Aviation Mesh Network Data Link Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing data connectivity links in aviation vehicles fail to dynamically maintain IP coverage, especially across interconnected aircraft and ground-based controllers, and do not address aircraft-to-aircraft communications or non-cooperative independent aircraft owned by entities other than the telecommunication system operator.
Innovation Solution
A real-time method for managing IP data routing between dynamic aircraft and controllers, utilizing a central master control system that oversees all commands and ensures safety and security, with a network architecture of sub-meshes and ground entry point controllers to establish and maintain secure radio links, and a database for predicting future aircraft locations and optimizing data link usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a visitor location register system is used for ground-to-air communications, then aircraft can be registered and tracked, but the system cannot dynamically maintain IP coverage for moving aircraft or support aircraft-to-aircraft communications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mesh network topology where aircraft nodes automatically adjust their connections based on real-time positions and network conditions. The system continuously discovers new aircraft in range and reconfigures data paths to maintain connectivity as aircraft move, enabling dynamic IP coverage maintenance that static ground-based systems cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the aviation communication network into autonomous mesh sub-networks where aircraft form local peer-to-peer connections. This segmentation allows each aircraft to independently manage its own connectivity segment while contributing to the overall network, enabling dynamic IP coverage without requiring centralized ground control for every connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ground stations and mobile switching centers are used, then wireless communications service can be provided, but the system cannot support non-cooperative independent aircraft owned by entities other than the telecommunication system operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables aircraft to autonomously discover and connect to other aircraft and ground stations without requiring centralized registration or authorization. Each aircraft independently manages its own connectivity, forming mesh links based on available radio communications, which allows non-cooperative independent aircraft to join the network without complex ground-based control procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal mesh network protocol that works across different aircraft ownership entities and communication scenarios. The same peer-to-peer connection mechanisms serve both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft, ground-to-air communications, and air-to-air communications, eliminating the need for entity-specific control systems.
3Reliability
If centralized master control is implemented, then safety and security can be ensured, but real-time dynamic optimization of data routing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hybrid control architecture where security-critical functions remain centralized under master control while routing optimization functions are distributed to individual aircraft nodes. Each aircraft locally optimizes its data paths based on real-time conditions, achieving fast adaptive routing without compromising overall network security through centralized oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces autonomous aircraft nodes as intermediaries that handle real-time routing decisions locally. These nodes act as distributed intelligence that optimizes data paths instantly based on local network conditions, while the centralized master control maintains security policies and oversees overall network integrity, resolving the conflict between centralized security and distributed speed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a method and system for managing data connectivity links for a plurality of aircraft in a network wherein at least one aircraft is a non- cooperative aircraft, said network comprising a plurality of sub-mesh regions, each sub-mesh having a plurality of nodes, wherein at least one node is representative of an aircraft, and a control sub-mesh node configured to maintain a plurality of data links with the plurality of aircraft in the sub-mesh region based on a generated real-time map of data connections for the sub- mesh region; and a master control node configured to control each control sub- mesh node of each sub-mesh region.