Layer-2 Core Node Redundancy for Satellite Gateway Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite network implementations are limited by their reliance on layer-3 or layer-2.5 protocols, which restrict services and network configurations, and lack redundancy between gateways, leading to service isolation and inefficiencies in maintaining a single network across large geographic areas.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of redundant core nodes that provide layer-2 networking services, enabling end-to-end layer-2 connectivity between gateways and core nodes, allowing for seamless service failover and resource sharing across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gateways provide services using layer-3 or layer-2.5 protocols, then routing and redundancy schemes can be implemented, but network services and configurations are limited and MAC headers are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces layer-2 switching as an intermediary mechanism between gateways, allowing MAC address-based forwarding without altering packet contents. This enables reliable communication and redundancy while preserving the original network services and configurations, avoiding the limitations of layer-3 routing where MAC headers must be changed.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple gateways are deployed to serve large geographic areas, then service coverage is improved, but maintenance costs increase due to parallel gateway maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple gateway functions into a unified layer-2 switched network where multiple access nodes share common services. Instead of maintaining separate full-featured gateways at each location, the system combines gateway functionalities centrally while providing distributed access through simpler nodes, reducing overall maintenance requirements while expanding service coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The layer-2 switching infrastructure provides universal service across multiple access nodes, allowing a single network core to serve multiple geographic areas. This multi-functional approach enables the same infrastructure to handle routing, switching, and service delivery across the entire network, eliminating the need for separate gateway maintenance at each location.
3Reliability
If redundant access lines are provided to gateways, then service continuity is improved, but redundancy between gateways is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces layer-2 switching as an intermediary that enables true gateway redundancy. Instead of仅提供 redundant access lines to a single gateway, the layer-2 switched network allows any access node to communicate with any gateway, enabling automatic failover if a gateway fails. This mediator layer preserves MAC address information end-to-end, allowing seamless gateway replacement without service interruption.
4Length of stationary object
If layer-3 routing is used for network communication, then network coverage is extended, but MAC headers are altered and network capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces layer-2 switching as an intermediary transport mechanism that extends network coverage without altering MAC headers. The layer-2 switched network provides transparent forwarding based on MAC addresses, allowing packets to traverse the network infrastructure without modification. This enables extended network coverage while preserving the original packet structure and maintaining full network configuration flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for implementing a satellite network, are described. The system includes satellite gateways in communication with subscribers over a satellite communication network. The satellite gateways send network communications to the subscribers and receive network communications from the subscribers. The system further includes a first core node in communication with at least one of the satellite gateways. The first core node provides networking services, at L2, to a first subset of subscribers. The system further includes a second core node in communication, at L2, with one of the satellite gateways and the first core node. The second core node provides the networking services, at layer-2 of the OSI model, to a second subset of the subscribers. In response to failure of at least one of the networking services in the first core node, the second core node providing the at least one of the services to the first subset of the subscribers.