Hierarchical Satellite Network Control for Mega Constellations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite network operation and resource control architectures face challenges such as high control latency, increased network load and cost due to centralized management, and unsuitable distributed controller deployment for mega satellite constellations, which fail to integrate measurement, operation, and control functions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical network operation and resource control system is introduced, comprising a service layer, global organization layer, local coordination layer, and resource layer, with specific modules for service reshaping, resource management, and intelligent decision-making, allowing for integrated control and reduced latency by deploying local coordination layer controllers on GSO or MEO satellites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized management and control architecture is used, then control decisions can be made globally, but control latency increases and control center burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control architecture into a hierarchical structure with global organization layer controllers and local coordination layer controllers. The global layer handles overall network management while local layers handle region-specific control decisions, thereby reducing control latency for local operations while maintaining global coordination capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical hierarchical dimension to the control architecture, adding intermediate coordination layers between global and local levels. This multi-dimensional structure allows control decisions to be made at appropriate levels, reducing the need for all decisions to traverse the entire control path from global center to local execution.
2Loss of time
If distributed controllers are deployed on LEO satellites to reduce control latency, then local control response improves, but the number of controllers increases proportionally with network scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function into global organization layer controllers and local coordination layer controllers. The local controllers are deployed on MEO/GSO satellites rather than LEO satellites, providing regional control capabilities without requiring proportional deployment across all LEO nodes, thus reducing overall controller complexity while maintaining responsive local control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by deploying coordination layer controllers strategically on MEO and GSO satellites that provide broader coverage areas. This allows a smaller number of local controllers to serve multiple LEO satellites within their coverage, reducing the total number of controllers needed while still providing low-latency local control for distributed LEO networks.
3Ease of operation
If same-level distributed controllers are deployed on ground gateway stations or LEO satellites, then network control cost increases and network load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control functions hierarchically between global organization layer and local coordination layer. The local coordination layer controllers on MEO/GSO satellites handle distributed control decisions for groups of LEO satellites, reducing the need for constant global controller involvement and thereby reducing network control costs and energy consumption while maintaining distributed control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to control deployment, placing coordination controllers at intermediate orbital levels (MEO/GSO) between ground gateways and LEO satellites. This vertical dimension allows control functions to be performed closer to the edge of the network without requiring deployment on every LEO satellite or ground station, reducing overall network control costs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If controllers are deployed on a large amount of satellite nodes, then local control capability improves, but manufacture and operation costs of satellites increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control deployment strategy by placing coordination layer controllers only on MEO and GSO satellites rather than on all satellite nodes. This selective segmentation provides local control capability for large portions of the LEO constellation without the expense of equipping every satellite with full control functionality, thereby reducing overall manufacture and operation costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The MEO and GSO satellites serving as coordination layer controllers provide multi-functional capabilities, acting as both communication relays and control nodes for groups of LEO satellites. This universal deployment approach maximizes the utility of fewer satellites, providing local control capabilities across the constellation without requiring expensive modifications to every satellite node.
Data Source
AI summary
Hierarchical network operation and resource control system and method for a mega satellite constellation, belonging to the field of spatial information technology, are provided. The hierarchical network operation and resource control system includes a service layer, a global organization layer, a local coordination layer and a resource layer. The service layer is used as an input to drive operation of whole system. The global organization layer is to realize “operation, measurement and control” integrated control and decision of whole network. The local coordination layer is to realize local management decision and management slice generation. The resource layer is to provide physical resource and physical device and realize resource virtualization. By deploying local coordination layer controllers on GSO or MEO satellites, the deployment of local coordination layer controllers is not limited by inability of deploying ground stations globally and therefore the control of large-scale LEO satellite constellation can be achieved.