Distributed Adaptive Modulation Across Multi-Hub Space Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current space-based networks with a hub-and-spoke topology are limited by line-of-sight communications and cannot operate effectively in distributed network environments, restricting endpoint device separation and network flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A distributed adaptive coding and modulation network with multiple moving network hubs that communicate via inter-hub links and endpoint devices, employing a leader election technique to negotiate modulation and coding schemes dynamically based on signal-to-noise ratio and data rate, using session management protocols to adapt to changing link conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a hub-and-spoke topology with a centralized hub is used, then communication control is simplified, but network flexibility and endpoint device separation are restricted due to line-of-sight limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized hub function into multiple distributed network hubs. Each hub can independently perform adaptive coding and modulation negotiations with endpoint devices, eliminating the single-point control bottleneck while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic leader election among distributed hubs, where the role of coordinating ACM negotiations is not fixed but dynamically assigned based on current network conditions. This allows the system to adapt to changing topologies and maintain flexibility while preserving coordination efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive coding and modulation negotiation is performed in a distributed environment, then network flexibility is improved, but coordination complexity and communication overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic leader election where one hub is temporarily designated as the leader for ACM negotiations. This dynamic role assignment simplifies coordination by providing a single point of contact for negotiation while maintaining the distributed architecture's flexibility. The leader role can change based on network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elected leader hub acts as an intermediary that coordinates ACM negotiations between endpoint devices and the distributed hub network. This mediator approach reduces direct peer-to-peer coordination complexity while preserving the benefits of distributed architecture through the temporary centralized coordination role.
3Reliability
If line-of-sight communication is used with a centralized hub, then communication reliability is maintained, but endpoint device separation is limited by Earth curvature and hub altitude
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the network into multiple distributed hubs rather than relying on a single centralized hub, the system can serve endpoint devices that are geographically separated beyond the line-of-sight range of any single hub. Each hub maintains reliable line-of-sight communication with its served devices while the distributed architecture enables broader coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed hub network acts as an intermediary relay system. Data can be transmitted between endpoint devices served by different hubs through the inter-hub communication links, effectively extending the communication range beyond individual line-of-sight limitations while maintaining reliability through the multi-hop relay path.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed adaptive coding and modulation network includes multiple network hubs that move relative to Earth, communicate among each other using intra-hub links, communicate with endpoint devices via wireless links, and elect one network hub to operate as a leader hub. A remainder of the network hubs operate as follower hubs. The leader hub is operational to negotiate a current modulation and coding scheme with the follower hubs based on a session management protocol, communicate with a first endpoint device, relay data between the endpoint devices using the current modulation and coding scheme, and dynamically renegotiate the current modulation and coding scheme in response to a change in link conditions based on the session management protocol. An edge follower hub is operational to communicate with a second endpoint device, and relay the data between the endpoint devices through the inter-hub links using the current modulation and coding scheme.