Hybrid Communication Sub-Flow Control for Satellite Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid communication networks combining satellite and cellular networks face performance limitations due to significant latency differences, as existing protocols like MPTCP do not optimize communication performance effectively when merging heterogeneous networks with varying delays, such as LTE/5G and satellite networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus dynamically adjust the number of sub-flows in a hybrid communication network based on service requirement information and service performance information, specifically considering the characteristics of satellite and cellular networks to optimize communication performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MPTCP is used to transmit data over hybrid communication network combining satellite and cellular networks, then multi-path transmission capability is provided, but communication performance is severely limited due to significant latency differences between networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number of sub-flows allocated to satellite and cellular networks based on real-time network conditions, particularly latency variations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance by allocating more sub-flows to the network with better current conditions, resolving the contradiction between providing multi-path capability and maintaining high communication performance despite latency differences
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of sub-flow allocation ratios between satellite and cellular networks based on measured latency and network conditions. By adjusting these allocation parameters in response to changing conditions, the system maintains optimal communication performance while utilizing multiple transmission paths
2Speed
If satellite network is used to provide high bandwidth (e.g., 100 Mbps), then network speed is improved, but actual TCP performance is reduced to low speeds (e.g., 10 Mbps) due to high latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission into multiple sub-flows that can be distributed across both satellite and cellular networks. By dividing the transmission stream and allocating sub-flows to the cellular network (which has lower latency), the system overcomes the latency bottleneck of satellite networks and achieves actual TCP performance closer to the theoretical bandwidth capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges transmission paths by combining satellite and cellular networks into a hybrid communication system. This merging allows the high bandwidth capability of satellite networks to be combined with the low latency advantage of cellular networks, achieving both high speed and high actual TCP performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid communication network combines heterogeneous networks with significant latency differences, then network flexibility is enhanced, but merging performance is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sub-flow allocation that continuously adapts to the heterogeneous characteristics of combined satellite and cellular networks. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain high merging performance despite the inherent latency differences between the heterogeneous networks, while preserving the flexibility benefits of network combination
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and apparatus for dynamically controlling the number of sub-flows in a satellite network included in hybrid communication network. The method may include: obtaining service requirement information for supporting communication between a service server and a user equipment (UE) through a hybrid communication network including a satellite network and a cellular network, where the service requirement information is information on service requirements related to the service server and the service requirement information includes a guaranteed network speed and an allowed latency; and controlling (adjusting) a number of sub-flows of the hybrid communication network based on the service requirement information and service performance information, where the service performance information includes a current network speed and a current latency in communication between the service server and the UE.