Airborne Node Communications Network Pathway Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for forming communications channels using airborne nodes often fail to achieve desired levels of availability and reliability, especially when distance or weather conditions are factors, leading to disruptions in critical missions that require real-time information exchange.
Innovation Solution
A communications network comprising multiple node groups with a control system that forms a series of communications links along potential pathways, dynamically switching to alternative pathways when one becomes unavailable to ensure a communications channel with a desired level of availability and reliability greater than 98%.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single communications link is used between ground nodes, then the system complexity is low, but the reliability and availability of the communications channel deteriorates when distance exceeds maximum range or weather conditions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communications path into multiple airborne nodes (first airborne node, second airborne node, third airborne node) that form a series of communication links between ground nodes. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable long-distance communication by breaking down a single complex link into multiple manageable segments, each within maximum communication range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes multiple potential pathways in advance before communication is needed. The system pre-configures alternative routes through different airborne nodes so that when one pathway becomes unavailable due to weather or node unavailability, a pre-existing alternative can be immediately activated without delay.
2Reliability
If airborne nodes are used to extend communication range, then the communications channel availability improves for long distances, but the system becomes vulnerable to node unavailability due to refueling or weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pathway selection where the communications system can switch between different routes based on real-time conditions. When an airborne node becomes unavailable or weather conditions deteriorate, the system dynamically reroutes communications through alternative airborne nodes, maintaining continuous operation without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the availability and performance of airborne nodes and communication links. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect node unavailability or deteriorating conditions and automatically activate alternative pathways, ensuring maintained communication reliability through real-time adaptation.
3Reliability
If multiple potential pathways are established, then the reliability improves through redundancy, but the device complexity and number of airborne nodes required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs airborne nodes that can serve multiple functions and multiple pathways simultaneously. Each airborne node is capable of communicating with multiple ground nodes and other airborne nodes, allowing the same physical node to participate in different communication routes as needed, thereby reducing the total number of nodes required to provide redundant pathways.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for managing a communications network. A potential pathway in a group of potential pathways formed between each pair of adjacent node groups in a plurality of node groups is identified. A communications link is formed along the potential pathway identified between each pair of adjacent node groups in the plurality of node groups such that a series of communications links is formed between a first end node group in the plurality of node groups and a second end node group in the plurality of node groups. Information is exchanged between a first end point and a second end point using the series of communications links between the first end node group and the second end node group.