Air-to-Ground Network Handoff Between Ku and L-Band Satellites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-to-ground communication systems experience connectivity loss when an aircraft moves out of range of a communication satellite, leading to noticeable interruptions and higher costs when switching to L-band communication due to insufficient Ku-band satellite coverage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that seamlessly transition the air-to-ground network connection from one communication satellite to another or a different medium, such as from Ku-band to L-band, using an aircraft-based subsystem to manage the connection and maintain continuity through auto, manual, or manual override modes, ensuring minimal disruption during satellite coverage changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If Ku-band communication satellites are used for air-to-ground connectivity, then cost is reduced, but connectivity reliability deteriorates due to insufficient satellite coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges Ku-band and L-band communication capabilities into a single air-to-ground communication system. The aircraft communication system simultaneously supports both frequency bands, allowing it to utilize Ku-band for cost-effective connectivity when available and L-band for reliable connectivity when Ku-band coverage is unavailable, thus resolving the contradiction between cost and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between Ku-band and L-band communication modes based on real-time satellite visibility and signal quality. The communication system monitors coverage conditions and automatically transitions between frequency bands to maintain optimal connectivity, enabling the system to adapt to changing coverage conditions while managing cost and reliability trade-offs
2Reliability
If seamless transition between satellites is implemented, then connectivity continuity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing handoff protocols and maintaining buffer queues before actual satellite transitions occur. Data packets are pre-processed and buffered in anticipation of upcoming satellite handovers, allowing seamless transition without interrupting connectivity. This preparatory approach enables smooth satellite switching while managing system complexity through structured protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components including buffer queues, handoff management protocols, and protocol translation layers that mediate between different satellite communication systems. These intermediaries absorb the complexity of seamless transitions by providing standardized interfaces and buffering mechanisms, allowing the system to maintain connectivity continuity without directly managing the complexity of real-time satellite switching
3Reliability
If connection reestablishment is implemented after satellite range loss, then connectivity is restored, but service interruption occurs during the dark period
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by keeping communication sessions active during satellite transitions. Instead of completely terminating and reestablishing connections, the system maintains session state, buffer queues, and protocol handshakes in a suspended state during the dark period, allowing rapid resumption of service. This approach minimizes service interruption time while ensuring connectivity restoration
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method may be provided by which a user aboard an aircraft may use a processing device to communicate with another device, which is not located aboard the aircraft, via an air-to-ground network connection. A communication satellite may provide connectivity for the air-to-ground network connection. As the aircraft approaches an end of a satellite coverage area, the air-to-ground network connection may seamlessly transition to a second communication satellite or a second communication medium. Some communication satellites may communicate via a first frequency range and other communication satellites may communicate via a second frequency range. In one mode of operation, the air-to-ground network connection may be via a communication satellite communicating via a first frequency range. A transition to a communication medium communicating via a second frequency range may occur automatically only during the one mode of operation.