LEO Satellite Edge Computing for Latency-Aware Connectivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge computing architectures face challenges in managing multi-access connectivity, compute operation coordination between terrestrial and non-terrestrial locations, orchestration and quality of service in satellite connections, and adapting edge compute and data services in satellite environments, particularly due to issues like propagation delays, frequency interference, exclusion zones, and varying latency and throughput in satellite networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing satellite-enabled edge architectures, edge connectors, and connection logic to manage communication streams, coordinate compute operations across satellite and terrestrial networks, and ensure service continuity through handover systems, while considering latency, throughput, and geographic restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite connections are used to provide wide area network coverage, then geographic coverage is improved, but propagation delays and varying latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple access types (terrestrial and non-terrestrial) with different latency characteristics. The system divides network operations into segments that can be executed locally at the edge or remotely via satellite, allowing time-sensitive operations to be performed locally while less time-sensitive operations use satellite connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Data and compute services are preliminarily positioned at edge locations closer to end users, before satellite communication is needed. This preliminary placement reduces the need for frequent satellite round-trips, thereby reducing propagation delays for common operations while maintaining wide geographic coverage.
2Reliability
If edge computing operations are distributed across terrestrial and non-terrestrial locations, then service availability is improved, but coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An edge connector acts as an intermediary component that manages coordination between terrestrial and non-terrestrial edge computing locations. The connector handles the complexity of multi-access connectivity and compute operation coordination, presenting a simplified interface to applications while managing the underlying complexity of distributed satellite and terrestrial network coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge connector is designed with multi-functionality to handle various access types (terrestrial and non-terrestrial), coordinate compute operations across different locations, and manage service handovers. This universal component reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple coordination functions into a single versatile element.
3Productivity
If satellite network resources are shared among multiple access types, then resource utilization is improved, but quality of service management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by providing different quality of service characteristics to different access types based on their specific requirements. Terrestrial connections receive optimized handling for low-latency applications, while satellite connections are optimized for wide-area coverage scenarios, allowing each access type to receive appropriate resource allocation and QoS management tailored to its characteristics.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Various approaches for the integration and use of edge computing operations in satellite communication environments are discussed herein. For example, connectivity and computing approaches are discussed with reference to: identifying satellite coverage and compute operations available in low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, establishing connection streams via LEO satellite networks, identifying and implementing geofences for LEO satellites, coordinating and planning data transfers across ephemeral satellite connected devices, service orchestration via LEO satellites based on data cost, handover of compute and data operations in LEO satellite networks, and managing packet processing, among other aspects.