Directional Communication Routing to Avoid Network Deadzones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Directional communications in contested environments are constrained by deadzones, which hinder transmission capability and increase the likelihood of detection and interception, while non-contested environments also face constraints from platform configurations and payload limitations.
Innovation Solution
A transmitting node in a multi-node network identifies deadzones and assigns higher costs to constrained links, using link cost information from other nodes to construct an optimal transmission route that avoids deadzones and minimizes aggregate link cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If directional communications are used to gain tactical advantage and reduce detection probability, then communication security and tactical advantage are improved, but transmission capability is constrained by deadzones and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores multiple alternative routing paths before communication needs arise. Each path is evaluated for potential deadzone exposure, and backup routes are prepared in advance, allowing the system to quickly switch paths without real-time complex calculations when detection risk is detected
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary relay nodes that act as mediators between source and destination. These intermediate nodes break direct directional transmissions into multiple shorter hops, reducing the probability of detection for each individual transmission while maintaining overall communication security
2Object-affected harmful factors
If directional transmissions are used to avoid detection, then probability of detection is reduced, but transmission capability is constrained by deadzones in certain directions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional planar routing to three-dimensional spatial routing by utilizing vertical elevation changes. Transmissions can route over mountains or through valleys by adjusting elevation, effectively adding a vertical dimension to bypass geographic deadzones that block horizontal line-of-sight paths
Solution Approach 2:
The routing paths are made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors transmission conditions and automatically adjusts routing paths in real-time based on detected deadzones, enemy positions, and environmental changes, allowing the network to adapt its topology dynamically to maintain communication capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If omnidirectional systems are used to ensure transmission capability in all directions, then transmission versatility is maintained, but detection probability and interception risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication network into multiple directional nodes, each responsible for specific angular sectors. Instead of one omnidirectional transmitter, multiple unidirectional transmitters cover different directions, allowing the system to maintain full-directional coverage while each individual transmitter remains low-profile and hard to detect
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for tactical routing of directional communications identifies directional communications links from a transmitting (Tx) node to a receiving (Rx) node of a multi-node network. Within the network environment, the Tx node identifies deadzones, or areas wherein directional communications links between the Tx and Rx nodes may be constrained. The Tx node assigns each identified directional communications link a link cost; constrained links are assigned a higher cost than unconstrained links. Based on the assigned link costs (and other link cost information received from other network nodes), the Tx node constructs an optimal transmission route to the desired Rx node, the transmission route comprising a sequence one of more directional links selected to optimally fulfill mission objectives (e.g., minimal aggregate link cost).