Satellite communication system and satellite communication management method

Abstract

To make satellite communication be easily manageable using a software defined Network (SDN) technology, a network function virtualization (NFV) technology, and the like while suppressing consumption of processor resources of a communication satellite.SOLUTION: A software defined Network (SDN) controller 73 transmits setting information on a communication mission apparatus mounted on a satellite and a ground communication apparatus for managing the communication mission apparatus. A virtual network function (VNF) unit 74 in a network function virtualization (NFV), is disposed in a ground station. The VNF unit 74 makes the ground communication apparatus transmit a command to the communication mission apparatus according to the setting information transmitted by the SDN controller 73.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a satellite communication management technology using SDN technology and NFV technology. SDN is an abbreviation for Software Defined Network. NFV is an abbreviation for Network Function Virtualization. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the use of SDN technology, which centrally manages and controls network devices, has been increasing. In addition, the use of NFV technology, which uses SDN technology to control network devices, has also been increasing. NFV technology is a technology that uses server virtualization technology to operate switch and router functions on a virtual machine. SDN and NFV technologies create an environment in which various systems can be operated flexibly and dynamically by controlling network devices through software. This makes it easier to achieve end-to-end QoS across multiple systems, for example. QoS stands for Quality of Service. It also makes it easier to add and change the hardware resources that make up the network. This is expected to reduce operational costs. Furthermore, it is expected that equipment costs will be reduced through hardware standardization.

[0003] The use of SDN and NFV technologies in satellite communications networks is also being considered. Patent Document 1 describes a satellite communication network that utilizes SDN and NFV technologies. In Patent Document 1, a phased array antenna is controlled by a ground station including an SDN controller. The ground station performs resource management and computational resource management of the software-defined satellite constellation among many different services. Hereinafter, the software-defined satellite will be referred to as SDS. SDS is an abbreviation for Software Defined Satellite. In Patent Document 1, the SDN controller is placed in a ground station, and the VNF is placed in a satellite. VNF stands for Virtual Network Function. This configuration makes it possible to flexibly and dynamically allocate the computational resources of the satellite's onboard processor among many services. This makes it possible to effectively utilize satellite resources, which have high facility and operating costs.

[0004] Development of technology is underway to use digital channelizers mounted on multi-beam communication satellites called HTS, which are capable of transmitting multiple beams, to control the frequency bands for the multiple beams. HTS stands for High Throughput Satellite. Multiple means, for example, 100 or more. Patent Document 2 describes a method for dynamically allocating radio resources of a satellite and a method for implementing the above technology in a VHTS system. VHTS is an abbreviation for Very High Throughput Satellite. Patent Document 2 describes that RRM, which is a ground facility, dynamically allocates time-frequency resources of the downlink of each spot of a multi-beam coverage. RRM is an abbreviation for Radio Resource Manager. The downlink is a link in the direction from the satellite to the user terminal. Patent Document 2 dynamically allocates resources according to the propagation conditions of the radio signal, the current or future traffic profile, and the interference level caused by adjacent beams. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0374186 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 10644788 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In Patent Document 1, VNFs are deployed on satellites. In order to flexibly deploy VNFs on an SDS, it is necessary to prepare hardware resources capable of implementing various required functions, such as programmable processors and memories on the satellite. Processors include CPUs, DSPs, and FPGAs. CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. DSP stands for Digital Signal Processor. FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. Since a processor installed on a satellite must have radiation resistance, the processor is generally expensive. Furthermore, a programmable processor generally consumes more power than a dedicated circuit. Furthermore, when a processor is installed on a satellite, a heat dissipation mechanism is required to dissipate heat generated by the processor. For these reasons, it is difficult to provide an abundant programmable processor resource on a satellite, taking into account the cost, power consumption, size, etc., of the entire satellite. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress the consumption of communication satellite processor resources as much as possible.

[0007] Patent Document 2 does not describe centralized management and control of network devices including communication satellites using SDN technology, NFV technology, etc. When centralized management and control of network devices including communication satellites is performed using SDN technology, NFV technology, etc., it is desirable for the SDN controller to be able to manage the network devices without having to grasp the specifications of the network devices in detail.

[0008] The present disclosure aims to make it possible to easily manage satellite communications using SDN technology, NFV technology, etc., while reducing consumption of processor resources in communications satellites. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The satellite communication system according to the present disclosure includes: A Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller that transmits configuration information related to communication mission equipment mounted on the satellite and ground communication equipment that manages the communication mission equipment; a VNF (Virtual Network Function) unit in NFV (Network Functions Virtualization), the VNF unit being arranged in a ground station and causing the ground communication equipment to transmit commands to the communication mission equipment in accordance with the setting information transmitted by the SDN controller; Equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0010] In the present disclosure, configuration of communication mission equipment and ground communication equipment is performed using SDN technology, NFV technology, and the like. In particular, in the present disclosure, the VNF unit is arranged in the ground station. This makes it possible to reduce consumption of processor resources in the communication satellite. In the present disclosure, the SDN controller transmits configuration information to the terrestrial communication equipment via the VNF unit. This makes it possible for the SDN controller to manage the communication mission equipment and the terrestrial communication equipment collectively as one network device without distinguishing between them. As a result, it is possible to easily manage satellite communications. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a satellite communication system 100 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a NOC 60 according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the satellite communication system 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram of an interface between an SDN controller 73 and a satellite VNF 743 according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] An explanatory diagram of an interface between an SDN controller 73 and a satellite VNF 743 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a NOC 60 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] An explanatory diagram of an interface between an SDN controller 73 and a satellite VNF 743 in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a communication path according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a satellite communication system 100 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] An explanatory diagram of an interface between an SDN controller 73 and a satellite VNF 743 relating to embodiment 3. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a NOC 60 according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Embodiment 1 ***Configuration Description*** The configuration of a satellite communication system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The satellite communication system 100 includes a satellite 10, satellite communication terminals 20 and 21, a GW station (gateway station) 30, a NW (network) 40, a SOC 50, and a NOC 60. SOC is an abbreviation for Satellite Operation Center. NOC is an abbreviation for Network Operation Center. The satellite 10 is a multi-beam capable satellite capable of transmitting multiple beams. The satellite communication terminals 20, 21 are terminals for satellite communication such as VSAT. VSAT is an abbreviation for Very Small Aperture terminal. The GW station 30 is a system that provides communication services to the satellite communication terminals 20, 21 via the satellite 10. The NW 40 is a transmission path that includes a dedicated line connected to the GW station 30, a transmission path managed by a satellite communication operator, the Internet, and the like. The SOC 50 is a system that receives telemetry signals from the satellite 10 and transmits commands for controlling the satellite 10. The NOC 60 is a computer that manages and monitors the entire satellite communication network.

[0013] A user link cell is generated by each of a plurality of beams transmitted by the satellite 10. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that two user link cells, a user link cell 80 and a user link cell 81, are generated by each of two beams transmitted by the satellite 10. It is assumed that the user link cells 80 and 81 include satellite communication terminals 20 and 21, respectively. It should be noted that two beams and two user link cells are shown in Fig. 1. However, the number of beams and user link cells is not limited to two.

[0014] The NOC 60 acquires information on the satellite communication line between each of the satellite communication terminals 20, 21 and the GW station 30 from the GW station 30 as necessary. Specific examples of the information on the satellite communication line include the modulation method and coding rate used when the satellite communication line is assumed to support ACM, the transmission speeds requested by each of the satellite communication terminals 20, 21, and the actual transmission traffic volume. ACM is an abbreviation for Adaptive Coding and Modulation.

[0015] In Fig. 1, the satellite communication system 100 uses SOC50 and NOC60. However, other names such as DPRM or SDRM may be used to collectively refer to SOC50 and NOC60 or to refer to some of their functions. DPRM is an abbreviation for Digital Payload Resource Management. SDRM is an abbreviation for System Dynamic Resource Management. DPRM and SDRM dynamically control the digital payload, which is the communication mission equipment 11 mounted on the satellite 10.

[0016] 1 shows a configuration in which the GW station 30 and the SOC 50 use separate antennas to communicate with the satellite 10 and to transmit and receive signals to the satellite communication terminals 20 and 21. However, the GW station 30 and the SOC 50 may use a common antenna to communicate with the satellite 10 and to transmit and receive communication signals to the satellite communication terminals 20 and 21.

[0017] The configuration of the NOC 60 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The NOC 60 includes the following hardware components: a processor 61, a memory 62, a storage 63, and a communication interface 64. The processor 61 is connected to other hardware components via signal lines and controls these other hardware components.

[0018] The processor 61 is an IC that performs processing. IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit. Specific examples of the processor 61 include a CPU, a DSP, and a GPU. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. DSP is an abbreviation for Digital Signal Processor. GPU is an abbreviation for Graphics Processing Unit.

[0019] The memory 62 is a storage device that temporarily stores data. Specific examples of the memory 62 include SRAM and DRAM. SRAM is an abbreviation for Static Random Access Memory. DRAM is an abbreviation for Dynamic Random Access Memory.

[0020] The storage 63 is a storage device that stores data. A specific example of the storage 63 is an HDD. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. The storage 63 may also be a portable recording medium such as an SD (registered trademark) memory card, CF, NAND flash, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk, or a DVD. SD is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. CF is an abbreviation for CompactFlash (registered trademark). DVD is an abbreviation for Digital Versatile Disk.

[0021] The communication interface 64 is an interface for communicating with an external device. Specific examples of the communication interface 64 include Ethernet (registered trademark), USB, and HDMI (registered trademark) ports. USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. HDMI is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0022] The NOC 60 includes, as functional components, a general management unit 71, a control unit 72, an SDN controller 73, and a VNF unit 74. The functions of the functional components of the NOC 60 are realized by software. The general management unit 71 is an application program that orchestrates the satellite communication network. The control unit 72 is an application program that realizes a control function. The control unit 72 is provided with an application program for each control function. In FIG. 2, the control unit 72 is provided with a QoS control unit 721, a satellite GW control unit 722, and a satellite control unit 723. The SDN controller 73 is an application program that realizes the function of SDN. The VNF unit 74 is an application program of a VNF in NFV. The VNF unit 74 is provided with an application for each control target. In FIG. 2, the VNF unit 74 is provided with a satellite GW VNF 741, a NW device VNF 742, and a satellite VNF 743. Storage 63 stores programs that realize the functions of each functional component of NOC 60. These programs are loaded into memory 62 by processor 61 and executed by processor 61. In this way, the functions of each functional component of NOC 60 are realized.

[0023] 2 shows only one processor 61. However, there may be a plurality of processors 61, and the plurality of processors 61 may cooperate to execute programs that realize the respective functions.

[0024] ***Explanation of Operation*** The operation of the satellite communication system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. An operation procedure of the satellite communication system 100 according to the embodiment 1 corresponds to a satellite communication management method according to the embodiment 1. Moreover, a program for realizing the operation of the satellite communication system 100 according to the embodiment 1 corresponds to a satellite communication management program according to the embodiment 1.

[0025] The flow of processing in the satellite communication system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. (Step S11: General management process) The general manager 71 orchestrates the satellite communication network. Specifically, the general manager 71 has decision-making logic for the network components. The general manager 71 allocates and configures resources for the network devices including the satellite 10 and the SOC 50 according to the decision-making logic.

[0026] (Step S12: Control process) The control unit 72 operates in accordance with the process of the overall management unit 71 in step S11. Specifically, the QoS control unit 721 performs end-to-end QoS control of the satellite communication network. The satellite GW control unit 722 controls GW diversity of the satellite GW. The satellite GW control unit 722 also manages and monitors the satellite GW equipment, such as controlling communication channels, based on requests from the QoS control unit 721, etc. The satellite control unit 723 manages and monitors the communication mission equipment that controls the communication mission equipment 11 mounted on the satellite 10 based on requests from the QoS control unit 721, etc. The communication mission equipment 11 serves as a repeater in the satellite communication network. At this time, the satellite control unit 723 calculates parameters of the frequency band to be used in each satellite beam and the excitation coefficient of DBF, taking into account interference between the satellite multi-beams, based on traffic information indicating the amount of traffic expected to occur. DBF is an abbreviation for Digital Beam Forming. During this calculation, the satellite control unit 723 may use information such as rain attenuation information as an input, if necessary.

[0027] (Step S13: SDN processing) Based on the control of the control unit 72 in step S12, the SDN controller 73 transmits to the VNF unit 74 configuration information regarding the network equipment of the communication mission equipment 11, the equipment under the satellite GW 30 and NW 40, and the terrestrial communication equipment of the SOC 50.

[0028] When transmitting the configuration information to the VNF unit 74, the SDN controller 73 uses the Netconf protocol, the Yang data model, or the like. Note that the method of transmitting information from the SDN controller 73 to each VNF is not limited to the Netconf protocol or the Yang data model, and any other protocol, file transfer, or other form may be used.

[0029] (Step S14: VNF processing) The VNF unit 74 operates according to the setting information transmitted from the SDN controller 73 in step S13. Specifically, the satellite GWVNF 741 performs various settings on the satellite GW 30 in accordance with the setting information transmitted from the SDN controller 73. In addition, the satellite GWVNF 741 transmits various information on the satellite GW 30 to the SDN controller 73. The NW equipment VNF ​​742 performs various settings on the network equipment under the NW 40 in accordance with the setting information transmitted from the SDN controller 73. In addition, the NW equipment VNF ​​742 transmits various information on the network equipment under the NW 40 to the SDN controller 73. The satellite VNF 743 causes the SOC 50, which is ground communication equipment, to transmit a command to the communication mission equipment 11 in accordance with the setting information transmitted from the SDN controller 73. As a result, various settings are made to the communication mission equipment 11. The satellite VNF 743 also acquires status information indicating the status of the communication mission equipment 11 from the communication mission equipment 11 via the SOC 50. At this time, the satellite VNF 743 also acquires status information indicating the status of the SOC 50. Then, the satellite VNF 743 transmits the status information of the communication mission equipment 11 and the SOC 50 to the SDN controller 73. When transmitting a command, the SOC 50 performs conversion processing from setting information to a command. The SOC 50 also performs telemetry conversion on the status information received from the communication mission equipment 11.

[0030] When transmitting information to the SDN controller 73, the VNF unit 74 uses the Netconf protocol, the Yang data model, or the like. Note that the method of transmitting information from the SDN controller 73 to each VNF is not limited to the Netconf protocol or the Yang data model, and may be any other protocol, file transfer, or the like.

[0031] With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the interface between the SDN controller 73 and the satellite VNF 743 according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 shows an interface for the configuration information transmitted from the SDN controller 73 to the satellite VNF 743 in step S13 in Fig. 3. This interface shows an example of a data model for the configuration information passed by the Netconf protocol in the form of a hierarchical structure. In Fig. 4, the information under "config" corresponds to the configuration information. Fig. 5 shows an interface for state information transmitted from the satellite VNF 743 to the SDN controller 73 in step S14 of Fig. 3, in addition to the setting information of Fig. 4. In Fig. 5, the information below "state" corresponds to the state information. In Figures 4 and 5, "rw" indicates "setting data" for the device, and "ro" indicates "operation data" for the device.

[0032] The setting information in Fig. 4 includes setting information for uplink beams of the satellite 10, setting information for downlink beams, and inter-beam connection setting information. The setting information includes frequency bands for each beam for the number of uplink and downlink beams. The setting information also includes frequency bands for inter-beam connections for the number of inter-beam connections. This makes it possible to set the digital channelizer mounted on the communication mission equipment 11 of the satellite 10. Furthermore, if the beam ID contains information on the beam shape formed by DBF, for example, it becomes possible to set the DBF for the satellite. By including polarization information instead of or in addition to the beam shape, it becomes possible to set the polarization. Note that this information may be set as separate information elements.

[0033] In Fig. 5, in addition to the information in Fig. 4, status information of the uplink beam, status information of the downlink beam, and status information of the SOC 50, which is a ground-side device, are included. That is, in the interface shown in Fig. 5, status information of the communication mission equipment 11 of the satellite 10 and status information of the SOC 50, which is a ground station network device, are integrated. By using this interface, the satellite VNF 743 can provide the SDN controller 603 with status information on the communication mission equipment 11 and the SOC 50 collectively. For example, if the SOC 50 malfunctions, the setting on the satellite 10 will also be unsuccessful. Therefore, in order to manage and monitor the communication mission equipment 11 of the satellite 10, it is efficient to handle the communication mission equipment 11 and the SOC 50 as a single entity.

[0034] Here, the setting request passed from the satellite VNF 743 to the SOC 50 is information including various setting information described in Fig. 4. The information collection request passed from the satellite VNF 743 to the SOC 50 is request information to acquire various state information described in Fig. 5. The state information passed from the SOC 50 to the satellite VNF 743 is information including various state information described in Fig. 4.

[0035] The above-mentioned technology is not limited to geostationary satellites (GEO), but can also be applied to non-geostationary satellites such as MEO and LEO. GEO is an abbreviation for Geostationary Earth Orbit. MEO is an abbreviation for Medium Earth Orbit. LEO is an abbreviation for Low Earth Orbit.

[0036] ***Advantages of the First Embodiment*** As described above, in the satellite communication system 100 according to the first embodiment, settings related to the communication mission equipment 11 and terrestrial communication equipment such as the SOC 50 are performed using SDN technology, NFV technology, and the like. In particular, in the satellite communication system 100 according to the first embodiment, the VNF unit 74 in the NFV technology is arranged in the terrestrial station. This makes it possible to reduce consumption of processor resources in the communication satellite.

[0037] In the satellite communication system 100 according to the first embodiment, the SDN controller 73 transmits setting information to the SOC 50, which is a terrestrial communication device, via the VNF unit 74. This allows the SDN controller 73 to manage the communication mission device 11 and the SOC 50 as one network device without distinguishing between them. As a result, it is possible to easily manage satellite communication.

[0038] Furthermore, the satellite communication system 100 according to the first embodiment uses an interface that integrates the status information of the communication mission equipment 11 and the status information of the SOC 50. This allows the general manager 71 to perform management and monitoring without knowing the detailed specifications of the communication mission equipment 11 and the SOC 50.

[0039] ***Other configurations*** <Variation 1> In the first embodiment, the VNF unit 74 is provided with the satellite GWVNF 741, the NW device VNF 742, and the satellite VNF 743. However, the VNF unit 74 is not limited to this configuration, and each function may be further subdivided to configure the VNF, or the functions may be integrated to configure the VNF.

[0040] <Variation 2> 2, the NOC 60 includes the VNF unit 74. However, the VNF unit 74 may be disposed in the satellite GW 30, the network equipment under the NW 40, or the SOC 50. Also, the VNF unit 74 may be disposed in separate locations for each function. In either case, it is sufficient that the SDN controller 73 causes the terrestrial communication equipment to transmit a command to the communication mission equipment 11 via the VNF unit 74.

[0041] <Modification 3> In the first embodiment, each functional component is realized by software. However, as a third modification, each functional component may be realized by hardware. The following describes the third modification, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0042] When each functional component is realized by hardware, the NOC 60 includes an electronic circuit instead of the processor 61, the memory 62, and the storage 63. The electronic circuit is a dedicated circuit for realizing the functions of each functional component, the memory 62, and the storage 63.

[0043] The electronic circuits include single circuits, composite circuits, programmed processors, parallel programmed processors, logic ICs, GAs, ASICs, and FPGAs. GA stands for Gate Array. ASIC stands for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. FPGA stands for Field-Programmable Gate Array. Each functional component may be realized by one electronic circuit, or each functional component may be realized by distributing it among a plurality of electronic circuits.

[0044] <Variation 4> As a fourth modification, some of the functional components may be realized by hardware, and other functional components may be realized by software.

[0045] The processor 61, the memory 62, the storage 63, and the electronic circuitry are collectively referred to as a processing circuit. In other words, the functions of the functional components are realized by the processing circuit.

[0046] Embodiment 2 In the second embodiment, the arrangement of some applications in the control unit 72 is different from that in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, this difference will be described, and a description of the same points will be omitted.

[0047] ***Configuration Description*** The configuration of the NOC 60 and the like according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a satellite GW control unit 722 is arranged in the GW station 30 and a satellite control unit 723 is arranged in the SOC 50.

[0048] ***Explanation of Operation*** The flow of processing in the satellite communication system 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The processes in steps S11 and S14 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0049] (Step S12: Control process) The control unit 72 operates in accordance with the process of the overall management unit 71 in step S11. Specifically, the QoS control unit 721 performs end-to-end QoS control of the satellite communication network. The satellite GW control unit 722 and the satellite control unit 723 are not disposed in the NOC 60, and therefore no control is performed there.

[0050] (Step S13: SDN processing) The SDN controller 73 transmits setting information to the VNF unit 74 based on the request of the control unit 72 in step S12, similarly to the first embodiment. However, the contents of the setting information are different.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 7, the interface between the SDN controller 73 and the satellite VNF 743 according to the second embodiment will be described. In Fig. 7, the information under "config" corresponds to the configuration information, as in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Also, the information under "state" corresponds to the state information. In Fig. 7, the setting information includes route information and communication band setting information for the number of band setting information. The route information treats a satellite as one relay node and indicates which communication node the signal is relayed from to which communication node. The communication band setting information indicates the requested communication band, etc. Here, the communication band is information such as a transmission rate guaranteed with a high probability or a maximum transmission rate based on best effort. 7, the status information includes route information indicating the route set as a result, and communication band status information including the route status such as the communication band and the presence or absence of a failure. Here, the communication band in the communication band status information does not necessarily match the communication band requested by the communication band setting information, but is the communication band that has been secured as a result of the setting.

[0052] With reference to FIG. 8, a communication path according to the second embodiment will be described. 8 shows a schematic configuration of the communication mission equipment 11 of the satellite 10. The communication mission equipment 11 is composed of a receiving antenna 111, a receiving amplifier 112, an A / D processing unit 113, a digital processing unit 114, a D / A processing unit 115, a transmitting amplifier 116, and a transmitting antenna 117. A plurality of receiving antennas 111, receiving amplifiers 112, and A / D processing units 113 are provided according to the number of transmitting beams. A plurality of D / A processing units 115, transmitting amplifiers 116, and transmitting antennas 117 are provided according to the number of receiving beams. The digital processing unit 114 performs demultiplexing processing, switching processing, DBF processing, and multiplexing processing. Here, for example, suppose that a failure occurs in one of the transmission amplifiers 116 of the communication mission equipment 11 of the satellite 10. At this time, suppose that the beam used in the path cannot be used or the use of the transmission amplifier 116 is stopped and performance is deteriorated. When an abnormality occurs in the communication path in this way, the SOC 50 notifies the SDN controller 603 of the path state abnormality or performance deterioration information via the satellite VNF 743. However, even if a failure occurs in one of the transmission amplifiers 116, if the beam used in the communication path is normal, the SOC 50 does not notify the SDN controller 603 of the path state abnormality or performance deterioration information. In this way, the SDN controller 603 does not need to be aware of the satellite 10 and can simply treat it as a communication path.

[0053] The communication band setting information is passed to the SOC 50. Then, the satellite control unit 723 in the SOC 50 calculates parameters of the frequency band and the DBF excitation coefficient used in each satellite beam based on the communication band indicated by the communication band setting information, taking into consideration interference between the satellite multi-beams. When performing this calculation, the satellite control unit 723 may use information such as rain attenuation information as an input, if necessary. Then, the SOC 50 transmits a command according to the calculated parameters to the communication mission equipment 11 to establish a communication path. The satellite VNF 743 obtains the communication band state information specified from the calculated parameters. Then, the satellite VNF 743 transmits the communication band state information to the SDN controller 73 using the interface shown in FIG.

[0054] Here, the differences from the first embodiment have been described with regard to the satellite control unit 723. The same applies to the satellite GW control unit 722. The satellite GWVNF 741 instructs the satellite GW control unit 722 to perform processing according to communication band setting information and the like from the SDN controller 73. For example, when controlling satellite GW diversity, the satellite GW control unit 722 in the satellite GW 30 makes adjustments between multiple satellite GWs 30.

[0055] ***Effects of the second embodiment*** As described above, in the satellite communications system 100 according to the second embodiment, the overall manager 71, the control unit 72 under the overall manager 71, and the SDN controller 73 do not need to be aware of the beams of the communications satellite and their frequency bands, interference between satellite multi-beams, etc. The overall manager 71, and the control unit 72 and the SDN controller 73 under the overall manager 71 can handle the communications mission equipment 11 of the satellite 10 as one of the communication relay nodes.

[0056] Embodiment 3 The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the satellite communication system 100 does not implement the DBF function in the NOC 60. In the third embodiment, this difference will be explained, and explanations of the same points will be omitted. In the third embodiment, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0057] ***Configuration Description*** The configuration of a satellite communication system 100 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The satellite communication system 100 differs from the satellite communication system 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a DBF calibration device 90. The DBF calibration device 90 is a device that realizes the function of DBF.

[0058] ***Explanation of Operation*** With reference to FIG. 10, the interface between the SDN controller 73 and the satellite VNF 743 according to the third embodiment will be described. 10, status information of the DBF calibrator 90, which is a ground station device, is added compared to FIG. 4. This makes it possible to provide the SDN controller 603 with collective status information on the communication mission equipment 11 of the satellite 10 and the SOC 50 and DBF calibrator 90, which are ground station devices. For example, if the DBF calibrator 90 malfunctions, there is a possibility that the relay function of the communication mission equipment 11 will be impaired. For this reason, it is more efficient to handle them as a single entity in terms of managing and monitoring the communication resources of the satellite 10.

[0059] ***Effects of the Third Embodiment*** As described above, in the satellite communications system 100 of embodiment 3, the NOC 60 is able to treat the ground station equipment, SOC 50 and DBF calibration device 90, and the communications mission equipment 11 of the satellite 10 together as a single network device.

[0060] Embodiment 4 The fourth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the satellite VNF 743 is integrated into the satellite GWVNF 741. In the fourth embodiment, this difference will be described, and a description of the same points will be omitted.

[0061] ***Configuration Description*** The configuration of the NOC 60 and the like according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the VNF unit 74 does not include a satellite VNF 743 and that the SOC 50 is connected via the GW station 30.

[0062] ***Explanation of Operation*** The satellite GWVNF 741 transmits setting information to the SOC 50 via the GW station 30 in response to a setting request from the SDN controller 603. Here, the setting information is transmitted using the interface shown in Fig. 7 described in the second embodiment. Then, the SOC 50 calculates parameters in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and transmits a command according to the calculated parameters to the communication mission equipment 11 to establish a communication path. The satellite GWVNF 741 acquires the communication band state information specified from the calculated parameters. Then, the satellite GWVNF 741 transmits the communication band state information to the SDN controller 73 using the interface shown in FIG.

[0063] ***Effects of the fourth embodiment*** As described above, in the satellite communication system 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the NOC 60 is able to treat the satellite GW 30 and SOC 50, which are ground station equipment, and the communication mission equipment 11 of the satellite 10 together as a single network device.

[0064] The above describes the embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure. Some of these embodiments and modifications may be combined and implemented. Also, one or some of them may be partially implemented. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible as necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 100 satellite communication system, 10 satellite, 11 communication mission equipment, 111 receiving antenna, 112 receiving amplifier, 113 A / D processing section, 114 digital processing section, 115 D / A processing section, 116 transmitting amplifier, 117 transmitting antenna, 20 satellite communication terminal, 21 satellite communication terminal, 30 GW station, 31 GW station, 40 NW, 50 SOC, 60 NOC, 61 processor, 62 memory, 63 storage, 64 communication interface, 71 general management section, 72 control section, 721 QoS control section, 722 satellite GW control section, 723 satellite control section, 73 SDN controller, 74 VNF section, 741 satellite GWVNF, 742 NW equipment VNF, 743 satellite VNF, 80 user link cell, 81 user link cell, 90 DBF calibration device.

Claims

1. a Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller that transmits configuration information related to communication mission equipment mounted on the satellite and ground communication equipment that manages the communication mission equipment; a VNF (Virtual Network Function) unit in NFV (Network Functions Virtualization), the VNF unit being disposed in a ground station and causing the ground communication equipment to transmit commands to the communication mission equipment in accordance with the setting information transmitted by the SDN controller; a satellite control unit that calculates parameters of a frequency band to be used in each satellite beam and an excitation coefficient of DBF (Digital Beam Forming) while taking into consideration interference between satellite multi-beams based on traffic information indicating an amount of traffic that is expected to occur; Equipped with A satellite communication system in which the SDN controller transmits the setting information in which the parameters calculated by the satellite control unit are set.

2. a Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller that transmits configuration information related to communication mission equipment mounted on the satellite and ground communication equipment that manages the communication mission equipment; a VNF (Virtual Network Function) unit in NFV (Network Functions Virtualization), the VNF unit being disposed in a ground station, which causes the ground communication equipment to transmit a command for establishing a communication path toward the communication mission equipment according to setting information transmitted by the SDN controller, and transmits information indicating the abnormality to the SDN controller when an abnormality occurs in the communication path; A satellite communication system comprising:

3. The VNF unit transmits status information regarding the communication mission equipment and the ground communication equipment to the SDN controller using an interface that integrates the status information regarding the communication mission equipment and the ground communication equipment.

3. A satellite communication system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The setting information includes information indicating a required communication band, The ground communication equipment calculates parameters of a frequency band to be used in each satellite beam and an excitation coefficient of DBF (Digital Beam Forming) based on the communication band indicated by the setting information and taking into consideration interference between satellite multi-beams, and transmits a command according to the parameters to the communication mission equipment to establish the communication path.

3. The satellite communication system according to claim 2.

5. The VNF unit transmits information regarding the parameters to the SDN controller.

5. A satellite communication system according to claim 4.

6. a Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller that transmits configuration information related to communication mission equipment mounted on the satellite and ground communication equipment that manages the communication mission equipment; a VNF (Virtual Network Function) unit in NFV (Network Functions Virtualization), the VNF unit being disposed in a ground station and causing the ground communication equipment to transmit commands to the communication mission equipment in accordance with setting information transmitted by the SDN controller, the VNF unit transmitting status information relating to the communication mission equipment and the ground communication equipment to the SDN controller using an interface that integrates status information relating to the communication mission equipment and status information relating to the ground communication equipment; A DBF calibration device that realizes the DBF (Digital Beam Forming) function. Equipped with The interface is a satellite communication system in which status information of the DBF calibration device is integrated.

7. The satellite communication system further comprises: A satellite GW (Gateway) for providing a communication service to a satellite communication terminal via the satellite, The VNF unit causes the ground communication equipment to transmit a command to the communication mission equipment via the satellite GW. A satellite communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller transmits configuration information related to communication mission equipment mounted on the satellite and ground communication equipment that manages the communication mission equipment; A VNF (Virtual Network Function) unit in a NFV (Network Functions Virtualization), the VNF unit being arranged in a ground station, causes the ground communication equipment to transmit a command to the communication mission equipment according to the setting information transmitted by the SDN controller; A satellite control unit calculates parameters of a frequency band to be used in each satellite beam and an excitation coefficient of DBF (Digital Beam Forming) while taking into consideration interference between the satellite multi-beams based on traffic information indicating the amount of traffic expected to be generated, and A satellite communications management method in which the SDN controller transmits the configuration information in which the calculated parameters are set.

9. A Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller transmits configuration information related to communication mission equipment mounted on the satellite and ground communication equipment that manages the communication mission equipment; A satellite communications management method, comprising: a VNF (Virtual Network Function) unit in NFV (Network Functions Virtualization), the VNF unit being arranged in a ground station, causing the ground communications equipment to transmit a command for establishing a communications path to the communications mission equipment in accordance with setting information transmitted by the SDN controller, and, if an abnormality occurs in the communications path, transmitting information indicating the abnormality to the SDN controller.

10. A Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller transmits configuration information related to communication mission equipment mounted on the satellite and ground communication equipment that manages the communication mission equipment; A VNF (Virtual Network Function) unit in a NFV (Network Functions Virtualization), the VNF unit being arranged in a ground station, causes the ground communication equipment to transmit a command to the communication mission equipment according to the setting information transmitted by the SDN controller; The VNF unit transmits status information regarding the communication mission equipment and the ground communication equipment to the SDN controller using an interface that integrates the status information regarding the communication mission equipment and the ground communication equipment, The DBF calibration device realizes the function of DBF (Digital Beam Forming), A satellite communication management method, wherein the interface is integrated with status information of the DBF calibration device.

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