Interconnected Satellite Constellations for Link-Aware Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite constellations face challenges in achieving continuous coverage and managing complex routing due to the need for a large number of satellites, leading to computational complexity and inefficiencies in network traffic management.
Innovation Solution
An interconnected satellite communication system is developed, combining multiple satellite constellations through controllers to form a collaborative network that optimizes scheduling and routing, utilizing software-defined networking (SDN) architecture to manage data flow across different constellations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large number of satellites are deployed to achieve continuous coverage, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple satellite constellations into a unified interconnected network, allowing satellites from different constellations to work together. This merging approach extends coverage area by utilizing the combined capabilities of multiple constellations while managing complexity through centralized SDN controllers that coordinate across the integrated network.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller architecture provides multi-functional capabilities by handling routing, scheduling, and resource allocation across the entire interconnected constellation. This universal control mechanism manages the complexity of large-scale satellite deployments by consolidating multiple control functions into a standardized platform that can handle diverse satellite types and constellations.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple satellite constellations are interconnected to extend coverage, then coverage area is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller acts as an intermediary between satellites from different constellations, user terminals, and gateway nodes. This mediator consolidates the complexity of interconstellation coordination, routing decisions, and resource management into a centralized intelligence that simplifies the detection and measurement of network state across the interconnected system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where SDN controllers continuously monitor network conditions, link qualities, and traffic patterns across interconnected constellations. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of routing paths, resource allocation, and satellite selection, making the complex interconnected network manageable through real-time information about system state.
3Device complexity
If traditional routing methods are used in large satellite constellations, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controllers perform preliminary actions by pre-calculating optimal routing paths, pre-allocating resources, and pre-coordinating between constellations before data transmission occurs. This advance preparation reduces network latency by eliminating real-time decision-making delays, while the centralized control architecture manages the computational complexity of these pre-calculations.
4Device complexity
If independent satellite constellations operate separately, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent satellite constellations into an interconnected network that operates as a unified system. This combination improves productivity by enabling load balancing across constellations, optimizing resource utilization, and providing multiple paths for data transmission. The SDN control architecture manages the complexity of this merged system through centralized coordination and intelligent resource allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller includes a processor and a storage device storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: obtain first control information on a first satellite constellation; establish a communication link between the controller and another controller of a second satellite constellation; receive second control information on the second satellite constellation from the another controller via the communication link; and perform data communication without using an intersatellite link, according to the first and second control information. The first control information indicates a first link quality between a user terminal and a first satellite of the first satellite constellation, and the second control information indicates a second link quality between the user terminal and a second satellite of the second satellite constellation. When the second link quality is higher than the first link quality, the controller selects the second satellite for data transmission.