Hybrid Access Plane Function for Satellite-Cellular Handoff Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in seamlessly integrating satellite and cellular networks for efficient carrier aggregation and slicing, particularly in managing dynamic network connections and reducing hard hand-offs during transitions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Hybrid Access Plane Function (HAPF) that aggregates and manages satellite and cellular carrier connections, utilizing a distributed software layer capable of intelligent decision-making and dynamic spectrum management, enabling seamless communication paths through satellite and cellular networks, including optical and wireless transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite and cellular networks are integrated for carrier aggregation, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary component that manages the integration between satellite and cellular networks. This controller coordinates handoffs, manages carrier aggregation, and handles network slicing, thereby improving communication reliability while containing system complexity by centralizing control functions rather than distributing them across all network elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle both satellite and cellular network management, carrier aggregation, handoff coordination, and network slicing. This universal approach allows a single component to perform multiple functions, improving reliability through integrated management while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from adding separate specialized components for each function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dynamic network connection management is implemented, then communication continuity is improved, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing network slices and pre-configuring handoff parameters before actual communication disruptions occur. This allows the system to maintain communication continuity by having management frameworks ready in advance, reducing the processing burden during critical handoff moments while ensuring stable communication transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic network connection management where the network controller continuously monitors signal conditions and dynamically adjusts carrier aggregation configurations and handoff timing. This dynamic approach maintains communication continuity by adapting to changing conditions while optimizing processing requirements through event-driven updates rather than continuous full-system reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If carrier aggregation between satellite and cellular networks is implemented, then service coverage is improved, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network management functions into distinct modules within the network controller, including satellite network management, cellular network management, carrier aggregation control, and handoff coordination. This modular segmentation improves service coverage by enabling independent optimization of each network type while managing complexity through clear functional separation and standardized interfaces between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller is designed as a universal management platform that handles both satellite and cellular network operations, carrier aggregation, and handoff procedures through integrated functionality. This multi-functional design improves service coverage by providing unified management across heterogeneous networks while containing complexity through a single coordinating entity rather than multiple independent management systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving, from first, second, and third communication devices upon which respective first, second, and third components of a distributed application are installed, respective first, second, and third data indicative of one or more respective first, second, and third characteristics of the first, second, and third communication devices, wherein each of the first, second, and third communication devices is one of a plurality of communication devices associated with a communications network; selecting, based at least in part upon the first, second, and third data, one of the second communication device and the third communication device to include in a first communication path between the first communication device and a satellite; and facilitating a first communication session between the first communication device and the satellite via the first communication path. Other embodiments are disclosed.