Remote hosting of radio frequency (RF) control of an RF network

Abstract

An intermediate communication platform may receive secure control data from a control center computing system remotely located from the intermediate communication platform, the secure control data being received at the intermediate communication platform via a wide area network connection. An intermediate communication platform may establish, an RF communication link between the intermediate communication platform and at least one radio terminal. An intermediate communication platform may modulate the secure control data at the intermediate communication platform into an RF network control communication. An intermediate communication platform may transmit, the RF network control communication comprising the secure control data via the RF communication link to the at least one radio terminal to control the RF network at least in part based on the secure control data.

Description

REMOTE HOSTING OF RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) CONTROL OF AN RF NETWORK Background

[0001] A radio frequency (RF) network may facilitate communication between radio terminals operating on the RF network. Often, such RF networks include secure communication links or other advanced protocols that facilitate efficient use of RF spectrum by the RF network. In any regard, the RF network may be controlled using control data for the RF network, which may include channel control or the like to provide cooperative operation amongst the radio terminals operating on the RF network. One example of such an RF network may be an ultra-high frequency (“UHF”) band satellite communication (SATCOM) network.

[0002] Traditionally, control data may be provided by a local control station that communicates with the one or more radio terminals of the RF network. In this regard, the ground station may generate control data to transmit to radio terminals for controlling operation of the RF network (e.g., including control of frequency, timing, channel control, or other control parameters for RF communications on the RF network). Summary

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for controlling a radio frequency (RF) network based on control data provided by a control center remote from a locus of the RF network, including: receiving, by an intermediate communication platform, secure control data from a control center computing system remotely located from the intermediate communication platform, the secure control data being received at the intermediate communication platform via a wide area network connection; establishing, an RF communication link between the intermediate communication platform and at least one radio terminal; modulating the secure control data at the intermediate communication platform into an RF network control communication; and transmitting, the RF network control communication including the secure control data via the RF communication link to the at least one radio terminal to control the RF network at least in part based on the secure control data.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system for controlling a radio frequency (RF) network based on control data provided remotely from a locus of the RF network, including: a control center including: an RF control terminaloperative to generate control data for the RF network, a security module located operative to generate secure control data based on the control data, and a wide area network interface for communication of the secure control data via a wide area network; an intermediate communication platform, including; a wide area network interface for receipt of the secure control data from the control center, RF equipment operative to establish an RF communication link, and modulation equipment operative to modulate the secure control data into a RF network control communication; and at least one radio terminal in operative communication with the intermediate communication platform via the RF communication link and operative to receive the RF network control communication and control communication with the RF network based on the control data provided in the RF network control communication.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to one or more tangible processor-readable storage media embodied with instructions for executing on one or more processors and circuits of an intermediate communication platform computing device a process for controlling a radio frequency (RF) network based on control data provided by a control center computing system remote from a locus of the RF network, the process including: receiving secure control data from the control center computing system remotely, the secure control data being received at the intermediate communication platform device via a wide area network connection; establishing, an RF communication link between the intermediate communication platform and at least one radio terminal; modulating the secure control data into an RF network control communication; and transmitting the RF network control communication including the secure control data via the RF communication link to the at least one radio terminal to control the RF network at least in part based on the secure control data.

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] Other examples are also described and recited herein. Brief Descriptions of the Drawings

[0008] FIG.1 illustrates an example computing environment for remote hosting of RF control of an RF network.

[0009] FIG.2 illustrates an example computing environment for remote hosting of RF control of an RF network using a satellite system and / or one or more high-altitude platforms ("HAPs").

[0010] FIG.3 depicts an example method for remote hosting of RF control of an RF network.

[0011] FIG.4 illustrates an example computing device for use in implementing the described technology. Detailed Descriptions

[0012] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0013] In conventional RF communications systems, the generation of control data, the modulation of the control data, and the transmission of the modulated control data to radio terminals via RF communication channels is performed at a local control station situated near the RF network. In this regard, the local control station may be required to be located in the vicinity of the RF network. In other words, traditional local control stations may be required to be located within a locus of the RF network. The locus of the RF network as used herein may refer to the extent to which RF signals may be received or sent in the RF network. That is, a location within the locus of the RF network may be within communication range to send and / or receive signals on the RF network. For example, in some systems the locus of the RF network may include an extent of coverage of a satellite beam of a satellite forming a part of the RF network. In other examples, the locus of the RF network may include all areas to which radio terminals belonging to the RF network may transmit and / or receive communications using the RF network. In contrast, a location outside the locus of the RF network may be outside the communication range of the RF network (e.g., all radio terminals of the RF network).

[0014] However, systems of a control station can be expensive. In some scenarios, when an area is difficult to access or a risk of equipment loss exists, it is not practical to deploy a control station equipment locally in the locus of the RF network. In other scenarios,use of dedicated local control stations may be inefficient as a local control station may be required for each instance of an RF network to be established.

[0015] In view of the foregoing, it has generally been proposed to transmit RF control signals over a network, such as an IP network (sometimes referred to as RF over IP). Although it is possible for a remote server to transmit RF control signals over an IP network to a ground station for relaying the RF control signals via RF communication links to radio terminals, transmitting modulated RF signals over an IP network requires a considerable usage of network bandwidth, which is inefficient. In an RF over IP approach, the control signals may be modulated at a remote location to create an analog signal for use with the RF network containing or encoding the control signals. This analog signal may provide the information for an RF radio at the ground station to transmission the analog signal to radio terminal in the RF network. In the RF over IP context, this analog signal is digitized for sending over the IP network. This approach results in inefficient use of bandwidth of the network and processing equipment because the digital control signal information is converted to a modulated, analog signal, which is in turn converted again into a digital signal for transmission over the IP network. Not only does this result in extra digital to analog and analog to digital conversions, but the digitized analog signal contains more information than the original digital control signals, as the digitized version of the modulated, analog signal includes the additional information regarding the analog modulation of the signal.

[0016] In addition, RF over IP technology constantly transmits the modulated, analog RF signals even when no control data is being represented by the continuously transmitted RF signal. A modulated, analog signal is transmitted by an RF over IP system even in the absence of control data to be provided to a radio terminal of the RF network. Further, in some instances, only a specific frequency band of the modulated RF signal represents control data and therefore the rest of the transmitted RF signal may be meaningless to the radio terminals in the RF network. Accordingly, in some scenarios, a sizable portion (e.g., one or more frequency bands or time slots) of the RF signal being transmitted may include analog signal data that does not represent control data. Therefore, transmitting control data using RF signals over IP unnecessarily uses IP bandwidth to represent RF signals that do not represent any control data for periods of time or to represent RF signals that include one or more frequency bands that do not represent control data.

[0017] The technology disclosed herein facilitates improvements to conventional RF communications systems by facilitating remote generation of control data for efficienttransmission over a network (e.g., a wide area network “WAN,” such as a packetized TCP / IP network) to an intermediate communications platform. Use of a WAN need not include general internet traffic, as a WAN may include a private network (e.g., an intranet) with a large geographic extent. However, in some instances, the WAN may include the Internet.

[0018] In the described technology, a control center computing system may generate control data related to an RF network. The control center computing system may secure the control data. The secured control data may be transmitted via a WAN to an intermediate communications platform. As the control data may be secured (e.g., encrypted) remotely at the control center computing system, the intermediate communications platform may not be equipped with security modules. Using the technology described herein, a single remotely located control center computing system may generate and transmit secure control data to one or more intermediate communications platforms without being required to be in RF communication range of the RF network (e.g., outside the locus of the RF network). In this regard, the control center computing system may efficiently provide secure control data to a plurality of RF networks via the intermediate communications platforms as compared to a control center communicating directly with the RF network when in the locus of the RF network. Moreover, particularly when the RF network may be located in a hostile environment such as in military applications, the security of the personnel and equipment of the control center computing system may be preserved by allowing them to be remotely located from the locus of the RF network.

[0019] Further, in the described technology, only the secure control data may be transmitted over the WAN to the intermediate communications platform, which significantly lowers bandwidth usage over the traditional approaches that require a control center to transmit data regarding a modulated, analog RF signal that includes the control data to a ground station. Rather, the intermediate communications platform may include modulation equipment that may modulate the secure control data for communication via an RF link to one or more radio terminals in the RF network. As such, the digital control data may be transmitted from the control center computing system without having been modulated into an analog signal. This may avoid the modulation and subsequent analog to digital conversion of the modulated analog signal that is required in RF over IP approaches.

[0020] Accordingly, the transmission of secure control data over the WAN to an intermediate communications platform for modulation of the secure control data provided by the described technology may be less costly and more efficient than conventionaltransmission of a modulated RF signal that includes the control data to a ground station. For instance, transmitting a data packet containing the control data over a network, as performed in the described technology, may use less bandwidth than transmitting a digitized version of a modulated, analog RF signal encoding the control data. In addition, transmitting the control signals without modulation of those signals may prevent the need to convert these signals into an analog signal, which is then digitized for transmission. In turn, transmitting the control signals in an original, digitized form may be more efficient by not requiring a digital to analog and analog to digital conversion.

[0021] As such, the intermediate communication platform receives secure control data from a control center computing system that is remotely located from the intermediate communication platform. For example, the control center computing system may be outside of a range of RF communication with the intermediate communication platform and / or of one or more radio terminals of the RF network to be controlled using the secure control data. That is, the control center computing system may be outside the locus of the RF network. The secure control data may be received at the intermediate communication platform via a WAN. The WAN may comprise any networking technology, protocols, or infrastructure to support communication. For example, the WAN may comprise the Internet, which may be facilitated by fiber optic links, satellite communication links, cable links, or the like. In some instances, the WAN may include wireless links that use some form of RF communication. For example, in satellite communication systems providing TCP / IP communication, a satellite spot beam may use a K-band or Ka-band signal. However, use of a wireless link in the WAN may include RF communications that are not compatible with the RF network (e.g., due to a different frequency, encoding, polarization, phase, etc.).

[0022] The secure control data may control a protocol for RF communication over an RF network by at least one radio terminal. For example, the protocol for RF communication can include one or more specified channels (e.g., specified frequencies, codes, time slots, etc.) for the RF communication. In some scenarios, the protocol for RF communication defines an ultra-high frequency (UHF) RF communication protocol. In some instances, the protocol can further define a schedule for using one or more specified channels (e.g., a home and slave channel scheme). In other examples, the secure control data may include information regarding code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), or other channel use information. As such, the control data may allocate access to radio terminals such as time slots, frequencyallocation, or the like. In addition, the control data may control other aspects of the RF network such as frequency hopping schedules, modulation schemes, encryption data, or the like.

[0023] The intermediate communication platform can receive, along with the secure control data, an identifier associated with at least one radio terminal to which the secure control data is to be transmitted. A radio terminal can include a vehicle, a radio device, or other computing device that communicates using the protocol for RF communication defined by the secure control data. In some instances, the secure control data includes orderwire data for a satellite communications (“SATCOM”) system. In some instances, orderwire data includes data for coordination and control of the RF network, such as one or more of activation, deactivation, change, rerouting, reporting, or maintenance of RF communication systems and services in an RF network. In some instances, orderwire data may define a schedule for using one or more specified channels (e.g., a home and slave channel scheme) or frequencies for the RF network. Orderwire data may also define code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), or other channel use information for the RF network. In some instances, orderwire data may provide one or more synchronization signals or other time markers to assist in synchronization of radio terminals within the RF network.

[0024] In different examples, the intermediate communication platform may be a ground station, a satellite (e.g., a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a mid-earth orbit (MEO) satellite, or a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite), a drone device, a high altitude platform, or other platform that includes an appropriate RF radio. In any regard, the intermediate communication platform may establishe an RF communication link between the intermediate communication platform and at least one radio terminal. For example, the intermediate communication platform may establish the RF communication link responsive to receiving the secure control data from the control center computing system via the WAN. The intermediate communication platform modulates the secure control data into an RF network control communication and transmits the RF network control communication including the secure control data via the RF communication link to the at least one radio terminal to control an RF network. For example, at least one radio terminal may receive the RF network control communication including the secure control data and communicate with one or more other radio terminals in accordance with the RF communications protocol defined in the secure control data.

[0025] In some instances, the intermediate communication platform may communicate with the at least one radio terminal using the RF network for purposes in addition to provision of the RF network control communication. That is, in addition to modulating and sending the secure control data for transmission as the RF network control communication in a control data communication, the intermediate communication platform may itself continue to participate in the RF network (e.g., performing a link test, as a repeater, relay, transmitter, receiver, transceiver, etc.) in accordance with the RF communications protocol. In other examples, the intermediate communication platform may disconnect from the RF communication link responsive to completion of the transmission of the RF network control communication or is shut down temporarily for maintenance.

[0026] FIG.1 illustrates an example communications environment 100 for remote hosting of RF control of an RF network. The example communications environment 100 includes an intermediate communication platform 110, a control center computing system 120, and one or more radio terminal(s) 150. The control center computing system 120 communicates with the intermediate communication platform 110 via a wide area network (“WAN”) 130. The intermediate communication platform 110 may include a WAN communication interface 116 that facilitates communication with the WAN 130. In some examples, the WAN 130 may be a secure network such as a secure IP network, a virtual private network (VPN), or other secure network protocol / infrastructure. Also, as noted above, the WAN 130 may include any appropriate networking hardware, software, and / or firmware that facilitate a packet-switched IP network.

[0027] The intermediate communication platform 110 communicates with the radio terminal(s) 150 via an RF link 135. In some examples, the RF link 135 may be a single (e.g., direct) RF link between the intermediate communication platform 110 and the radio terminal(s) 150. In other examples, the RF link 135 includes multiple sequential RF links (e.g., including relays or the like). In some examples, the intermediate communication platform 110 can comprise or can communicate with the radio terminal(s) 150 using one or more intermediate systems such as satellite systems and high-altitude devices (e.g., unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), blimps, balloons, etc.). The intermediate RF links of the RF link 135 can be established among such intermediate systems to facilitate communication between the intermediate communication platform 110 and the radio terminal(s) 150.

[0028] In some examples, the intermediate communication platform 110 comprises RF equipment 111. The RF equipment 111 may include or be in operative communicationwith modulation equipment 115 located at the intermediate communication platform 110. In this regard, the modulation equipment 115 may receive secure control data 121 received at the intermediate communication platform 110 by the communication interface 116. The modulation equipment 115 may modulate the secure control data 121 to generate an RF network control communication 112. In turn, the RF network control communication 112 may be provided to the RF equipment 111 for communication of the RF network control communication 112 via the RF link 135 to the radio terminal(s) 150. In some examples, the intermediate communication platform 110 is a ground station system in the locus of the RF network to be controlled by the secure control data 121. In some examples, the intermediate communication platform can include a satellite system (e.g., a LEO, MEO, and / or GEO satellite). In some examples, the intermediate communication platform is an aerial communication platform (e.g., an airplane, a UAV, etc.). For example, the intermediate communication platform may be a high altitude platform.

[0029] As introduced above, the RF equipment 111 may be configured to facilitate communication with the radio terminal(s) 150 via the RF link 135. For example, the RF equipment 111 can include an antenna and a controller for the antenna. In some examples, the controller of the RF equipment 111 may be a software defined radio capable of controlling the antenna for transmission and / or reception. In any regard, the RF equipment 111 may be configured to send, using the established RF link 135, radio waves to the radio terminal(s) 150. In some examples, the RF equipment 111 may establish bidirectional communication over the RF link 135 to send and receive data using the RF link 135 (e.g., for acknowledgement of receipt of a transmission, retransmission, etc.).

[0030] The modulation equipment 115 may be configured to convert the secure control data 121 into an RF network control communication including modulated RF signals (e.g., UHF signals). The secure control data 121 may be orderwire data. The secure control data 121 can include configuration commands, control commands, and / or management commands. In some instances, the secure control data 121 can include channel control data such as a channel frequency and time slot schedule, communication and security parameters, or other RF network organization data, such as those discussed above in relation to control of the RF network. The modulation equipment 115, in some instances, can also demodulate RF signals received by the RF equipment 111 via the RF link 135 or via the RF network that is controlled, modified, or regulated by the secure control data 121.

[0031] The control center computing system 120 may include equipment operative to generate the control data for use in controlling an RF network. As used herein, “controlling” an RF network may include initiating or establishing an RF network. In other examples, “controlling” an RF network may include modifying an existing RF network. In this regard, while descriptions herein may refer to controlling an RF network, some instances may include initiating a new RF network. In some instances, controlling the RF network may include use of control data by the radio terminal(s) 150 to facilitate communication after the control data has been used to configure the radio terminal(s) 150.

[0032] In some examples, as depicted in FIG.1, the control center computing system 120 includes a user interface 127 that receives input from one or more operators of the control center computing system 120 (e.g., operator 101) and the control center computing system 120 generates control data based on the received input. For example, the input may define the protocol for RF communications among the radio terminal(s) 150 such as device identifiers associated with the radio terminal(s) 150, defined channels, a channel and time slot schedule, an encryption protocol, or other parameters to define the protocol for communication between the radio terminal(s) 150 over the RF network. The control data may be provided to a security module 123 at the control center computing system 120 to generate the secure control data 121. The security module 123 may comprise an encryption module that may apply an encryption protocol to the control data. In this regard, the security module 123 may be a secure cryptoprocessor, a trusted platform module, hardware security module, or the like.

[0033] The control center computing system 120 may comprise a WAN interface 125 that is operative to communicate the secure control data 121 to the intermediate communication platform 110 via the WAN 130. In some instances, communication via the WAN may involve use of wireless communication channels between one or more wireless devices (e.g., Wi-Fi® and / or Bluetooth® devices, one or more satellite devices, etc.) between the control center computing system 120 and the intermediate communication platform 110. While such wireless links my exist to facilitate the WAN 130, such wireless communications may not cover the same frequency, protocol, or other technology as the RF network to be controlled by the secure control data 121. In this regard, modulation of the secure control data 121 by the modulation equipment 115 at the intermediate communication platform 110 may include specifically modulating the secure control data 121 into a signal compatible with the RF network used by the radio terminals 150.

[0034] The radio terminal(s) 150 may receive the RF network control communication 112 from intermediate communication platform 110 via the RF link 135. In some examples, the radio terminal(s)150 include one or more personnel radio devices on personnel (e.g. handheld devices), vehicles, or other radio terminal devices that can communicate with each other using an RF network in a manner specified (e.g., specified by an RF communication protocol) in the secure control data 121.

[0035] As may be appreciated, FIG.1 illustrates an example communications environment 100 in which the control center computing system 120 provides secure control data 121 to a single intermediate communication platform 110 for controlling an RF network amongst the terminal(s) 150. In other examples, the control center computing system 120 may be operative to communicate secure control data 121 to a plurality of intermediate communication platforms 110. Each of the plurality of intermediate communication platforms 110 may include individual loci that are non-overlapping. In this regard, secure control data 121 may be provided to the plurality of intermediate communication platform 110 for controlling respective RF networks that may be dispersed geographically. That is, unlike traditional ground control stations that are required to be located within the locus of the RF network they are controlling, the control center computing system 120 may be used to independently coordinate RF networks in multiple locations across the globe. As such, in one example, a second intermediate communication platform 110 may receive second secure control data 121 to control a second RF network amongst a second plurality of radio terminal(s) 150. The second RF network may be geographically remote from the first RF network such that the two RF networks each have distinct, non-overlapping loci. In turn, any number of (independent) intermediate communication platforms 110 and respective RF networks supported by the control center computing system 120.

[0036] Aspects of the communications environment 100 not specifically described with respect to FIG.1 may be the same or similar to other examples described herein.

[0037] FIG.2 illustrates one example communications environment 200 for remote hosting of RF control of an RF network that utilizes a satellite system and / or one or more high altitude platforms (“HAPs”). Aspects of the communications environment 200 not specifically described with respect to FIG.2 may be the same or similar to other examples described herein. As depicted in FIG.2, the communications environment 200 may include a control center computing system 220, a wide area network (WAN) 230, a satellite system 240, high altitude platforms (HAPs) 250 (e.g., HAP1, HAP2, HAP3 depicted in FIG.2), andradio terminals (e.g., radio terminal 270-1, radio terminal 270-2, radio terminal 270-3, radio terminal 270-4, radio terminal 270-5, radio terminal 270-6, radio terminal 270-7, radio terminal 270-8, radio terminal 270-9). While an example satellite system 240, nine example radio terminals, and three example HAPs 250 are depicted in FIG.2, it should be noted that the communications environment 200 can include any number of satellite systems, radio terminals, and HAPs without limitation.

[0038] The example satellite system 240 can be a geostationary earth orbit (“GEO”) satellite, a mid-earth orbit (“MEO”) satellite, a low earth orbit (“LEO”) satellite, a high- altitude aerial device, or other aerial device. In some examples, the satellite system 240 comprises a plurality of satellites.

[0039] In certain embodiments (e.g., as depicted in FIG.2), one or more of the HAPs 250 may act as an intermediate communication platform. For example, the satellite computing system 240 may facilitate network communication between the control center computing system 220 and a HAP 250 via WAN 230. That is, the satellite system 240 may facilitate communication over the WAN 230. Specifically, the satellite computing system 240 may facilitate the WAN connection between the control center computing system 220 and the intermediate communication platforms of the communications environment 200. Accordingly, the HAPs 250, acting as an intermediate communication platform, may include modulation equipment 115 and RF equipment 111 as described in FIG.1 to generate and communicate a RF network control communication to the radio terminals 270.

[0040] In the example depicted in FIG.2, the HAPs 250 may also include a modem 255 enabling each of the HAPs 250 to communicate via a mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) 290 with the other HAPs. This may allow the HAPs 250 to relay information amongst the HAPs 250. For example, HAP1 may receive the RF network control communication from the control center computing system 220 via the WAN 230 / satellite system 240. HAP1 may, in turn, relay the RF network control communication 112 to the other HAPs via the MANET 290. In these embodiments, the communication of the secure control data may be via WAN 230 as internet communication channels 210 between the satellite system 240 and the HAPs 250. In turn, the HAPs 250, acting as intermediate communications platforms, may establish an RF link with at least one radio terminal and modulate the secure control data to transmit a RF network control communication 112 over the RF link to control a respective RF network. In the example depicted in FIG.2, the RF links 295 are depicted as dotted lines.

[0041] In the example depicted in FIG.2, HAP1 is associated with serving area 260- 1, which encompasses radio terminal 270-1, radio terminal 270-2, and radio terminal 270-3. HAP2 is associated with serving area 260-2, which encompasses radio terminal 270-4, radio terminal 270-5, and radio terminal 270-6. HAP3 is associated with serving area 260-3, which encompasses radio terminal 270-7, radio terminal 270-8, and radio terminal 270-9. For example, HAP1 receives the secure control data for controlling an RF network encompassing serving area 260-1. In this example, HAP 1 receives the secure control data via WAN 230 from the satellite system 240, establishes an RF link with at least one radio terminal in the serving area 260-1 (e.g., with radio terminal 270-1), and modulates and transmits the secure control data to the at least one radio terminal. The at least one radio terminal (e.g., radio terminal 270-1) communicates with one or more other devices within the RF network. For example, the RF network may encompass RF communications among radio terminal 270-1, radio terminal 270-2, and radio terminal 270-3 in the serving area 260-1 and, in some instances, also including HAP1.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the satellite system 240 may act as an intermediate communication platform in lieu of or in addition to a provider of the WAN 230. For example, in embodiments in which the satellite system 240 acts as an intermediate communication platform, the satellite system 240 can receive secure control data generated by the control center computing system via the WAN 230, modulate the secure control data, and establish an RF link over which to transmit the modulated secure control data directly to one or more of the radio terminals of the RF network. In another example, the satellite system 240 acting as an intermediate communication platform may relay the RF control network control communication to a plurality of HAPs 250, which transmit the modulated control data over the RF link to radio terminal(s)in a serving area (e.g., radii defining serving area 260-1, serving area 260-2, serving area 260-3) associated with each HAP. In this example, HAP 1 receives the modulated secure control data via RF link from the satellite system 240 and transmits the modulated secure RF network control data via the RF link to at least one radio terminal in the serving area 260-1 (e.g., with radio terminal 270-1). The radio terminal (e.g., radio terminal 270-1) may communicate with one or more other devices (e.g., other radio terminals) within the RF network. For example, the RF network may encompass RF communications among radio terminal 270-1, radio terminal 270-2, and radio terminal 270-3 in the serving area 260-1 and, in some instances, also including HAP1.

[0043] FIG.3 depicts an example method 300 for remote hosting of RF control of an RF network. The example method 300 can be performed, in some examples, by an intermediate communication platform. In some examples, the intermediate communication platform may be a ground station in network communication with the control center computing system. In other examples, the intermediate communication platform is a satellite system in network communication with the control center computing system. In still further examples, the intermediate communication platform is a HAP in network communication with the control center computing system.

[0044] Aspects of the method 300 not specifically described with respect to FIG.3 may be the same or similar to other examples described herein.

[0045] A receiving operation 302 may involve receiving, by an intermediate communication platform, secure control data from a control center computing system remotely located from the intermediate communication platform. The secure control data may be received at the intermediate communication platform via a wide area network (“WAN”). For example, the secure control data (e.g., orderwire data) may have been generated and encrypted by the control center computing system. In this regard, the encryption of the control data to generate the secure control data may be performed prior to transmission of the secure data to the intermediate communication platform. The secure control data may define a protocol for RF communication for an RF network encompassing at least one radio terminal. In some instances, the secure control data includes identifiers identifying each of a plurality of radio terminals to which the protocol for RF communications applies, including an identifier identifying the at least one radio terminal to which the secure control data is to be transmitted. In some instances, the receiving operation 302 may involve determining a location (e.g., longitude and latitude coordinates) of the at least one radio terminal by looking up the identifiers in a database or other data structure (e.g., a table that associates identifiers with location data) accessible to the intermediate communication platform.

[0046] An establishing operation 304 may include establishing an RF communication link between the intermediate communication platform and the radio terminals. In some examples, the RF link may be established directly with the at least one radio terminal. In other examples, the RF link may include multiple RF communication links between one or more intermediary devices (e.g., a satellite, HAPs, etc.) to reach the at least one radio terminal. The establishing operation 304 may involve communicating the identifiers andlocations associated with the at least one radio terminal to a first of the one or more intermediary devices to enable the one or more intermediary devices to establish the RF link necessary to reach the at least one radio terminal at its location. In some implementations, the establishing operation 304 may include identifying a pre-established RF link between the intermediate communication platform and the radio terminals.

[0047] A modulating operation 306 involves modulating the secure control data at the intermediate communication platform into an RF network control communication. For example, the RF network control communication comprises RF signals (e.g., RF waves) that encode or otherwise represent the secure control data.

[0048] A transmitting operation 308 involves transmitting the RF control communication comprising the secure control data, via the RF link, to the at least one radio terminal to control the RF network at least in part based on the secure control data. In some instances, the transmitting operation 308 may be followed by terminating the RF link responsive to completion of the transmission of the modulated RF control communication and (e.g., responsive to receiving a response confirming receipt by the at least one radio terminal of the modulated RF control communication). The at least one radio terminal may receive the RF control communication via the RF link. In some examples, the transmitting operation 308 may include disconnecting an RF link with a first of one or more intermediary devices for relaying the RF control communication to the at least one radio network. In other examples, the RF link may be part of the RF network that is controlled by the secure control data. In turn, the intermediate communication platform may not disconnect the RF link but may continue to operate the RF link in accordance with the secure control data.

[0049] FIG.4 illustrates an example computing device 400 for use in implementing the described technology, including the method 300. The computing device 400 may be a client computing device (such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or a tablet computer), a server / cloud computing device, an Internet-of-Things (IoT), any other type of computing device, or a combination of these options. The computing device 400 includes one or more hardware processor(s) 402 and a memory 404. The memory 404 generally includes both volatile memory (e.g., RAM) and nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory), although one or the other type of memory may be omitted. An operating system 410 resides in the memory 404 and is executed by the processor(s) 402. In some examples, the computing device 400 includes and / or is communicatively coupled to storage 420.

[0050] In the example computing device 400, as shown in FIG.4, one or more software modules, segments, and / or processors, such as applications 440, a control system, an encryptor, an RF communication control application, a modulator, a communications system, and other program code and modules are loaded into the operating system 410 on the memory 404 and / or the storage 420 and executed by the processor(s) 402. The storage 420 may store control data (e.g., orderwire data), and other data and be local to the computing device 400 or may be remote and communicatively connected to the computing device 400. In particular, in one example, components of a system for classifying a dataset may be implemented entirely in hardware or in a combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0051] The computing device 400 includes a power supply 416, which may include or be connected to one or more batteries or other power sources, and which provides power to other components of the computing device 400. The power supply 416 may also be connected to an external power source that overrides or recharges the built-in batteries or other power sources.

[0052] The computing device 400 may include one or more communication transceivers 430, which may be connected to one or more antenna(s) 432 to provide network connectivity (e.g., mobile phone network, Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®) to one or more other servers, client devices, IoT devices, and other computing and communications devices. The computing device 400 may further include a communications interface 436 (such as a network adapter or an I / O port, which are types of communication devices). The computing device 400 may use the adapter and any other types of communication devices for establishing connections over a wide-area network (WAN) or local-area network (LAN). It should be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and that other communications devices and means for establishing a communications link between the computing device 400 and other devices may be used.

[0053] The computing device 400 may include one or more input devices 434 such that a user may enter commands and information (e.g., a keyboard, trackpad, or mouse). These and other input devices may be coupled to the server by one or more interfaces 438, such as a serial port interface, parallel port, or universal serial bus (USB). The computing device 400 may further include a display 422, such as a touchscreen display.

[0054] The computing device 400 may include a variety of tangible processor- readable storage media and intangible processor-readable communication signals. Tangible processor-readable storage can be embodied by any available media that can be accessed bythe computing device 400 and can include both volatile and nonvolatile storage media and removable and non-removable storage media. Tangible processor-readable storage media excludes intangible, transitory communications signals (such as signals per se) and includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable, and non-removable storage media implemented in any method, process, or technology for storage of information such as processor-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Tangible processor-readable storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CDROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the computing device 400. In contrast to tangible processor-readable storage media, intangible processor-readable communication signals may embody processor- readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data resident in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other signal transport mechanism. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, intangible communication signals include signals traveling through wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media.

[0055] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for controlling a radio frequency (RF) network based on control data provided by a control center remote from a locus of the RF network, including: receiving, by an intermediate communication platform, secure control data from a control center computing system remotely located from the intermediate communication platform, the secure control data being received at the intermediate communication platform via a wide area network connection; establishing, an RF communication link between the intermediate communication platform and at least one radio terminal; modulating the secure control data at the intermediate communication platform into an RF network control communication; and transmitting, the RF network control communication including the secure control data via the RF communication link to the at least one radio terminal to control the RF network at least in part based on the secure control data.

[0056] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the secure control data defines a protocol for RF communications in the RF network by the at least one radio terminal.

[0057] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the secure control data includes channel control data for the RF network.

[0058] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: terminating, responsive to completing the transmitting operation, the RF communication link.

[0059] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the secure control data includes control data having been encrypted by the control center computing system prior to sending the secure control data via the wide area network.

[0060] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the intermediate communication platform includes at least one of a ground station, a geostationary orbit ("GEO") satellite, a low earth orbit ("LEO") satellite, or a high-altitude platform ("HAP").

[0061] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the control center computing system is outside of a communication range of the RF network.

[0062] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the control center computing system provides second secure control data to a second intermediate communication platform different from the intermediate communication platform, and the method further includes: establishing, by the second intermediate communication platform, a second RF communication link in a second locus of a second RF network, wherein the control center computing system is outside of a range of the second RF network.

[0063] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the RF network and the second RF network are not within range of one another.

[0064] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the wide area network connection includes a satellite communication system.

[0065] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the satellite communication system includes the intermediate communication platform.

[0066] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the wide area network includes a packetized network using a transmission control protocol / Internet protocol ("TCP / IP").

[0067] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the RF network includes a plurality of radio terminals including the at least one radio terminal.

[0068] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the RF network includes the intermediate communication platform and the at least one radio terminal.

[0069] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system for controlling a radio frequency (RF) network based on control data provided remotely from a locus of the RF network, including: a control center including: an RF control terminal operative to generate control data for the RF network, a security module located operative to generate secure control data based on the control data, and a wide area network interface for communication of the secure control data via a wide area network; an intermediate communication platform, including; a wide area network interface for receipt of the secure control data from the control center, RF equipment operative to establish an RF communication link, and modulation equipment operative to modulate the secure control data into a RF network control communication; and at least one radio terminal in operative communication with the intermediate communication platform via the RF communication link and operative to receive the RF network control communication and control communication with the RF network based on the control data provided in the RF network control communication.

[0070] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the secure control data defines a protocol for RF communications in the RF network by the at least one radio terminal.

[0071] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the secure control data includes channel control data for the RF network.

[0072] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, the RF equipment further operative to terminate, responsive to the modulation equipment completing the modulation operation, the RF communication link.

[0073] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to one or more tangible processor-readable storage media embodied with instructions for executing on one or more processors and circuits of an intermediate communication platform computing device a process for controlling a radio frequency (RF) network based on control data provided by a control center computing system remote from a locus of the RF network, the processincluding: receiving secure control data from the control center computing system remotely, the secure control data being received at the intermediate communication platform device via a wide area network connection; establishing, an RF communication link between the intermediate communication platform and at least one radio terminal; modulating the secure control data into an RF network control communication; and transmitting the RF network control communication including the secure control data via the RF communication link to the at least one radio terminal to control the RF network at least in part based on the secure control data.

[0074] Some examples may comprise an article of manufacture, which excludes software per se. An article of manufacture may comprise a tangible storage medium to store logic and / or data. Examples of a storage medium may include one or more types of computer-readable storage media capable of storing electronic data, including volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non- erasable memory, writeable or re-writeable memory, and so forth. Examples of the logic may include various software elements, such as software components, programs, applications, computer programs, application programs, system programs, machine programs, operating system software, middleware, firmware, software modules, routines, subroutines, operation segments, methods, procedures, software interfaces, application program interfaces (API), instruction sets, computing code, computer code, code segments, computer code segments, words, values, symbols, or any combination thereof. In one example, for example, an article of manufacture may store executable computer program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform methods and / or operations in accordance with the described embodiments. The executable computer program instructions may include any suitable types of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, and the like. The executable computer program instructions may be implemented according to a predefined computer language, manner, or syntax, for instructing a computer to perform a certain operation segment. The instructions may be implemented using any suitable high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled, and / or interpreted programming language.

[0075] While this specification contains many specific example details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any technologies or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular examples of the particular described technology. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context ofseparate examples can also be implemented in combination in a single example. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single example can also be implemented in multiple examples separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

[0076] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the examples described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all examples, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0077] Thus, particular examples of the subject matter have been described. Other examples are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain examples, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0078] A number of examples of the described technology have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the recited claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for controlling a radio frequency (RF) network based on control data provided by a control center remote from a locus of the RF network, comprising: receiving, by an intermediate communication platform, secure control data from a control center computing system remotely located from the intermediate communication platform, the secure control data being received at the intermediate communication platform via a wide area network connection; establishing, an RF communication link between the intermediate communication platform and at least one radio terminal; modulating the secure control data at the intermediate communication platform into an RF network control communication; and transmitting, the RF network control communication comprising the secure control data via the RF communication link to the at least one radio terminal to control the RF network at least in part based on the secure control data.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the secure control data defines a protocol for RF communications in the RF network by the at least one radio terminal.

3. The method of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the secure control data comprises channel control data for the RF network.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: terminating, responsive to completing the transmitting, the RF communication link.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the secure control data comprises control data having been encrypted by the control center computing system prior to sending the secure control data via the wide area network.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the intermediate communication platform comprises at least one of a ground station, a geostationary orbit (“GEO”) satellite, a low earth orbit (“LEO”) satellite, or a high-altitude platform (“HAP”).

7. The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the control center computing system is outside of a communication range of the RF network.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the control center computing system provides second secure control data to a second intermediate communication platform different from the intermediate communication platform, and the method further comprises: establishing, by the second intermediate communication platform, a second RF communication link in a second locus of a second RF network, wherein the control center computing system is outside of a range of the second RF network.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the RF network and the second RF network are not within range of one another.

10. The method of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the wide area network connection comprises a satellite communication system.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the satellite communication system comprises the intermediate communication platform.

12. The method of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the wide area network comprises a packetized network using a transmission control protocol / Internet protocol (“TCP / IP”).

13. The method of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the RF network comprises a plurality of radio terminals including the at least one radio terminal.

14. The method of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the RF network comprises the intermediate communication platform and the at least one radio terminal.

15. A system for controlling a radio frequency (RF) network based on control data provided remotely from a locus of the RF network, comprising: a control center comprising: an RF control terminal operative to generate control data for the RF network, a security module located operative to generate secure control data based on the control data, and a wide area network interface for communication of the secure control data via a wide area network;an intermediate communication platform, comprising; a wide area network interface for receipt of the secure control data from the control center, RF equipment operative to establish an RF communication link, and modulation equipment operative to modulate the secure control data into a RF network control communication; and at least one radio terminal in operative communication with the intermediate communication platform via the RF communication link and operative to receive the RF network control communication and control communication with the RF network based on the control data provided in the RF network control communication.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the secure control data defines a protocol for RF communications in the RF network by the at least one radio terminal.

17. The system of any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the secure control data comprises channel control data for the RF network.

18. The system of any one of claims 15-17, the RF equipment further operative to terminate, responsive to the modulation equipment completing the modulation operation, the RF communication link.

19. One or more tangible processor-readable storage media embodied with instructions for executing on one or more processors and circuits of an intermediate communication platform computing device a process for controlling a radio frequency (RF) network based on control data provided by a control center computing system remote from a locus of the RF network, the process comprising: receiving secure control data from the control center computing system remotely, the secure control data being received at the intermediate communication platform device via a wide area network connection; establishing, an RF communication link between the intermediate communication platform and at least one radio terminal; modulating the secure control data into an RF network control communication; andtransmitting the RF network control communication comprising the secure control data via the RF communication link to the at least one radio terminal to control the RF network at least in part based on the secure control data.

Images