes:

[0084] The shared virtual network operator users manage their respective terminal users within their respective permissions, including the management of the satellite virtual resource network and management groups.

[0085] The virtual network operator management method of this invention will be specifically described below in conjunction with a satellite communication network system:

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown, this is a conventional satellite network communication system, which includes communication with satellite 44 via Internet Protocol (IP) network 41, gateway baseband 42, and gateway radio frequency 43 (including intermediate frequency and radio frequency), and transmission of service data to VSAT terminal 45 and subsequent equipment. Furthermore, network maintenance personnel 47 of the main network operator (HNO) and virtual network operator (VNO) perform satellite network monitoring and management, as well as baseband equipment maintenance and management functions, through satellite network management system 46.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown, the gateway station baseband 42 comprises a network controller 420, a baseband chassis, a modulator 421, a demodulator 422, a combiner matrix 423, a splitter matrix 424, and a switching board (not shown in the figure). The logical channels of the baseband modem / demodulator boards (modulator 421 and demodulator 422) are connected to the network controller 420 via the switching board (not shown in the figure). Through the interaction of signaling and service data, they manage the satellite channel and transmit services. The RF transmitter port of the modulator 421's modulation board is connected to the combiner matrix 423 of the chassis, and the RF receiver port of the demodulator 422's demodulator board is connected to the splitter matrix 424 of the chassis. Thus, both the modulator 421 and demodulator 422 are connected to the gateway station RF 43 through the matrix output. The HNO is connected via the satellite network management system 46 (see...). Figure 4 A dedicated VNO can lease the modulation or demodulation channels of one or more baseband chassis within different baseband chassis. The dedicated VNO user can then manage the physical channels themselves.

[0088] like Figure 6As shown, a dedicated VNO user (i.e., the VNO administrator) 442 possesses a dedicated VNO role 443, which in turn possesses a dedicated SVN (Satellite Virtual Network) 431. A dedicated SVN includes a modem channel leased by the HNO to the dedicated VNO, and dedicated NS (Network Segments) 434 and 435 allocated by the HNO to the dedicated VNO or created by the dedicated VNO itself. A dedicated NS consists of one outbound link and multiple inbound links, representing channel resources that can only be allocated by a management group of a single dedicated VNO type user. These channel resources are associated with the modem channel, and the radio frequency interface is ultimately connected to the gateway station radio frequency 43. Once the dedicated NS is enabled, the network management system ensures that only VSAT terminals of the dedicated VNO type can access the channel. Management groups 436 and 437 are collections of VSAT terminals with the same IP network configuration. Management groups 436 and 437 typically also share the same geographical region (e.g., a province) or the same user group (e.g., a company), and VSAT terminal users are managed within the same management group. Different exclusive VNOs have different users, VNO roles, SVN, dedicated NS, management groups, IP networks, and modem channels. Therefore, the system achieves resource isolation at both the physical and network levels, ensuring that VNO users can use and manage resources independently.

[0089] The dedicated VNO approach avoids the limitation that each user is not allowed to customize a single network for their specific applications (e.g., VoIP, web browsing, etc.), and that customers cannot independently utilize all network functions, requiring coordination with third-party network operators to control these functions, thus reducing customer flexibility and autonomy. To achieve flexible control over these network parameters, each VNO user using the dedicated VNO approach can lease baseband channels to establish their own independent network dedicated to their applications and freely adjust it according to their needs.

[0090] like Figure 7As shown, all VNOs in a shared VNO can share the same modem and channels 421 and 422, and share the same combiner / splitter matrices 423 and 424, connecting to the gateway station radio frequency 43. Multiple network controllers 420 can be used within the same gateway station, interconnected across chassis with the baseband modem and its channels via Ethernet. The network controller can dynamically allocate resources for all VSAT terminals in the managed network segment according to the superframe cycle. However, the system cannot allocate resources for VSAT terminals of VNO users across multiple network controllers. Therefore, the system requires a cloud resource management module 425 to implement the above functions. The cloud resource management module 425 establishes a connection with the network controller and collects the resource allocation status of all network controllers every 32 superframe cycles. Based on the maximum information rate (MIR) and committed information rate (CIR) of the shared VNO, as well as the maximum information rate and committed information rate of the VNO under different beams, it dynamically allocates bandwidth resources across multiple network controllers. After receiving the instruction from the cloud resource management center, the network controller immediately completes the dynamic adjustment of resources in the next superframe cycle.

[0091] like Figure 8 As shown, a shared VNO user (i.e., the VNO administrator) 441 has an exclusive VNO role 440, which in turn has a shared SVN (Satellite Virtual Network) 431. All shared SVN satellite virtual networks 449 can share the shared NS network segment 448. The cloud resource management module 425 obtains in real time the resource allocation of different VNOs by the network controller 420 in the shared network segment 448, and dynamically adjusts the sum of the maximum real-time rate and the guaranteed rate of all terminals under different VNOs based on the maximum information rate and the committed guaranteed rate configured for each shared SVN (Satellite Virtual Network). The shared NS network segment 448 is created only by HNOs and consists of one outbound link and multiple inbound links. The channel resources are associated with the modulation and demodulation channels 451, and the radio frequency port is ultimately connected to the gateway station radio frequency 43.

[0092] A shared SVN is similar to an exclusive SVN in that it can create and associate multiple management groups. A management group is a collection of VSAT terminals with the same IP network configuration. Management groups typically share the same geographical region (e.g., a province) or the same user group (e.g., a company), where VSAT terminal users are managed within the same management group. Different shared VNOs have different users, VNO roles, SVNs, management groups, and IP networks, but they can use the same shared NS and modem channels. Because shared VNO resources, especially hardware channels, are shared, they are characterized by simple management and easy expansion.

[0093] like Figure 9 As shown, the VSAT terminal 45 users of satellite network 1 include not only the VSAT terminal device 112, but also a plurality of terminal users 116 connected to the associated VSAT terminal device 112 via a communication connection. The terminal users 116 can be user computers or mobile devices such as laptops or smartphones.

[0094] VSAT terminal device 112 and end user 116 can communicate via a dedicated communication link 113. This dedicated communication link 113 can be an RS-232 data link or other point-to-point communication link. Similarly, multiple user computers 116 can use a multi-point communication link such as an Ethernet data link. Alternatively, multiple user computers 112 can communicate with network 1 via a single VSAT terminal 112 using a wireless communication link 115. The wireless communication link 115 can use a radio network such as Wi-Fi or WiMAX, an optical network, a microwave link, or other wireless communication links.

[0095] like Figure 10 As shown, each end user uses the shared network device VSAT terminal device 112 to send communication data from a remote user to an upstream user, and each remote terminal receives communication data from the upstream user sent via the shared network device. The terminal virtual router 122, based on the contents of the terminal virtual router label table 123, appends the VLAN tag of the virtual router to each IP packet to be sent to the upstream user. The virtual router tag contains a unique identifier that can be distinguished by service or user, mapped to the local IP address of the remote user or upstream user, and the mapping between the virtual router tag and each local IP address is stored in the terminal virtual router label table 123. Furthermore, based on the contents of the terminal virtual router label table 908, when the terminal virtual router removes the virtual router tag from each communication packet transmitted to the remote user, it routes the packet to the remote user's local IP address.

[0096] like Figure 11As shown, the network controller 420 includes an outbound virtual router 132 connected to the IP network 41 and a protocol converter 134 connected to the gateway station baseband 42. The protocol converter 134 converts communication service data from the modem board in the gateway station chassis from satellite communication protocol to IP network protocol, transmits it to the IP network after passing through the core switch, and then converts the communication data from the IP network to a protocol suitable for satellite communication before transmitting it to the modem in the baseband chassis of the gateway station and forwarding it to the gateway station baseband radio frequency 42. The outbound virtual router 132 adds virtual router tags to each communication packet to be sent to a remote user on a specific VLAN based on the contents of the outbound virtual router tag table 133. The virtual router tag includes a unique identifier that is mapped to the local IP address of the remote user or upstream user, and the mapping between the virtual router tag and each local IP address is stored in the outbound virtual router tag table 133. Then, the outbound virtual router 132 removes the virtual router tag from each packet to be sent to the upstream user and routes the packet to the upstream user's local IP address based on the contents of the outbound virtual router tag table 133.

[0097] Communication between the network controller 420 and the remote terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a virtual router function that repackages IP packets into virtual router packets by adding virtual router tags. Each intermediate element (including a gateway modem chassis, a satellite intermediate frequency converter / satellite) is configured to transmit packets containing virtual routing tags. At the network controller side, the virtual router packets are converted back into IP packets by consulting the virtual routing tags; this table maps the combined virtual router address and IP address back to an IP address. Similarly, at the VSAT terminal side, outbound virtual router packets are converted back into IP packets using a virtual routing table.

[0098] This design offers complete freedom in the management of satellite communication networks for both software and hardware operators. A virtual network operator (MVNO) can select and assign IP addresses to users of its network 1 without considering or knowing any IP addresses chosen by other MVNOs for their users. For example, network operator A can assign the IP address 10.0.0.1 to remote users of network A, and network operator B can also assign the same IP address, 10.0.0.1, to remote users of network B without any risk of conflict.

[0099] According to the virtual network operator management method of this invention, the administrator creates different virtual operator roles based on different needs through the network management system. Each type of virtual operator role has some management permissions of the network management system. For example, the administrator can allocate modem communication channels leased by users to exclusive virtual operator roles, so that exclusive virtual operators can lease and configure parameters such as satellite bandwidth on their own, and create an independent satellite communication subnet on the network management system.

[0100] The network management system's management roles have permissions to manage various resources within the communication system. These include shared modem boards, network controllers, baseband chassis, and transmit / receive matrices among virtual operators (MVNOs), as well as VSAT terminals, management groups, inbound and outbound channel resources, upgrade files, map configurations, and viewing. The network management system supports different configurations that provide network resource-level visibility for MVNO management. The system restricts each operator to managing only resources visible to them; for example, terminals, communication channels, and subnets managed by different MVNOs are mutually invisible.

[0101] A virtual operator (MVNO) can create multiple user accounts bound to a single MVNO role. Using these accounts, the MVNO can access the network management system via a web browser without downloading a local client. This allows them to create and delete satellite communication subnets, configure communication channels such as frequency points, superframe plans, transmit power, and symbol rates, configure ACM (Adaptive Control Modulation and Coding) for communication channels, monitor the operational status of satellite communication channels, manage the MVNO's management group and its network address pool planning, remotely upgrade terminals, control and monitor status, and more.

[0102] The Network Management System (NMS) can be configured to perform either primary network operator (HNO) or virtual network operator (VNO) functions. The NMS is configured to provide different levels of capabilities to different users. The NMS can provide different levels of permissions and visibility to network resources based on user type. For example, a HNO user type identified as a primary network operator (HNO) superuser has permissions and visibility to all communication system resources; a VNO user type identified as a virtual network operator (VNO) superuser has only partial resource visibility; a "network administrator" type user of a shared, independently managed network within the communication system, identified as a "VNO guest user," has only read-only permissions and can observe the configuration parameters and network status of a Virtual Satellite Network (SVN) within that communication system.

[0103] The network management system can create additional user types with different permissions and network resource visibility. For example, a VNO account can be configured to only provide access to resources on the network allocated to the VNO. The network management system can also configure VNO accounts for each VNO's NMS user, including user information such as name / password, user type (e.g., VNO superuser or VNO guest, shared VNO or exclusive VNO). VNO superusers can use the network management system to perform virtual network operations, such as adding, modifying, and deleting remote network users, activating and deactivating remote network users, selecting Quality of Service (QoS) profiles, monitoring and querying remote statistics, and having visibility over the networks they manage. VNO superusers cannot add or modify carriers, independently add or modify hardware such as modem boards or network controllers, or view other shared networks in the communication system; these operations would affect the network configuration of other users and are reserved only for HNOs and system network administrators. The configuration and monitoring capabilities of different types of VNOs are shown in the table below.

[0104]

[0105]

[0106] like Figure 12 As shown, steps S111-S115 and S200 detail the principles of adding and managing dedicated virtual network operators, including:

[0107] The first step involves the HNO adding one or more network segments as dedicated network segments in the beam interface or modifying them in the network segment interface of the network management system. A dedicated network segment can only be used by one VNO role and cannot be shared among multiple VNOs. When a dedicated network segment is created, it is associated with one modulation channel or multiple demodulation channels. Once a dedicated network segment is assigned to the SVN of an exclusive VNO, the modulation or demodulation channel of the dedicated network segment is automatically assigned to that exclusive VNO. This VNO will then have the ability to monitor, configure, and upgrade the channel (through negotiation with the HNO if necessary) (relevant permissions still need to be assigned in the third step).

[0108] The second step involves the HNO adding an SVN of the exclusive VNO type in the network management system, which can allocate one or more private network segments to this SVN. Management groups or terminals created by exclusive VNO users under this SVN can only use some or all of the private network segments allocated to the SVN.

[0109] Thirdly, in the HNO's network management system role management interface, one or more exclusive VNO roles can be added, and permissions and exclusive VNO type SVNs can be assigned to these roles. The network management system provides recommended default permissions for different types of VNO roles, such as: terminal multicast upgrade permissions, network segment configuration and monitoring permissions, terminal add, delete, modify and remote configuration permissions, etc. HNO can create VNO roles with different permissions for a single operator. For example, VNO role 1 has the permission to configure dedicated network segments and modify terminals, while VNO role 2 can only view dedicated network segments and view terminals. In this way, the same VNO operator can use it for different users with guest permissions as well as different users with administrator permissions to access the system.

[0110] The fourth step is for the HNO to add one or more users in the network management system user management interface, and set login names, passwords and assign VNO roles to these users.

[0111] Fifth, VNO users log in to the network management system using their accounts via a web browser.

[0112] Step 6: VNO users create one or more management groups. Terminals in the same management group are a group of terminals with the same attributes, such as the same network access location or beam resources, or the same region or company.

[0113] Step 7: The VNO user configures the user address pool for the management group (necessary to negotiate with the HNO).

[0114] Step 8: VNO users create, delete, modify, configure, remotely maintain, and monitor VSAT terminals. The VSAT terminals managed by a VNO user are limited to its own VNO.

[0115] In the ninth step, VNO users can configure and monitor the dedicated network segment of this VNO, modifying parameters such as frequency, symbol rate, output power, and superframe planning, as well as monitoring and maintaining the modulation and demodulation channels of this VNO.

[0116] The VNO's SVN (Satellite Virtual Resource Network) can be created and configured, and the maximum rate limit and minimum guaranteed rate of VNO inbound and outbound resources can be configured according to the resource pool of the beam.

[0117] Configure the HNO with VNO permissions and create the VNO role, then bind the SVN resources to the VNO role. Multiple VNO accounts can be created and bound to this VNO role, allowing the same virtual operator to have multiple access accounts on the network management system.

[0118] like Figure 13As shown, steps S121-S125 and S200 detail the principles of adding and managing shared virtual network operators, including:

[0119] The process of creating a shared VNO is basically the same as that of an exclusive VNO, with the main difference being:

[0120] (1) The system needs to add RMC (Cloud Resource Management Center) to realize the function of shared VNO;

[0121] (2) When creating a shared VNO, the system allocates not a dedicated network segment, but the total MIR and CIR as well as the MIR and CIR of the VNO user under each beam;

[0122] (3) Shared VNOs monitor information such as the real-time throughput of the VNO's SVN and management group, while exclusive VNOs monitor parameters such as the throughput of the dedicated network segment.

[0123] (4) Shared VNOs support the function of adding secondary shared VNOs.

[0124] In summary, the virtual network operator management method of this invention proposes two management modes for virtual operators: exclusive mode and shared mode. This allows for different management modes to be configured for operators with different operational management needs. Through improvements in the operational modes and system design, the method can effectively reduce the investment costs of other operators and improve the system's resource utilization. It also brings considerable benefits to the main network operator of the satellite. The method is characterized by low cost, wide applicability, ease of use and maintenance, and can enable multiple operators to operate and manage high-throughput satellite networks independently at the same time.

[0125] The Virtual Network Operator (VNO) management method of this invention supports operators to exclusively occupy one or more satellite networks, and allows different operators to share public equipment and satellite resources and dynamically allocate bandwidth among multiple independently managed networks. The equipment in the satellite network is reconfigurable and scalable, providing the ability to change communication capacity when additional elements are added or reconfigured. Configurable functions include communication bandwidth, Quality of Service (QoS), and the numerous communication satellites, beams, and satellite subnets included in the communication system. By configuring the VNO in the network management system through its extended mode, small operators can significantly reduce upfront investment costs, lower the barrier to entry into the satellite communication service provider market, and provide competitive satellite-based broadband IP services to end users. Simultaneously, the Host Network Operator (HNO), through the promotion of VNO services, can share system investment costs, improve system resource utilization, and reduce the difficulty of developing the end-user market, thereby achieving a win-win situation.

[0126] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for managing virtual network operators, characterized in that, The virtual network operator management method includes: S100, creating exclusive virtual network operators and / or shared virtual network operators; and S200, manage the exclusive virtual network operator and / or the shared virtual network operator; The exclusive virtual network operator exclusively owns one or more satellite communication channels provided by the main network operator, while the shared virtual network operator shares at least some of the hardware and software resources under a satellite communication channel provided by the main network operator. In step S100, creating the exclusive virtual network operator includes: S111, Add and / or modify at least one network segment to a private network segment; S112, add at least one exclusive type of satellite virtual resource network, and allocate at least one dedicated network segment for each exclusive type of satellite virtual resource network; S113, add at least one exclusive virtual network operator role, and assign satellite virtual resource network and management permissions to each exclusive virtual network operator role; S114, add at least one Dedicated Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) user and assign at least one Dedicated MVNO role to each Dedicated MVNO user. S115, create at least one management group for exclusive virtual network operator users and allocate an address pool to each management group; In step S100, creating the shared virtual network operator includes: S121, Added cloud resource management module; S122, add at least one shared type of satellite virtual resource network, and allocate bandwidth to each shared type of satellite virtual resource network; S123, add at least one shared virtual network operator role, and assign satellite virtual resource network and management permissions to each shared virtual network operator role; S124, add at least one shared virtual network operator (VPN) user and assign at least one shared VPN operator role to each VPN user; S125, create at least one management group for shared virtual network operator users and allocate an address pool to each management group.

2. The virtual network operator management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In S110, when adding and / or modifying a dedicated network segment, the configuration items for the dedicated network segment include frequency point, symbol rate, output power, superframe planning, and modulation / demodulation channels. In S130, the management permissions assigned to the exclusive virtual network operator role include at least one of the following: terminal multicast upgrade permission, network segment configuration and monitoring permission, terminal addition, deletion and modification and remote configuration permission, and a dedicated virtual network operator user can assign different permissions to its multiple exclusive virtual network operator roles. In step S150, management groups are created based on the attributes of the end users, such that all end users in each management group have at least one set of the same attributes.

3. The virtual network operator management method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, In step S200, managing the exclusive virtual network operator includes: The exclusive virtual network operator users manage their respective end users within their respective permissions, including the management of dedicated network segments, satellite virtual resource networks, and management groups.

4. The virtual network operator management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In S122, the bandwidth allocated to each shared type of satellite virtual resource network includes the total MIR and total CIR, as well as the sub-MIR and sub-CIR under different beams.

5. The virtual network operator management method according to any one of claims 1 or 4, characterized in that, In step S200, managing the shared virtual network operator includes: The shared virtual network operator users manage their respective end users within their respective permissions, including the management of the satellite virtual resource network and management groups.

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