Inter-Satellite-Link O-RAN Routing for Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for reliable, fast, and continuous cellular communication has led to network congestion, necessitating the development of more efficient communication systems that can handle increased traffic without the need for extensive infrastructure expansion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an Inter-Satellite-Link (ISL) network within a cellular communication system, utilizing satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to dynamically route cellular communications and distribute O-RAN network functions, such as Radio Unit (RU), Distributed Unit (DU), and Centralized Unit (CU), across multiple satellites and terrestrial systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If additional cell towers and backhaul equipment are added to account for increased traffic load, then network capacity and coverage are improved, but infrastructure cost and deployment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the communication infrastructure from a two-dimensional terrestrial plane to a three-dimensional space by deploying satellites in Low Earth Orbit. This dimensional shift allows the network to bypass ground-based infrastructure limitations and provide coverage across vast geographic areas without proportionally increasing the number of physical towers and equipment on the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite-based gNodeB performs multiple network functions simultaneously including radio access, routing, and core network operations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate terrestrial infrastructure components into a single space-based platform, reducing overall infrastructure complexity while maintaining network capacity.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional terrestrial infrastructure is expanded to meet growing cellular demand, then coverage area increases, but deployment time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the network infrastructure to orbit, the system achieves global coverage potential without the time-consuming process of physically constructing and connecting terrestrial towers across remote and inaccessible regions. Satellites can be deployed to cover entire continents or oceans simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes existing satellite technology and repurposes it for cellular communication services. Rather than building entirely new terrestrial infrastructure from scratch, the solution adapts proven space-based platforms to provide network coverage, significantly reducing deployment time.
3Quantity of substance
If more terrestrial infrastructure is deployed to handle increased traffic, then network bandwidth increases, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite-based gNodeB integrates multiple network functions including radio access network, core network, and routing capabilities into a single platform. This consolidation provides substantial bandwidth for handling increased traffic loads without requiring proportional increases in terrestrial infrastructure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An Inter-Satellite-Link (ISL) for an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) that is part of a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN). The disclosed embodiment of an O-RAN system makes use of multiple satellite systems in combination with terrestrial based systems in various configurations to carry out the O-RAN system functions. An O-RAN system includes, among other structures and functions, a Radio Unit (RU), a Distributed Unit (DU), and a Central Unit (CU). This disclosure introduces various configuration/hierarchies of using satellites for the hardware and software to carry various portions of the RU, DU and CU in the O-RAN architecture. Various functions of the network can be implemented by satellite, with each satellite providing some level of RU and DU functionality. In one alternative, one satellite in a group of satellites acts as the DU in the form of a router, communicating with other satellites via the ISL, acting as a router.