Ground Network Beamforming Through Distributed Access Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless relay communication systems face challenges in efficiently increasing data transmission capacity while minimizing satellite complexity, weight, and power consumption, particularly in satellite communication systems serving large geographic areas, due to limitations in beamforming techniques and the complexity of forming multiple narrow beams.
Innovation Solution
End-to-end beamforming systems compute beam weights at a central processing system and apply them within a ground network, forming end-to-end beams through an array of access nodes, reducing the need for complex on-board or ground-based beamforming capabilities in satellites, and enabling efficient multipath signal superposition through an end-to-end relay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional narrow beamforming is used to transmit signals to a wireless relay, then signal transmission efficiency is improved, but satellite complexity and weight increase due to the need for multiple narrow beams to cover large geographic areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coverage area into multiple access node regions, each served by broader beams from the ground network. Instead of requiring the satellite to form multiple narrow beams, the system segments the beamforming function across multiple ground-based access nodes, reducing satellite complexity while maintaining coverage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional satellite-based beamforming to ground-based end-to-end beamforming. By moving the beamforming capability from the satellite dimension to the ground network dimension, the system achieves narrow effective beams through coordinated transmission from multiple access nodes without requiring complex on-board satellite processing.
2Productivity
If multiple narrow beams are formed to cover large geographic areas, then data capacity is increased, but satellite weight increases due to additional beamforming hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the beamforming functionality from the satellite and relocates it to the ground network. By taking out the complex beamforming hardware from the satellite, the system reduces satellite weight while achieving the same or better data transmission capacity through coordinated ground-based access nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground-based access nodes serve as intermediaries between the satellite and end users. Instead of the satellite directly forming narrow beams to each user, the access nodes mediate the signal transmission, performing beamforming locally and relaying signals to and from the satellite, thereby eliminating the need for heavy on-board beamforming equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex on-board beamforming capabilities are implemented in satellites, then signal focusing is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the ground network perform beamforming instead of the satellite. The signal focusing precision is achieved through coordinated transmission from multiple ground-based access nodes, inverting the location of the beamforming function from space to ground, thereby eliminating the power consumption burden on the satellite.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground-based access nodes provide self-service beamforming capabilities using local processing and coordination. Each access node independently performs signal processing and beamforming for its served region, eliminating the need for power-intensive on-board satellite processing while maintaining signal focusing precision through distributed coordination.
4Reliability
If traditional beamforming is used with a single narrow beam per access node, then signal directionality is improved, but the number of required access nodes increases to cover the same area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beamforming capabilities of multiple access nodes to create coordinated end-to-end beams. Instead of each access node operating independently with narrow beams, the system combines their efforts to form broader effective coverage areas while maintaining signal reliability through coordinated transmission and reception across the ground network.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for increased data capacity and reduced satellite complexity by forming end-to-end beams that optimize signal transmission and reception across multiple access nodes, overcoming traditional limitations in beamforming and satellite design.
Implementation Method 1
a beam may be formed electronically by adjusting the gain and phase (or time delay) of signals that are transmitted, received, or both from several elements of a phased array antenna
Implementation Method 2
Such antennas typically have a paraboloid shaped reflector to focus the beam
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.