Ground-Computed Routing Tables for Dynamic LEO Satellite Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication protocols are not optimized for LEO satellite networks, which have dynamic and moving network components, leading to performance degradation due to varying distances and delays, packet loss, and inefficiencies in signal routing.
Innovation Solution
A ground station computing device performs real-time routing calculations and generates forwarding tables for satellite nodes, enabling dynamic path selection and simple routing operations to optimize data packet transmission across a LEO satellite network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional communication protocols are used in LEO satellite networks, then network infrastructure can be established, but performance degrades due to dynamic distances and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing tables that are continuously updated based on real-time satellite positions and network conditions. Ground stations calculate and distribute updated routing information to satellites, enabling the network to adapt to changing geometries and minimize transmission delays dynamically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-calculates optimal routing paths and stores them in routing tables before signals need to be transmitted. Ground stations perform routing calculations in advance and distribute these pre-computed routes to satellites, allowing signals to be forwarded quickly without real-time computation delays
2Productivity
If ground station performs real-time routing calculations, then routing efficiency improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network into ground station segments and satellite segments. The ground station performs complex routing calculations and generates routing tables, while satellites perform simple table lookup operations. This segmentation concentrates computational complexity in the ground station while keeping satellite operations simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces routing tables as an intermediary data structure between the ground station's routing calculations and satellite forwarding operations. The ground station calculates routes and stores them in tables, which then serve as a simplified interface for satellites to perform lookups without needing to understand the complex routing logic
3Speed
If satellites constantly move in LEO, then bandwidth and latency improve, but network topology becomes highly dynamic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embraces the dynamic nature of LEO satellite networks by implementing routing tables that are continuously updated to reflect changing satellite positions. Ground stations calculate new routing paths as satellites move and distribute updated tables, allowing the network to maintain optimal performance despite constant topology changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic updates of routing tables at ground stations based on predicted satellite positions and orbital mechanics. Rather than reacting to every topology change, the system periodically recalculates and distributes routing information in advance, maintaining stability through predictable periodic updates
4Reliability
If routing calculations are performed at ground station, then packet loss reduces, but real-time adaptation capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs routing calculations in advance at ground stations and stores results in routing tables that are distributed to satellites. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare optimal routes before packets need to be transmitted, improving reliability while maintaining adaptation through periodic table updates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where ground stations monitor network conditions and satellite positions, then use this information to update routing tables. The system continuously receives feedback about network state and adapts routing decisions accordingly, balancing pre-computation with real-time adaptation
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are techniques for leveraging ground station computing devices for performing route planning calculations to be used in a LEO satellite network for traffic routing. Such techniques may comprise receiving, at a ground station computing device, a request to generate routing information for a satellite node over a period of time, determining, by the ground station computing device, a number of communication connections associated with at least one destination node, each communication connection of the number of communication connections associated with a portion of the period of time, selecting, by the ground station computing device, one or more communication connection of the number of communication connections to cover the period of time, populating, by the ground station computing device, the routing information with an indication of the selected at least one communication connection, and providing the routing information to the satellite node.