Mobile communication systems employing active bandwidth management

Abstract

To provide a mobile communication system that employs active bandwidth management when sending two or more service data streams to one or more satellite resources over a wireless communication network.SOLUTION: A mobile communication system 10 is made to execute reception of a primary service data stream and a secondary service data stream and identification of a bandwidth utilization efficiency of a wireless connection between the mobile communication system and one or more satellite resources 14. In response to determining the wireless connection has available headroom, the primary service data stream is combined with the secondary service data stream to create an aggregated data packet. In response to determining the aggregated data packet is less than or equal to the size of the available headroom, the mobile communication system transmits aggregated data over the wireless connection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mobile communication system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a mobile communication system that employs active bandwidth management when sending two or more service data streams to one or more satellite resources via a wireless communication network.

Background Art

[0002] All digital communication systems, such as, for example, cellular communication systems and satellite communication systems, include several basic components. Specifically, a digital communication system includes a data source and / or a data destination, a modem, a radio frequency (RF) up / down converter, and an antenna associated with an antenna controller. Differences in the specific components of a digital communication system are based on the type of modulation employed by a particular communication system, as well as the channel access mechanism used in a multi-user environment. The specific type of antenna employed by a digital communication system also similarly depends on the particular application. For example, a satellite communication system typically employs highly directive antennas that concentrate RF energy in a particular direction. In contrast, omnidirectional antennas concentrate RF energy in all directions and can be used in applications such as cellular networks, but are not limited thereto.

[0003] In one embodiment, a broadband satellite communication system includes a ground station, a satellite, and remote terminals physically installed on an aircraft. The remote terminal installed on the aircraft employs a satellite modem manager called ModMan (Module Manager). However, ModMan is customized to host a specific modem card. In other words, ModMan can only support a single specific antenna and bandwidth, which is extremely limited and can create challenges. For example, if the remote terminal is installed on an aircraft, the airline may eventually decide to change a specific bandwidth or antenna, requiring the remote terminal to be replaced. Furthermore, the replacement terminal would also require recertification. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0004] In some embodiments, a mobile communication system is disclosed for sending data to one or more satellite resources via a wireless connection. The mobile communication system includes one or more processors and memory coupled to one or more processors. The memory stores data in a database and program code, which, when executed by one or more processors, causes the mobile communication system to receive primary service data streams from one or more primary data sources and secondary service data streams from one or more secondary data sources. The mobile communication system determines the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the wireless connection between the mobile communication system and one or more satellite resources. The mobile communication also determines that the wireless connection has available headroom based on the bandwidth utilization efficiency of one or more satellite resources. In response to determining that the wireless connection has available headroom, the mobile communication system combines the primary service data streams with the secondary service data streams to generate aggregated data packets. The mobile communication system compares the size of the aggregated data packets to the size of the available headroom of the wireless connection between the mobile communication system and one or more satellite resources. The mobile communication system determines that the size of the aggregated data packets is less than or equal to the size of the available headroom. Based on this determination, the aggregated data packets are transmitted via the wireless connection.

[0005] In another embodiment, an aircraft is disclosed. The aircraft includes a mobile communications system configured to transmit data to one or more satellite resources via a radio connection. The mobile communications system includes one or more antennas and two or more modems communicating with one or more antennas. The mobile communications system also includes one or more processors communicating with one or more antennas and two or more modems, and memory coupled to one or more processors. The memory stores data in a database and program code, which, when executed by one or more processors, causes the mobile communications system to receive primary service data streams from one or more primary data sources and secondary service data streams from one or more secondary data sources. The mobile communications system determines the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the radio connection between the mobile communications system and one or more satellite resources. The mobile communications also determines that the radio connection has available headroom based on the bandwidth utilization efficiency of one or more satellite resources. Upon determining that the wireless connection has available headroom, the mobile communication system combines the primary service data stream with a secondary service data stream to generate an aggregated data packet. The mobile communication system compares the size of the aggregated data packet to the size of the available headroom of the wireless connection between the mobile communication system and one or more satellite resources. The mobile communication system determines that the size of the aggregated data packet is less than or equal to the size of the available headroom. Upon determining that the aggregated data packet is less than or equal to the size of the available headroom, the aggregated data packet is transmitted over the wireless connection.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, a method is disclosed for a mobile communication system to transmit data to one or more satellite resources via a radio connection. The method includes a computer receiving primary service data streams from one or more primary data sources and secondary service data streams from one or more secondary data sources. The method also includes a computer determining the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the radio connection between the mobile communication system and one or more satellite resources. The method further includes a computer determining, based on the bandwidth utilization efficiency of one or more satellite resources, that the radio connection has available headroom. In response to determining that the radio connection has available headroom, the method includes combining the primary service data streams with the secondary service data streams to generate aggregated data packets. The method also includes comparing the size of the aggregated data packets to the size of the available headroom of the radio connection between the mobile communication system and one or more satellite resources. The method also determines that the size of the aggregated data packets is less than or equal to the size of the available headroom. Finally, depending on whether it is determined that the aggregated data packets are less than or equal to the size of the available headroom, the method includes transmitting the aggregated data packets over the wireless connection.

[0007] The aforementioned features, functions, and advantages can be realized individually or in combination in various embodiments, but further details of these embodiments can be understood by referring to the following description and drawings.

[0008] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]This is a schematic diagram of a mobile communication system of the present disclosure installed on an aircraft, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this case, the mobile communication system communicates wirelessly with one or more satellite resources. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile communication system, including a modem manager, an antenna terminal, and a modem unit, according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows data packets for the primary service data stream and secondary service data stream, as well as the corresponding bandwidth slots, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4A] An exemplary embodiment shows a primary antenna and a secondary antenna, as well as a multi-beam antenna transmitting a primary beam and a secondary beam. [Figure 4B] An exemplary embodiment illustrates an alternative approach to managing the available bandwidth shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] An exemplary embodiment illustrates yet another approach to managing the available bandwidth shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6A] Figures 6A to 6C show exemplary process flow diagrams illustrating a method for sending data by a mobile communication system to one or more satellite resources shown in Figure 1, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6B] Figures 6A to 6C show exemplary process flow diagrams illustrating a method for sending data by a mobile communication system to one or more satellite resources shown in Figure 1, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6C] Figures 6A to 6C show exemplary process flow diagrams illustrating a method for sending data by a mobile communication system to one or more satellite resources shown in Figure 1, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] An exemplary embodiment of the computer system for the modem manager of the present disclosure, shown in Figures 1 and 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] This disclosure applies to mobile communication systems that employ active bandwidth management when sending two or more service data streams to one or more satellite resources over a wireless communication network. Specifically, the mobile communication system of this disclosure includes a modem manager that receives a primary service data stream from a primary data source and secondary service data streams from secondary data sources. In this case, the primary service data stream takes precedence over the secondary service data stream. In at least some cases, the primary service data stream may have limited bandwidth requirements. As a result, a significant amount of headroom available in the radio connection between the satellite and the mobile communication system may become available. The mobile communication system of this disclosure determines that there is unused or available headroom in the radio connection between the satellite and the mobile communication system. Specifically, the modem manager determines whether there is sufficient headroom available in the radio connection to support an aggregated data packet containing both the primary and secondary service data streams. If available headroom exists, the aggregated data packet is transmitted to the satellite over the wireless communication network. Therefore, the modem manager supports two or more service data streams without introducing any further elements or costs.

[0011] The following descriptions are essentially illustrative and do not limit the scope of this disclosure, use, or application.

[0012] Referring to Figure 1, a mobile communication system 10 is shown for sending data to one or more satellite resources 14 via a wireless communication network. The mobile communication system 10 is located on a mobile platform 16. In one non-limiting embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the mobile platform 16 is an aircraft 18. However, it will be understood that the mobile platform 16 is any air-based, ground-based, or sea-based mobile platform. For example, in another embodiment, the mobile platform 16 is a ship, train, automobile, or unmanned or autonomous aircraft. One or more satellite resources 14 may be any type of satellite receiving data from the mobile platform 16, such as low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites or geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO) satellites. It will be understood that the mobile communication system 10 sends data to two or more satellite resources 14. However, since the mobile platform 16 changes position over time, the specific satellite resources 14 to which the mobile communication system 10 sends data may change over time. The mobile communication system 10 sends two or more types of service data streams to one or more satellite resources 14. In this case, each service data stream corresponds to a specific communication profile. As described below, the mobile communication system 10 of this disclosure employs active bandwidth management to support two or more service data streams.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, two or more service data streams include a primary service data stream and a secondary service data stream. In this case, the primary service data stream takes precedence over the secondary service data stream. For example, in one embodiment, the primary service data stream includes either aircraft information traffic or aircraft control traffic, while the secondary data stream includes entertainment traffic. However, it should be understood that this embodiment is merely illustrative and other or further types of service data may be included. In fact, this disclosure describes only primary and secondary service data streams, but only two data streams are mentioned for simplicity and clarity, and it should be understood that the mobile communication system 10 may also manage three or more data services.

[0014] Referring again to Figure 1, the mobile communication system 10 includes an antenna terminal 20, a multi-channel modem unit 22, and a modem manager 26. The modem manager 26 communicates with the modem unit 22 and the antenna terminal 20, and the modem unit 22 communicates with the antenna terminal 20. In one embodiment, an optical wireless communication link 24 may be used to electrically connect the antenna terminal 20 to the modem manager 26. In one embodiment, the wireless communication link 24 operates at a relatively low frequency, such as an L-band switched network in the range of about 1 to about 2 gigahertz. The modem manager 26 communicates with one or more primary data sources 30 and one or more secondary data sources 32. For example, in one embodiment, the modem manager 26 communicates with one or more primary data sources 30 and one or more secondary data sources 32 via an Ethernet connection. The modem manager 26 receives primary service data streams from one or more primary data sources 30, and secondary service data streams from one or more secondary data sources 32.

[0015] One or more satellite resources 14 also communicate wirelessly with the antenna terminal 20 of the mobile communication system 10 via a wireless communication network. One or more satellite resources 14 also communicate wirelessly with one or more ground base stations 36 via a wireless communication network. The ground base stations 36 communicate with the client 38 via a wireless communication network 39. In this case, the wireless communication network 39 may be the terrestrial internet. In one embodiment, data is sent from one or more satellite resources 14 to the antenna terminal 20 of the mobile communication system 10 via a transfer channel 40. Data from sources 30, 32 of the mobile platform 16 is communicated to a modem manager 26, and then the data is sent to one or more satellite resources 14 via a return channel 42. Data is sent by downlink 44 from each satellite resource 14 to the corresponding ground base station 36. Similarly, data is sent by uplink 46 from the corresponding ground base station 36 to one of the satellite resources 14.

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the mobile communication system 10 shown in Figure 1. The antenna terminal 20 includes one or more antennas 50. In this case, each antenna 50 includes both transmitting and receiving functions. For example, in one embodiment as shown in Figure 2, there are N antennas 50, where N is any integer. The one or more antennas 50 include single-beam antennas, dual-beam antennas, and multi-beam antennas. In one embodiment, the antenna terminal 20 includes only one single-beam antenna 50. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the antenna terminal 20 unit includes multiple multi-beam antennas. For example, in one embodiment, the antennas 50 are combined Ka / Ku antennas that have the ability to switch between frequency bands as needed. The one or more antennas 50 communicate wirelessly with the modem manager 26 via the wireless communication link 24.

[0017] The modem unit 22 includes two or more modems 54. For example, in one embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, there are N modems 54. The two or more modems 54 communicate with one or more antennas 50. Each modem 54 is configured to support one of the service data streams (i.e., the primary service data stream and the secondary service data stream). The modem unit 22 includes an antenna switch 60 configured to connect each modem 54 to one or more of the antennas 50.

[0018] The modem manager 26 is configured to manage the active bandwidth between the one or more satellite resources 14 and the mobile communication system 10. Specifically, the modem manager 26 is configured to continuously monitor the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the wireless communication (i.e., the feedback channel 42 shown in FIG. 1) between the one or more satellite resources 14 and the mobile communication system 10. The bandwidth capacity of the wireless communication between the one or more satellite resources 14 and the mobile communication system 10 is configured to meet the service level agreement for the primary service data stream. However, it should be understood that in at least some cases, the primary service data stream may have a limited required bandwidth. As a result, there may be a significant amount of unused headroom in the wireless connection between the one or more satellite resources 14 and the mobile communication system 10.

[0019] The mobile communication system 10 significantly utilizes the unused headroom by actively managing the bandwidth of the wireless connection (i.e., the return channel 42) between the mobile communication system 10 and one or more satellite resources 14. Specifically, the modem manager 26 identifies the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the wireless connection between the mobile communication system 10 and one or more satellite resources 14. In that case, the modem manager 26 determines whether there is available headroom 66 based on the bandwidth utilization efficiency. In response to determining that there is available headroom 66 in the wireless connection between one or more satellite resources 14 and the mobile communication system 10, the modem manager 26 determines whether there is sufficient available headroom 66 to support a data service stream that combines both the primary service data stream and the secondary service data stream. As will be described in more detail below, the modem manager 26 combines both the primary service data stream and the secondary service data to generate an aggregated data packet 70 (seen in FIG. 3). If the aggregated data packet 70 fits within the range of the available headroom 66, the modem manager 26 transmits the aggregated data packet 70 to one or more satellite resources 14 via the wireless communication network. The modem manager 26 actively manages the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the wireless connection between one or more satellite resources 14 and the mobile communication system 10, thereby supporting the requirements of two or more service data streams without introducing additional elements or costs. Although the return channel 42 between one or more satellite resources 14 and the mobile communication system 10 has been described, it should be understood that a similar approach for managing bandwidth can equally be applied to the uplink 46 between one of the satellite resources 14 and the terrestrial base station 36.

[0020] Figure 3 is an exemplary figure 80 illustrating how aggregated data packets 70 are generated. Figure 80 shows a plurality of principal data packets 82 arranged contiguously with respect to each other along a first row R1. In this case, the plurality of principal data packets 82 represent a portion of the principal service data stream. Each principal data packet 82 represents a contiguous group of bits. In this case, each principal data packet 82 is assigned bandwidth and priority. Figure 80 also includes a plurality of secondary data packets 84 arranged contiguously with respect to each other along a second row R2. In this case, the plurality of secondary data packets 84 represent a portion of the secondary service data stream. The secondary data packets 84 also represent a contiguous group of bits. In this case, each secondary data packet 84 is assigned bandwidth and priority. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, there are 16 principal data packets 82 and 8 secondary data packets 84.

[0021] Figure 80 also shows a plurality of bandwidth slots 86 arranged consecutively with respect to each other. In this case, each bandwidth slot 86 represents a unit of headroom in the return channel 42 (Figure 1) for a given unit of time. For example, the bandwidth slots 86 may be measured by frequency (e.g., megahertz) or by data transfer rate (e.g., megabytes per second). In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, there are 27 bandwidth slots 86, numbered sequentially (e.g., each slot is numbered 1 to 27). The bandwidth slots 86 are divided into transmittals 88, which occur consecutively across the return channel 42. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, there are six transmittals 88. The first transmission 88 includes seven bandwidth slots 86, the second transmission 88 includes five bandwidth slots 86, the third transmission 88 includes five bandwidth slots 86, the fourth transmission 88 includes five bandwidth slots 86, the fifth transmission 88 includes three bandwidth slots 86, and the sixth transmission 88 includes two bandwidth slots 86.

[0022] As can be seen in Figure 3, four primary data packets 82 and two secondary data packets 84 constitute the first transmission 88. The primary data packets 82 and secondary data packets 84, which constitute the first transmission 88, are combined to generate a first aggregated data packet 70. In this case, the primary data packets 82 take precedence over the secondary data packets 84. As can be seen in Figure 3, the aggregated data packet 70 has a size that requires six bandwidth slots 86. Also as can be seen in Figure 3, the size of the available headroom 66 is seven bandwidth slots 86. Therefore, the modem manager 26 determines that the size of the aggregated data packet 70 (e.g., six bandwidth slots 86) is less than the size of the available headroom 66 (e.g., seven bandwidth slots 86) in the wireless connection between one or more satellite resources 14 and the mobile communication system 10. In response to determining that the aggregated data packets 70 are less than or equal to the size of the available headroom 66, the modem manager 26 transmits the aggregated data packets 70 to one or more satellite resources 14 (shown in Figure 1) via the wireless communication network.

[0023] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 and 3, the third transmission 88 includes four primary data packets 82 and two secondary data packets 84. Therefore, the aggregated data packet 70 requires six bandwidth slots 86. However, in contrast to the first transmission 88, the available headroom 66 only includes five bandwidth slots 86. Therefore, the aggregated data packet 70 exceeds the size of the available headroom 66. Thus, only the primary data packets 82 are sent during the third transmission 88. In one embodiment, the remaining secondary data packets 84 that were not sent during the third transmission 88 are sent during the next transmission 88. For example, in one embodiment as seen in Figure 3, one of the two remaining secondary data packets 84 is sent during the fourth transmission, and the other remaining secondary data packet 84 is sent during the fifth transmission 88. Other alternatives exist when sending the remaining secondary data packets 84, as will be described below.

[0024] In one embodiment, there may be two or more antennas 50 available to transmit a primary service data stream and a secondary service data stream, or in an alternative example, the available antennas 50 are dual-beam antennas 50 having one or more available beams. For example, as seen in Figure 4A, in one embodiment, the mobile communication system 10 includes a primary antenna 50A and a secondary antenna 50B. In this case, the primary antenna 50A and the secondary antenna 50B operate in single-beam mode. In one embodiment, the primary antenna 50A and the secondary antenna 50B have similar costs. In other words, the cost of transmitting data through the primary antenna 50A is approximately equal to the cost of transmitting data through the secondary antenna 50B. Now referring to Figure 4B, the primary data packets 82 of the primary service data stream are transmitted by the primary antenna 50A, while the secondary data packets 84, which are part of the secondary service data stream, are transmitted by the secondary antenna 50B.

[0025] Referring back to Figure 4A, in another embodiment, a multibeam antenna 50 is provided, configured to transmit at least a primary beam 90 and a secondary beam 92. Similar to the primary antenna 50A and the secondary antenna 50B, if the cost of transmitting data over the primary beam 90 transmitted by the multibeam antenna 50 is the same as the cost of transmitting data over the secondary beam 92 transmitted by the multibeam antenna 50, then the primary data packets 82 of the primary service data stream are transmitted by the primary beam 90, while the secondary data packets 84 of the secondary service data stream are transmitted by the secondary beam 92. This is shown in Figure 4B.

[0026] In some cases, the cost of transmitting data via the primary antenna 50A is greater than the cost of transmitting data via the secondary antenna 50B. Therefore, the modem manager 26 allocates the primary and secondary service data streams to the primary antenna 50A, but uses the secondary antenna 50B as a backup or alternative antenna for transmitting data when there is insufficient headroom available in the radio connection between the primary antenna 50A and one or more satellite resources 14. Similarly, the modem manager 26 also allocates the primary and secondary service data streams to the primary beam 90, but also uses the secondary beam 92 as an alternative beam for transmitting data when there is insufficient headroom available. Referring to Figures 1, 4A, and 5, the modem manager 26 (Figure 1) transmits the aggregated data packets 70 via the primary antenna 50A when the aggregated data packets 70 are less than or equal to the size of the available headroom 66 (the available headroom 66 is shown in Figure 3). However, as mentioned above, in contrast to the first transmission 88, the third transmission 88 contains only five bandwidth slots 86. Therefore, the aggregated data packets 70 exceed the size of the available headroom 66. Thus, as seen in Figure 5, the principal data packets 82, which are part of the third transmission 88, are transmitted by the principal antenna 50A or the principal beam 90, while the remaining two secondary data packets 84 are transmitted using the secondary antenna 50B or the secondary beam 92.

[0027] Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C show exemplary process flow diagrams illustrating a method 200 for sending data to one or more satellite resources 14 over a wireless communication network. Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 6A, method 200 begins in block 202. In block 202, a modem manager 26 receives primary service data streams from one or more primary data sources 30 and secondary service data streams from one or more secondary data sources 32. Method 200 can then proceed to block 204.

[0028] In block 204, the modem manager 26 determines the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the wireless connection between the mobile communication system and 10 and one or more satellite resources 14. In one embodiment, the bandwidth utilization efficiency of one or more satellite resources is determined based on Equation 1. That is, Bandwidth utilization efficiency = B / (P B +S B ) × 100 Formula 1 Here, B represents the bandwidth of one or more satellite resources 14, and P B This represents the bandwidth of the main data packets 82, S B This represents the bandwidth of the secondary data packet 84, where bandwidth utilization efficiency is measured as a percentage. Method 200 can then proceed to decision block 206.

[0029] In determination block 206, the modem manager 26 determines, based on the bandwidth utilization efficiency described in block 204, whether the wireless connection between one or more satellite resources 14 and the mobile communication system 10 has available headroom 66 (Figure 3). For example, in one embodiment, if the bandwidth utilization efficiency is 100%, the modem manager 26 determines that there is no available headroom 66, and method 200 returns to block 202. However, if the bandwidth utilization efficiency is less than 100%, the modem manager 26 determines that there is available headroom 66, and method 200 proceeds to block 208A.

[0030] In block 208A, in response to determining that the radio connection between the mobile communication system 10 and one or more satellite resources 14 has available headroom 66, the modem manager 26 combines the primary service data stream with secondary service data streams to generate the aggregated data packet 70 shown in Figure 3. Specifically, as seen in block 208B, the modem manager 26 determines the aggregated data packet 70 based on the priority of one or more primary data packets 82 and one or more secondary data packets 84. In this case, the primary service data stream takes precedence over the secondary service data streams. The method 200 can then proceed to determination block 210.

[0031] Next, referring to Figure 6B, in determination block 210, the modem manager 26 compares the size of the aggregated data packet 70 with the size of the available headroom 66 of the wireless connection between the mobile communication system 10 and one or more satellite resources 14. If the modem manager 26 determines that the size of the aggregated data packet 70 is less than or equal to the size of the available headroom 66, method 200 proceeds to block 212.

[0032] In block 212, if the modem manager 26 determines that the aggregated data packet 70 is less than or equal to the size of the available headroom 66, it transmits the aggregated data packet 70 over the wireless connection. Method 200 then terminates. However, if the modem manager 26 determines that the size of the aggregated data packet 70 is greater than the size of the available headroom 66 of the wireless connection, Method 200 proceeds to determination block 214.

[0033] In determination block 214, if the antenna 50 is a multi-antenna 50, or alternatively, if two or more antennas 50 are available, method 200 proceeds to determination block 216. Otherwise, method 200 returns to block 202, and the modem manager 26 continues to receive the primary service data stream and the secondary service data stream.

[0034] Referring to Figure 6C, in determination block 216, if the modem manager 26 determines that the multibeam antenna 50 is available in multibeam mode, or alternatively, if the modem manager 26 determines that both the primary antenna 50A and the secondary antenna 50B (as seen in Figure 4A) are available, method 200 proceeds to block 218. Otherwise, method 200 returns to block 202.

[0035] Referring to Figure 6C, in block 218, in response to determining that the size of the aggregated data packet 70 is greater than the size of the available headroom 66, the modem manager 26 assigns the principal data packet 82 of the principal service data stream, which is part of the aggregated data packet 70, to the principal antenna 50A, and the secondary data packet 84 of the secondary service data stream, which is part of the aggregated data packet 70, to the secondary antenna 50B. This is shown in Figure 4B. Alternatively, the modem manager 26 assigns the principal data packet 82 of the aggregated data packet 70 to the principal beam 90, and the secondary data packet 84 of the aggregated data packet 70 to the secondary beam 92. Method 200 can then be terminated.

[0036] Referring generally to the drawings, the mobile communication system of this disclosure offers various technical effects and benefits. Specifically, the modem manager employs active bandwidth management to support two or more service data streams without introducing additional elements or costs. The mobile communication system of this disclosure also improves overall bandwidth utilization efficiency because, where available headroom exists, the radio connection to one or more satellite resources is used to transmit secondary service data. Some conventional broadband satellite communication systems are customized to host a single, specific modem card with extremely limited capabilities. In contrast, the mobile communication system of this disclosure includes two or more modems, which in turn support different types of antennas and bandwidths.

[0037] Referring next to Figure 7, the modem manager 26 is implemented in one or more computer devices or systems, such as an exemplary computer system 1030. The computer system 1030 includes a processor 1032, memory 1034, mass storage memory device 1036, input / output (I / O) interface 1038, and human-machine interface (HMI) 1040. The computer system 1030 is operably coupled to one or more external resources 1042 via a network 1026 or the I / O interface 1038. External resources include, but are not limited to, servers, databases, mass storage devices, peripheral devices, cloud-based network services, or any other suitable computer resources that may be used by the computer system 1030.

[0038] The processor 1032 includes one or more devices selected from microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, microcomputers, central processing units, field-programmable gate arrays, programmable logic devices, state machines, logic circuits, analog circuits, digital circuits, or any other devices that operate signals (analog or digital) based on operational instructions stored in memory 1034. The memory 1034 includes a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. These include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), flash memory, cache memory, or any other devices capable of storing information. The mass storage memory device 1036 includes data storage devices such as hard drives, optical drives, tape drives, volatile or non-volatile solid elements, or any other devices capable of storing information.

[0039] The processor 1032 operates under the control of an operating system 1046 residing in memory 1034. The operating system 1046 manages computer resources. Therefore, computer program code, which is embodied as one or more computer software applications such as application 1048 residing in memory 1034, may have instructions executed by the processor 1032. In an alternative embodiment, the processor 1032 may directly execute application 1048. In this case, the operating system 1046 may be omitted. One or more data structures 1049 also reside in memory 1034 and are used by the processor 1032, the operating system 1046, or application 1048 to store or manipulate data.

[0040] The I / O interface 1038 provides a machine interface that enables the processor 1032 to operate with other devices and systems, such as the network 1026 and external resources 1042. The application 1048 cooperates with the network 1026 or external resources 1042 by communicating via the I / O interface 1038 to provide various features, functions, applications, processors, or modules, including those included in the embodiments of this disclosure. The application 1048 also includes program code that runs on one or more external resources 1042 and otherwise depends on functions or signals provided by other systems or network components outside the computer system 1030. Indeed, given the possibility of virtually endless hardware and software configurations, embodiments of this disclosure may include applications provided by computing resources (hardware and software) located outside the computer system 1030, distributed among multiple computers or other external resources 1042, or provided as a service over the network 1026, such as a cloud computing service.

[0041] The HMI 1040 is operably coupled to the processor 1032 of the computer system 1030 in a known way that enables the user to interact directly with the computer system 1030. The HMI 1040 may include a video or alphanumeric display, a touchscreen, a speaker, and any other suitable audiovisual indicators that can provide data to the user. The HMI 1040 also includes input and control devices such as an alphanumeric keyboard, a pointing device, a keypad, push buttons, control knobs, and a microphone. These can receive commands or inputs from the user and send incoming inputs to the processor 1032.

[0042] Database 1044 may reside in a mass storage memory device 1036 and may be used to collect and structure data used by the various systems and modules described herein. Database 1044 may include data and supporting data structures for storing and structuring the data. In particular, database 1044 may consist of any database organization or structure, including, but not limited to, relational databases, hierarchical databases, network databases, or combinations thereof. Information or data stored in the records of database 1044 can be accessed in response to queries using a database management system that takes the form of a computer software application executed as instructions to the processor 1032. In this case, queries may be dynamically identified and executed by the operating system 1046, other applications 1048, or one or more modules.

[0043] Furthermore, this disclosure includes embodiments as defined below. Article 1. A mobile communication system (10) for sending data to one or more satellite resources (14) via a wireless connection, One or more processors (1032), and The system includes a memory (1034) coupled to one or more processors (1032), the memory (1034) stores data in a database (1044) and stores program code, and the program code, when executed by one or more processors (1032), is transmitted to the mobile communication system (10). Receiving a primary service data stream from one or more primary data sources (30), and a secondary service data stream from one or more secondary data sources (32), To identify the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the wireless connection between the mobile communication system (10) and the one or more satellite resources (14), Based on the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the one or more satellite resources (14), it is determined that the wireless connection has available headroom (66). In response to determining that the wireless connection has available headroom (66), the primary service data stream is combined with the secondary service data stream to generate aggregated data packets (70). The size of the aggregated data packets (70) is compared with the size of the available headroom (66) of the wireless connection between the mobile communication system (10) and the one or more satellite resources (14). Determining that the size of the aggregated data packet (70) is less than or equal to the size of the available headroom (66), and A mobile communication system (10) that, upon determining that the aggregated data packet (70) is less than or equal to the size of the available headroom (66), causes the system to transmit the aggregated data packet (70) via the wireless connection. Article 2. The aforementioned one or more processors (1032) It is determined that the size of the aggregated data packet (70) is larger than the size of the available headroom (66) of the wireless connection, and The mobile communication system (10) according to Clause 1 executes an instruction command to continue receiving the primary service data stream and the secondary service data stream, depending on whether it has determined that the size of the aggregated data packets (70) is greater than the size of the available headroom (66). Article 3. The mobile communication system (10) described in Clause 1 further comprises two or more modems (54) that communicate with the one or more processors (1032) mentioned above. Article 4. The mobile communication system (10) according to Clause 1, further comprising one or more antennas (50) that communicate with the one or more processors (1032). Article 5. The mobile communication system (10) according to Clause 4, wherein the one or more antennas (50) include a multibeam antenna (50) configured to transmit at least a primary beam (90) and a secondary beam (92). Article 6. The aforementioned one or more processors (1032) It is determined that the size of the aggregated data packet (70) is larger than the size of the available headroom (66) of the wireless connection, and The multi-beam antenna (50) is determined to be usable in multi-beam mode, and A mobile communication system (10) according to Clause 5, which, in response to the multibeam antenna (50) determining that it is available in multibeam mode, executes an instruction command to allocate the primary service data stream to the primary beam (90) and the secondary service data stream to the secondary beam (92). Article 7. The one or more antennas (50) mentioned above include a primary antenna (50A) and a secondary antenna (50B), as described in Clause 4, for the mobile communication system (10). Article 8. The aforementioned one or more processors (1032) It is determined that the size of the aggregated data packet (70) is larger than the size of the available headroom (66) of the wireless connection, and To determine that the aforementioned secondary antenna (50B) is available, and A mobile communication system (10) as described in Clause 7, which executes instructions to assign the primary service data stream to the primary antenna (50A) and the secondary service data stream to the secondary antenna (50B) in response to determining that the secondary antenna (50B) is available. Article 9. The mobile communication system (10) described in Clause 1, wherein the primary service data stream comprises a plurality of primary data packets (82), and the secondary service data stream comprises a plurality of secondary data packets (84), and both the primary data packets (82) and the secondary data packets (84) indicate bandwidth and priority. Article 10. The aforementioned one or more processors (1032) A mobile communication system (10) according to Clause 9, which executes instructions to determine the aggregated data packet (70) based on the priority of the principal data packet (82) and the secondary data packet (84), wherein the principal service data stream takes precedence over the secondary service data stream. Article 11. The aforementioned one or more processors (1032) Based on the following formula, instructions are given to determine the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the one or more satellite resources (14), that is, Bandwidth utilization efficiency = B / (P B +S B ) × 100, Here, B represents the bandwidth of the one or more satellite resources (14), and P B This represents the bandwidth of the main data packet (82), S B The mobile communication system (10) described in Clause 10 represents the bandwidth of the secondary data packets (84). Article 12. An aircraft (18) equipped with a mobile communication system (10) configured to send data to one or more satellite resources (14) via a wireless connection, wherein the mobile communication system (10) One or more antennas (50), Two or more modems (54) that communicate with the one or more antennas (50) One or more processors (1032) that communicate with the two or more modems (54) and the one or more antennas (50), and The system includes a memory (1034) coupled to one or more processors (1032), the memory (1034) stores data in a database (1044) and stores program code, and the program code, when executed by one or more processors (1032), is transmitted to the mobile communication system (10). Receiving a primary service data stream from one or more primary data sources (30), and a secondary service data stream from one or more secondary data sources (32), To identify the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the wireless connection between the mobile communication system (10) and the one or more satellite resources (14), Based on the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the one or more satellite resources (14), it is determined that the wireless connection has available headroom (66). In response to determining that the wireless connection has available headroom (66), the primary service data stream is combined with the secondary service data stream to generate aggregated data packets (70). The size of the aggregated data packets (70) is compared with the size of the available headroom (66) of the wireless connection between the mobile communication system (10) and the one or more satellite resources (14). Determining that the size of the aggregated data packet (70) is less than or equal to the size of the available headroom (66), and An aircraft (18) that, upon determining that the aggregated data packet (70) is less than or equal to the size of the available headroom (66), causes the aircraft (18) to transmit the aggregated data packet (70) via the wireless connection. Article 13. The aforementioned one or more processors (1032) It is determined that the size of the aggregated data packet (70) is larger than the size of the available headroom (66) of the wireless connection, and The aircraft (18) described in Clause 12 executes an instruction to continue receiving the primary service data stream and the secondary service data stream, depending on whether it has determined that the size of the aggregated data packets (70) is greater than the size of the available headroom (66). Article 14. A method (200) for sending data to one or more satellite resources (14) via a wireless connection by a mobile communication system (10), The computer (1030) receives primary service data streams from one or more primary data sources (30) and secondary service data streams from one or more secondary data sources (32). The computer (1030) determines the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the wireless connection between the mobile communication system (10) and the one or more satellite resources (14). The computer (1030) determines, based on the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the one or more satellite resources (14), that there is available headroom (66) for the wireless connection. In response to determining that the wireless connection has available headroom (66), the primary service data stream is combined with the secondary service data stream to generate aggregated data packets (70). The size of the aggregated data packets (70) is compared with the size of the available headroom (66) of the wireless connection between the mobile communication system (10) and the one or more satellite resources (14). It is determined that the size of the aggregated data packet (70) is less than or equal to the size of the available headroom (66), and A method (200) comprising transmitting the aggregated data packet (70) via the wireless connection in response to determining that the aggregated data packet (70) is less than or equal to the size of the available headroom (66). Article 15. It is determined that the size of the aggregated data packet (70) is larger than the size of the available headroom (66) of the wireless connection, and The method of the 14(200) further comprising continuing to receive the primary service data stream and the secondary service data stream in response to determining that the size of the aggregated data packets(70) is greater than the size of the available headroom(66). Article 16. The mobile communication system (10) further comprises a primary antenna (50A) and a secondary antenna (50B) that communicate wirelessly with the computer (1030) via a wireless communication link, according to the method of Clause 14 (200). Article 17. It is determined that the size of the aggregated data packet (70) is larger than the size of the available headroom (66) of the wireless connection, and To determine that the aforementioned secondary antenna (50B) is available, and The method of the method of the clause 16 (200), further comprising assigning the primary service data stream to the primary antenna (50A) and the secondary service data stream to the secondary antenna (50B) in response to determining that the secondary antenna (50B) is available. Article 18. The mobile communication system (10) further comprises a multibeam antenna that wirelessly communicates with the computer (1030) via a wireless communication link, wherein the multibeam antenna is configured to transmit a primary beam (90) and a secondary beam (92), according to the method of Clause 14 (200). Article 19. It is determined that the size of the aggregated data packet (70) is larger than the size of the available headroom (66) of the wireless connection, and Determining that the multi-beam antenna is usable in multi-beam mode, and The method(200) of the clause 18, further comprising assigning the primary service data stream to the primary beam (90) and the secondary service data stream to the secondary beam (92) depending on whether the multibeam antenna is determined to be available in multibeam mode. Article 20. The method (200) of Clause 14, wherein the primary service data stream comprises a plurality of primary data packets (82), and the secondary service data stream comprises a plurality of secondary data packets (84), and both the primary data packets (82) and the secondary data packets (84) indicate bandwidth and priority.

[0044] The descriptions in this disclosure are essentially illustrative, and any modifications that do not deviate from the essence of this disclosure are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. Such modifications should not be considered to deviate from the intent and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A mobile communication system (10) for sending data to one or more satellite resources (14) via a wireless connection, One or more processors (1032), and The system includes a memory (1034) connected to one or more processors (1032), the memory (1034) stores data in a database (1044) and stores program code, and the program code, when executed by one or more processors (1032), is transmitted to the mobile communication system (10). Receiving a primary service data stream from one or more primary data sources (30), and a secondary service data stream from one or more secondary data sources (32), To identify the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the wireless connection between the mobile communication system (10) and the one or more satellite resources (14), Based on the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the one or more satellite resources (14), it is determined that the wireless connection has available headroom (66). In response to determining that the wireless connection has available headroom (66), the primary service data stream is combined with the secondary service data stream to generate aggregated data packets (70). The size of the aggregated data packets (70) is compared with the size of the available headroom (66) of the wireless connection between the mobile communication system (10) and the one or more satellite resources (14). Determining that the size of the aggregated data packet (70) is less than or equal to the size of the available headroom (66), and A mobile communication system (10) that, upon determining that the aggregated data packet (70) is less than or equal to the size of the available headroom (66), causes the system to transmit the aggregated data packet (70) via the wireless connection.

2. The one or more processors (1032) mentioned above are: It is determined that the size of the aggregated data packet (70) is larger than the size of the available headroom (66) of the wireless connection, and The mobile communication system (10) according to claim 1, which, in response to determining that the size of the aggregated data packets (70) is greater than the size of the available headroom (66), executes an instruction command to continue receiving the primary service data stream and the secondary service data stream.

3. The mobile communication system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more antennas (50) that electronically communicate with the one or more processors (1032).

4. The mobile communication system (10) according to claim 3, wherein the one or more antennas (50) include a multibeam antenna (50) configured to transmit at least a primary beam (90) and a secondary beam (92).

5. The one or more processors (1032) mentioned above are: It is determined that the size of the aggregated data packet (70) is larger than the size of the available headroom (66) of the wireless connection, and The multi-beam antenna (50) is determined to be usable in multi-beam mode, and The mobile communication system (10) according to claim 4, wherein, in response to the multibeam antenna (50) determining that it is available in multibeam mode, it executes an instruction command to assign the primary service data stream to the primary beam (90) and the secondary service data stream to the secondary beam (92).

6. The mobile communication system (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the one or more antennas (50) include a primary antenna (50A) and a secondary antenna (50B).

7. The one or more processors (1032) mentioned above are: It is determined that the size of the aggregated data packet (70) is larger than the size of the available headroom (66) of the wireless connection, and To determine that the aforementioned secondary antenna (50B) is available, and The mobile communication system (10) according to claim 6, which, in response to determining that the secondary antenna (50B) is available, executes an instruction command to assign the primary service data stream to the primary antenna (50A) and the secondary service data stream to the secondary antenna (50B).

8. A mobile communication system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the primary service data stream comprises a plurality of primary data packets (82), and the secondary service data stream comprises a plurality of secondary data packets (84), and both the primary data packets (82) and the secondary data packets (84) indicate bandwidth and priority.

9. The one or more processors (1032) mentioned above are: The mobile communication system (10) according to claim 8, wherein it executes an instruction command to determine the aggregated data packet (70) based on the priority of the principal data packet (82) and the secondary data packet (84), and the principal service data stream is given priority over the secondary service data stream.

10. The one or more processors (1032) mentioned above are: The following formula: Bandwidth utilization efficiency = B / (P Ｂ +S Ｂ ) × 100 Based on this, an instruction command is executed to identify the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the one or more satellite resources (14), Here, B represents the bandwidth of the one or more satellite resources (14), and P Ｂ This represents the bandwidth of the main data packet (82), S Ｂ The mobile communication system (10) according to claim 9, wherein is the bandwidth of the secondary data packets (84).

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