Hybrid FSO RF Aerial Network Multipath Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aerial networks using hybrid communication links, such as Free Space Optical (FSO) and Radio Frequency (RF), are limited to using either FSO or RF at a given time, not in combination, due to susceptibility to environmental degradation and error sensitivity, which hinders widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a hybrid hardware/software solution capable of simultaneous utilization of FSO and RF links, using policy-based multipath admission and predictive traffic load balancing to optimize link utilization and mitigate environmental degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If FSO communications are used in aerial networks, then high-throughput communication is achieved, but vulnerability to environmental degradation and intermittent connectivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines FSO and RF communication systems into a single hybrid aerial network infrastructure, allowing both transmission modes to coexist and work together. The gateway device integrates multiple communication chains including FSO transceivers and RF transceivers, enabling simultaneous operation of both systems to achieve high throughput while maintaining reliability through diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both an FSO communication node and an RF communication node. It can perform data routing, traffic load balancing, and failover protection across multiple communication chains, making it adaptable to different environmental conditions and traffic requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional routing systems are used, then multiple hardware adapters are combined, but simultaneous use of multiple communication chains including FSO is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a software-based communication manager that acts as an intermediary between multiple hardware adapters and the network layer. This software component enables policy-based routing and traffic load balancing across FSO and RF chains without requiring complex hardware reconfiguration, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling simultaneous multi-chain operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing system implements dynamic traffic load balancing that can adjust traffic distribution across FSO and RF communication chains in real-time based on link quality, environmental conditions, and traffic demands. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance without manual intervention or complex static configuration.
3Productivity
If FSO systems are used, then high data rates are achieved, but error sensitivity and susceptibility to total link loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements failover protection mechanisms that prepare alternative RF communication paths in advance. When FSO link degradation or loss is detected, the system can rapidly switch to pre-configured RF chains, cushioning against the harmful effects of environmental degradation on FSO transmissions and maintaining continuous connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication manager continuously monitors the quality and status of FSO and RF communication chains, using this feedback information to dynamically adjust traffic routing decisions. This real-time feedback enables the system to respond to environmental conditions affecting FSO links and redistribute traffic to maintain optimal performance and reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables independent routing of multiple information flows, provides granular data admission control, and offers failover protection, significantly reducing data loss and improving network resilience even under harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an FSO transmitter configured to transmit and direct optical signals through free space
Implementation Method 2
a second transmitter configured to transmit and direct radiated electromagnetic signals
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of an aerial network system including a first transceiver configured to transmit and receive free space optical (FSO) signals and a second transceiver configured to transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals. A processor provides modulated data signals to the first and second transceivers for transmission and receives demodulated signals from the first and second transceiver. The processor is configured for policy-based multipath admission of requests for access to an IP-routing enabled overlay network. The processor includes an inverse mission planning system configured for predictive traffic load balancing of transmitted FSO signals and RF signals. The inverse mission planning system includes radio behavior models and aerial platform models, and is configured for geographic simulation and optimization of mission planning data based upon user-inputted mission-specific data. Forward error correction (FEC) coding of transmitted communications via packet erasure coding provides resiliency with a low bit error rate.