Dynamic Gateway Selection for Hybrid Satellite Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite communication systems face challenges in providing high-throughput and low-latency broadband connectivity in mobility environments, such as aeronautical, maritime, and land-based transport, due to disruptions, switching between communication mediums, and physical distortions of signals over vast geographical areas.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid communication network system that combines the high-throughput Geosynchronous (GEO) satellite system with the low-latency Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Air-To-Ground (ATG) system, using Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) tunnels to manage network traffic and maintain persistent end-user connections as terminals move.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If GEO satellite communication is used, then broadband connectivity coverage is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the satellite communication infrastructure into two distinct parts: GEO satellites providing wide-area coverage and LEO satellites providing low-latency connectivity. This segmentation allows each satellite type to fulfill its strength without compromise - GEO for coverage and LEO for speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges GEO and LEO satellite networks into a hybrid architecture, combining the high coverage of GEO with the low latency of LEO. The gateway switch mechanism enables seamless integration of both satellite types to provide unified broadband service.
2Loss of time
If LEO satellite communication is used, then latency is reduced, but service cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid system combines LEO and GEO satellites, allowing the network to leverage the low latency of LEO only when needed for latency-sensitive applications, while using GEO for other traffic to control costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between LEO and GEO satellite connections based on real-time conditions including latency requirements and cost considerations. The gateway switch enables flexible, adaptive routing that optimizes both performance and expense.
3Loss of time
If ATG system is used, then latency is reduced, but throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments network traffic into different categories and routes them through appropriate communication channels - using ATG for latency-sensitive traffic and GEO for throughput-intensive applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid architecture merges ATG, LEO, and GEO systems, allowing simultaneous utilization of low-latency ATG/LEO paths and high-throughput GEO paths through intelligent traffic routing and gateway selection.
4Reliability
If gateway switching is performed during terminal movement, then connectivity is maintained, but network latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing communication tunnels with multiple potential gateways before terminal movement causes disconnection. This allows seamless gateway switching without breaking connections or increasing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous network connectivity by keeping multiple communication tunnels active simultaneously. When gateway switching occurs, the transition is seamless because alternative tunnels are already established and ready to carry traffic without interruption or latency spike.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for dynamic gateway selection. In some implementations, a first communication tunnel is established between an SD-WAN router and a first SD-WAN gateway via a first wireless gateway. After establishing and using a modem of the terminal to communicate through the first communication tunnel, determining that the modem switched to communicate with a second wireless gateway that is different from the first wireless gateway. In response, a second SD-WAN gateway is selected based on a relationship between the second wireless gateway and the second SD-WAN gateway. Criteria for establishing an additional communication tunnel are determined to be satisfied. In response to determining that the criteria have been satisfied, a second communication tunnel between the SD-WAN router and the second SD-WAN gateway is established, the terminal is configured to provide data through the first and the second communication tunnel.