Layer-2 Connectivity for Satellite Ground Segment Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite communication networks are limited by their reliance on layer-3 protocols, which restrict services and network configurations, fail to provide persistent IP addresses and connectivity over large geographical areas, and lack redundancy between gateways, leading to service disruptions and increased latency when mobile devices move out of their home location.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a non-routed ground segment network with layer-2 connectivity using virtual tagging tuples to enable seamless data packet transmission and switching between satellites and gateways, allowing for end-to-end layer-2 connectivity and redundancy between core nodes to maintain service continuity and reduce latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If layer-3 protocols are used for routing in satellite communication networks, then network routing and service isolation are achieved, but network capabilities are limited and tags cannot persist across multiple sub-networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces layer-2 tunneling as an intermediary mechanism that allows layer-2 frames to be encapsulated and transported over layer-3 networks. This enables tags to persist across multiple sub-networks while using existing layer-3 infrastructure, effectively bridging the gap between layer-2 connectivity needs and layer-3 routing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a tunneling dimension to the network architecture, creating a virtual layer-2 network overlay on top of the physical layer-3 network. This dimensional addition allows simultaneous operation of both layer-2 tag persistence and layer-3 routing without mutual interference
2Reliability
If gateways provide redundant access points within the network, then service continuity is improved, but if the gateway itself is down, there is no way for another gateway to continue providing service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple gateway instances into a single virtual gateway through layer-2 tunneling. All physical gateways appear as one logical gateway to end devices, allowing seamless failover. When one gateway fails, another can immediately take over without the end device needing to know or change its connection, achieving true gateway redundancy at the virtualization layer
3Ease of operation
If mobile devices move out of their home location, then geographic mobility is achieved, but IP addresses change and connectivity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the home network environment at any remote location through layer-2 tunneling. The mobile device maintains its home network IP address and identity while physically located anywhere in the network. The tunneling mechanism copies the home network's layer-2 characteristics to the remote location, making the device believe it is still at home even when geographically displaced
4Area of stationary object
If multiple gateways provide the same services in parallel to cover large geographical areas, then service coverage is improved, but the cost to build and maintain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each gateway universal by enabling them to provide services for multiple virtual networks and multiple end devices simultaneously through layer-2 tunneling. Instead of needing dedicated gateways for different services or locations, a single gateway can host multiple virtual gateway instances, each serving different customer groups or geographic regions, thereby reducing the total number of physical gateways needed while maintaining comprehensive service coverage
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for providing layer-2 connectivity through a non-routed ground segment network, are described. A system includes a non-autonomous gateway in communication with a satellite configured to relay data packets. The non-autonomous gateway is configured to receive the data packets from the satellite at layer-1 (L1) of the OSI-model, generate a plurality of virtual tagging tuples within the layer-2 packet headers of the plurality of data packets. The non-autonomous gateway is further configured to transmit, at layer-2 (L2) of the OSI-model, the virtually tagged data packets. Each of the packets may include a virtual tagging tuple and an entity destination. The system further includes a L2 switch in communication with the non-autonomous gateway. The L2 switch may be configured to receive the data packets and transmit the data packets to the entity based on the virtual tuples associated with each of the data packets.