Hybrid HAP Network Reconfiguration for Minimum Service Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network configurations in aerospace communication networks using non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) satellites and high-altitude platforms (HAPs) often fail to meet minimum service requirements due to unpredictable node availability and mobility, leading to outages and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A controller system dynamically adjusts network configurations by incorporating ground-based additional nodes, utilizing a Temporospatial Software-Defined Networking (TS-SDN) operating system to optimize communication links and deploy ground-based nodes when necessary, ensuring compliance with service requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the network uses only high-altitude platforms (HAPs) and NGSO satellites, then the network structure is simpler, but the service reliability deteriorates due to unpredictable node availability and mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines HAPs, NGSO satellites, and ground-based nodes into a hybrid network architecture. This merging of different node types allows the system to leverage the mobility and coverage of HAPs/satellites while using ground-based nodes as stable fallbacks to ensure service reliability when aerial nodes become unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes network configuration parameters by selecting different node combinations based on real-time conditions. When HAPs or satellites are unavailable, the system transitions to using ground-based nodes, effectively changing the operational parameters of the network to maintain service reliability.
2Reliability
If additional ground-based nodes are deployed to ensure service coverage, then the service reliability improves, but the device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network configuration is made dynamic rather than static. Ground-based nodes are deployed and activated only when needed, based on real-time assessment of HAP and satellite availability. This dynamic approach ensures service coverage while avoiding the complexity of permanently maintaining a large ground-based infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously determines when ground-based nodes are needed and configures the network accordingly, without requiring manual intervention. The controller automatically assesses node availability and reconfigures the network to maintain service coverage, reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If the network dynamically reconfigures to accommodate node mobility, then the service continuity improves, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the availability and position of HAPs and satellites. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically reconfigures the network to maintain service continuity, managing control complexity through automated decision-making based on real-time conditions.
4Reliability
If ground-based additional nodes are used to satisfy service requirements, then the minimum service requirements are met, but the operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying a full ground-based network infrastructure, the system uses ground-based nodes partially and only when necessary to meet minimum service requirements. This partial action approach ensures compliance with service requirements while minimizing operational costs by avoiding unnecessary ground-based node deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide for determining a network configuration. For instance, a system may include a controller including one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to receive information from each of a plurality of available nodes within a network, the plurality of available nodes including at least one aerial vehicle; determine a plurality of constraints for a future point in time, each one of the plurality of constraints including one or more minimum service requirements for a geographic area; attempt to determine a first network configuration for each of the plurality of available nodes that satisfies all of the constraints; when unable to determine the first network configuration, determine a second network configuration for the plurality of available nodes and at least one additional ground-based node that satisfies all of the constraints; and send instructions in order to affect the second network configuration.