Distributed Satellite Network Control Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional satellite communication systems using TDMA protocol rely on a central hub for leadership and bandwidth allocation, leading to single points of failure, latency, and complexity, as well as requiring accurate timing references which can be costly and impractical for large networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a distributed leadership and bandwidth allocation method where all remote sites can independently manage network operations, eliminate the need for a central hub, and calculate timing adjustments autonomously, reducing latency and complexity while avoiding collisions and clock slippage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a central hub or master station is used to control the network and allocate bandwidth, then network control and coordination are achieved, but the system introduces a single point of failure, increases latency due to double satellite hops, and adds complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork controlVSAvoidsingle point of failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized control function into distributed control capabilities across multiple satellite nodes. Each satellite is equipped with control logic to autonomously perform network management tasks such as bandwidth allocation, timeslot coordination, and fault detection, eliminating the single point of failure at the central hub while maintaining coordinated network operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having satellites rely on a central hub for control decisions, the patent inverts the control architecture by enabling satellites to make autonomous control decisions. The control intelligence is distributed to the edge nodes (satellites) rather than concentrated at the center, allowing faster local responses and eliminating the need for double satellite hops for control operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a backup master station or redundant hub is added to prevent single point of failure, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork continuityVSAvoidredundant equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes every satellite node multi-functional by equipping each with both data transmission capabilities and network control functions. Each satellite can serve as a data node, a control node, and a potential backup for any other satellite, eliminating the need for dedicated backup master stations while providing comprehensive fault tolerance across the entire network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If remote sites operate in slave mode relying on the hub for timeslot and frequency allocation, then centralized coordination is maintained, but network latency increases due to the requirement of double satellite hops for bandwidth allocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth allocationVSAvoidnetwork latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring each satellite with the authority and capability to perform bandwidth allocation and timeslot assignment locally. Instead of waiting for hub decisions that require round-trip communication, satellites can immediately allocate resources based on pre-established protocols and local conditions, eliminating the latency of double satellite hops while maintaining coordinated operation through periodic synchronization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If accurate timing references such as GPS are provided at all sites to prevent clock slippage, then timing accuracy is improved, but cost becomes prohibitive for large networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming accuracyVSAvoidcost of timing references

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service timing by enabling each satellite to autonomously maintain and synchronize its internal clock using distributed timing protocols. Satellites exchange timing information with each other and perform mutual synchronization, eliminating the need for expensive external GPS references at every node while maintaining adequate timing accuracy through peer-to-peer coordination and periodic calibration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8320299B2Broadband satellite system and method

Publication Date: 2012.11.27 COMTECH SATELLITE NETWORK TECH INC

AI summary

Implementations of broadband satellite systems may comprise systems implementing embodiments of one, two or all of the aspects of distributed leadership, distributed bandwidth allocation and distributed timing. In systems implementing distributed leadership aspects, the control and administration of the network can be effectively performed by any site. In systems implementing distributed bandwidth allocation aspects, all remote sites may act in concert by running the same algorithm on the information they have received, arriving at a harmonious conclusion. In systems implementing distributed timing aspects, time division multiple access (“TMDA”) bursts within timeslots may not require a central timing reference, a distributed high stability timing reference or a timing leader.