Layer-2 Connectivity via Virtual Tagging in Satellite Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite communication networks are limited by their reliance on layer-3 or layer-2.5 protocols, which restrict services and network configurations, and fail to provide persistent IP addresses and efficient connectivity across large geographical areas, leading to issues like connectivity loss and increased latency when mobile devices move out of their home network.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a non-routed ground segment network with layer-2 connectivity using virtual tagging tuples, allowing data packets to be transmitted and routed at layer-2, enabling persistent connectivity and efficient data transfer across satellite beams, and providing redundancy between gateways for service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If layer-3 or layer-2.5 protocols are used for routing in satellite communication networks, then network routing and protocol processing capabilities are provided, but connectivity is lost and latency increases when mobile devices move out of their home network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a home agent as an intermediary that maintains persistent layer-2 connectivity for mobile devices. When a mobile device moves between satellite beams or gateways, the home agent continues to forward packets to the device's current location using layer-2 switching, avoiding the need for layer-3 routing reconfiguration. This intermediary mechanism preserves connectivity and reduces latency by eliminating routing protocol overhead and re-addressing requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gateways provide services and functionality at layer-3 and above, then enhanced interoperability and network processing capabilities are achieved, but the types of tags that can persist across multiple sub-networks are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends layer-2 connectivity into the satellite network domain, creating a new dimensional approach to packet forwarding. By implementing layer-2 switching between gateways and core nodes instead of relying solely on layer-3 routing, the system preserves layer-2 tags (such as VLAN tags and Ethernet headers) across multiple sub-networks. This dimensional shift from network layer to data link layer enables tag persistence while maintaining service functionality.
3Reliability
If multiple gateways are maintained in parallel to provide service coverage over large geographical areas, then service availability is improved, but system complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple gateways into a unified layer-2 network fabric. Instead of maintaining independent gateway services in parallel, gateways are connected through layer-2 switches that enable seamless packet forwarding between them. This consolidation reduces complexity by eliminating redundant service instances while maintaining geographical coverage through the distributed layer-2 network architecture.
4Ease of operation
If layer-3 routing protocols are used for inter-gateway communication, then network routing capabilities are provided, but connectivity loss occurs when devices move between satellite beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous layer-2 connectivity between mobile devices and their home agents regardless of satellite beam changes. By maintaining persistent layer-2 sessions and using layer-2 switching for packet forwarding between different satellite beams and gateways, the system ensures uninterrupted connectivity. This continuous action approach eliminates the connectivity breaks that occur with layer-3 routing during mobility events.
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.