Beam-Hopping Satellite Entry Beams for Faster Terminal Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite network entry for user terminals in low-Earth orbit constellations is complicated by partial coverage and regulatory constraints, leading to reduced link budget and prolonged connection times due to beam hopping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Reserving specific hop frame resources for forming directional entry beams with different aiming directions, allowing user terminals to enter the network by scanning in azimuth only and avoiding emissions towards the geostationary arc.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If beam hopping mechanism is used to provide partial coverage, then network capacity is improved, but user terminal coverage and network entry capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam hopping mechanism by creating a dedicated entry beam that operates independently from the spot beams used for data transmission. This entry beam provides continuous coverage across the entire satellite footprint, while spot beams maintain focused coverage for active users. The segmentation allows the system to maintain high network capacity through spot beam reuse while ensuring reliable network entry through the dedicated entry beam.
2Area of stationary object
If wide antenna beam is used for network entry, then coverage area is improved, but link budget is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different beam characteristics for different functions. The entry beam uses a wider coverage area optimized for network entry operations, while spot beams use narrower, more focused beams optimized for data transmission with higher link budgets. This functional differentiation allows each beam type to operate at optimal efficiency for its specific purpose.
3Measurement precision
If satellite position search and tracking is performed, then directional antenna alignment is improved, but network entry time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the entry beam to cover the entire satellite footprint with known characteristics. User terminals can directly tune to the entry beam frequency and access network entry procedures without performing time-consuming satellite position searches or antenna tracking operations. The entry beam's predictable, wide coverage enables immediate network entry once the terminal acquires satellite signal.
4Reliability
If reserved time slots for network entry are defined, then network entry capability is improved, but bandwidth availability for traffic is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum by allocating specific frequencies for entry beam operations and other frequencies for spot beam data transmission. This frequency division allows network entry and data traffic to occur simultaneously without competing for the same bandwidth resources. The entry beam operates on dedicated frequencies throughout the satellite footprint, while spot beams utilize separate frequency resources for high-capacity data transmission.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of entry into a satellite communications network comprising at least one satellite, the communications of the satellite communications network being organized according to a beam-hopping mechanism in which hop frames define antenna beam configurations of at least one satellite, wherein resources (101, 102, 103) of the hop frames are reserved for the formation of directional ingress beams dedicated to the entry or re-entry of user terminals into the satellite communications network, at least two of the directional ingress beams having different aiming directions. The invention also relates to a satellite, a user terminal, and a communications network configured to implement the described method.