Distributed Channel Control for Satellite Communication Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional satellite communication systems using the DAMA scheme face unavailability due to the loss of channel control functions when the parent station becomes unusable, requiring costly redundancy measures like spare parent stations with large-scale transmission/reception facilities and channel control devices.
Innovation Solution
A communication station, satellite communication system, ground station, and channel control device configuration that distributes channel management among multiple ground stations and a channel control device via a ground network, allowing channel assignment requests to be transmitted through a satellite control channel, enabling continued communication even if one channel control device or ground station becomes unusable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a parent station with large-scale transmission/reception facility and channel control device is constructed, then channel management function is achieved, but system reliability deteriorates when the parent station becomes unusable due to disaster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the channel control function from the parent station and distributes it to multiple child stations. Each child station is equipped with channel control capabilities, allowing any child station to perform channel assignment and management functions. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure in the conventional parent station architecture and improves system reliability during disasters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables child stations to perform multiple functions including both communication and channel control. By equipping child stations with channel control devices, they can function as both communication endpoints and channel managers, replacing the dedicated parent station control function. This multi-functionality ensures continuous operation even when the parent station is unavailable.
2Reliability
If a spare parent station is constructed for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of the channel control function distributed across multiple child stations rather than constructing physical spare parent stations. Each child station contains a channel control device that can assume the control function, providing functional redundancy without the need for duplicate large-scale transmission/reception facilities. This significantly reduces the cost of redundancy while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses child stations, which are less complex and cheaper than parent stations, to perform channel control functions. Instead of investing in expensive spare parent stations with large-scale facilities, the system utilizes multiple affordable child stations that can collectively provide the same control functionality, reducing the overall cost of the communication system.
3Device complexity
If channel control function is centralized in parent station, then channel management is simplified, but loss of control function occurs when parent station becomes unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized channel control function into distributed control capabilities across multiple child stations. Each child station is equipped with channel control device that can independently perform channel assignment and management. This segmentation transforms the single-point control architecture into a distributed control system, maintaining channel management capability even when individual stations fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic channel control where any child station can assume the control function as needed. The system can dynamically switch between different child stations for channel management, allowing the control function to move adaptively based on which stations are operational. This dynamic capability ensures continuous channel control availability while maintaining relatively simple management procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite communication system includes: a communication station generator communicator, a plurality of ground stations receiver transmitter receiver, and a channel control device having a satellite communication channel assignor configured to assign one satellite communication channel in response to channel assignment requests received from the plurality of ground stations via the ground network and determined to be identical communicator.