High Altitude Platform Data Relay for Low Latency Wireless Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current global wireless communication networks prioritize geographic coverage and bandwidth over latency, which is insufficient for applications requiring low latency, such as real-time financial transactions and high-frequency trading, leading to higher latency compared to terrestrial communication cables.
Innovation Solution
A communication system utilizing high altitude platforms, including satellites, high altitude balloons, and unmanned aerial vehicles, to create a data relay path between network centers, optimizing latency by adjusting platform positions and configurations for reduced latency in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If terrestrial communication cables are used, then latency is reduced, but geographic coverage and wireless communication advantages are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces high altitude platforms as intermediary relay stations between ground-based network centers. These platforms carry communication equipment and act as intermediate nodes to forward data signals, enabling wireless communication while reducing latency by positioning relays closer to the communication path than traditional ground-based infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional ground-based communication infrastructure to three-dimensional spatial distribution by deploying platforms at high altitudes (stratospheric or orbital levels). This vertical dimension allows signals to traverse shorter atmospheric paths and enables more direct line-of-sight communication routes between distant network centers.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional wireless networks prioritize geographic coverage, then coverage area is maximized, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the global communication network into multiple segments by deploying numerous high altitude platforms at different locations and altitudes. Each platform serves as an independent relay node, allowing data to be transmitted through optimized paths that balance geographic coverage with minimized latency for different regional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable and reconfigurable high altitude platforms that can dynamically adjust their positions, altitudes, and communication routing. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize latency for specific communication pairs while maintaining broad geographic coverage, adapting to varying traffic patterns and latency requirements in real-time.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments describe a communication system optimized for low latency and includes one or more high altitude platforms disposed at intervals in data communication with each other forming a communication path and at least two network centers separated from each other by a predetermined distance, where the high altitude platforms receive data signals from the network centers, travel along a communication path between the network centers, forming a data relay and transferring the data signals along the communication path. Additional embodiments may include intervals that are at different altitudes or different distances and/or provide one or more high altitude platforms that comprise at least one of satellites, high altitude balloons, or unmanned aerial vehicles.