Hybrid Network Fixed Representative Node for Aerial-Ground Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems struggle to connect networks on the ground via aerial nodes, as they require dynamic determination of communication paths both within aerial networks and between aerial and ground networks, which is challenging due to the mobility of aerial nodes.

Innovation Solution

A communication method that utilizes a hybrid network system comprising terminal-accommodating networks and an ad hoc network with mobile nodes, where a fixed representative node and mobile nodes dynamically adjust communication paths by acquiring and transferring identification information to facilitate connections between different terminal-accommodating networks through an ad hoc network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If aerial nodes (satellites, airships, balloons) are used to provide communication services in disaster-stricken regions or remote areas, then communication coverage is improved, but the network topology changes dynamically due to node mobility, making path determination complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication coverage areaVSAvoidnetwork topology complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network is segmented into multiple ad hoc networks, each with a designated gateway node that connects to the external network. This segmentation allows each segment to independently manage its own routing while the gateway handles external communications, reducing overall system complexity despite dynamic topology changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Gateway nodes act as intermediaries between the mobile ad hoc network and external networks. These gateways maintain relatively stable positions and handle the complexity of path determination, allowing mobile nodes to communicate without directly managing the dynamic routing to external networks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic path determination is implemented in ad hoc networks with mobile nodes, then communication flexibility is improved, but communication delays increase due to continuous topology updates and path recalculations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication path adaptabilityVSAvoidcommunication delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Routing paths are predetermined and cached in advance based on predicted node trajectories and historical communication patterns. When nodes move, the system uses pre-calculated alternative paths rather than performing complete path recalculations, significantly reducing communication delays while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The routing system dynamically adjusts between predetermined static paths and real-time path recalculations based on network conditions. For frequently communicating node pairs, predetermined paths are used to minimize delay, while the system remains capable of dynamic adaptation when necessary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If hybrid networks connecting ground networks via aerial nodes are configured, then network connectivity is improved, but the complexity of determining communication paths both within aerial networks and between aerial and ground networks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidpath determination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid network is segmented into aerial ad hoc network segments and ground network segments, connected through gateway nodes. Each segment maintains its own routing independence, and the gateway nodes handle the interface complexity, allowing path determination to be localized rather than requiring global optimization across the entire hybrid network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Gateway nodes serve as intermediaries that translate between aerial network routing protocols and ground network routing protocols. These gateways absorb the complexity of cross-network path determination, allowing aerial and ground networks to operate with simpler, independent routing logic while maintaining seamless connectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240340770A1Communication method, fixed representative node, replica server, mobile node and position management server

Publication Date: 2024.10.10 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

A network system (hybrid network (10)) includes a fixed representative node (101, 102), includes a plurality of terminal-accommodating networks (mobile networks (20, 21)) that transfers communication data between terminals (mobile terminals (401, 402)), an adjacent mobile node enabled to communicate with the fixed representative node (101, 102), and mobile nodes (201 to 204) different from the adjacent mobile node, and includes an ad hoc network 31 whose network topology dynamically changes depending on a locational relationship between the mobile nodes. When receiving communication data from the terminal (mobile terminal (401)) to the terminal (mobile terminal (402)), the fixed representative node (101) transfers the communication data to the mobile node (201) that is the adjacent mobile node. In the ad hoc network 31, the communication data is transferred to the mobile node (204), transmitted to the fixed representative node (102), and further transmitted to the terminal (mobile terminal (402)).