LEO/MEO Satellite Protocol Architecture for High-Speed Packet Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current terrestrial and satellite communication systems face challenges in providing high-speed and high-quality packet data services, especially with the increasing demand for ubiquitous global coverage and low-latency applications, which strain network resources due to high mobility and advanced device processing power.
Innovation Solution
A low earth orbit (LEO)/medium earth orbit (MEO) multi-satellite communication system is designed to efficiently provide high-speed packet data services by using processing satellites that handle IP packets and Layer 2 frames, enabling direct user-to-user and gateway-to-gateway communication, with features like adaptive coding and modulation, power-conserving design, and scalable gateway architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If terrestrial communication systems are used to provide high-speed multimedia services, then service quality is improved, but network latency increases for satellite-connected users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces LEO/MEO processing satellites as intermediaries between user terminals and the core network. These satellites equiped with onboard processing capabilities (route determination function, packet buffering, QoS enforcement) that enable direct packet routing without requiring traffic to traverse through high-latency GEO satellite intermediaries or terrestrial networks, thus reducing overall network latency while maintaining service quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the traditional centralized satellite communication architecture into distributed functional components across multiple LEO/MEO satellites. Each satellite independently performs routing, buffering, and QoS enforcement functions, allowing parallel processing of multiple data streams and reducing the time required for packet transmission through the network
2Speed
If LEO/MEO processing satellites are deployed to reduce latency, then network speed is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal processing satellite platform that can perform multiple functions including route determination, packet buffering, QoS enforcement, and inter-satellite routing. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate specialized satellites for each function, thereby managing system complexity while achieving high network speeds through coordinated satellite operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic route determination where the routing path is selected based on real-time network conditions, terminal mobility, and QoS requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions without requiring complex static infrastructure, managing complexity through software-based flexibility rather than hardware complexity
3Loss of time
If direct user-to-user communication via satellites is enabled, then response time is reduced, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where user terminals autonomously establish direct communication paths through the satellite network based on their location and service requirements. The onboard processing satellites automatically perform route determination and packet forwarding without requiring manual network configuration, reducing response time while managing complexity through automated decision-making algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite system comprises LEO satellites and MEO satellites, and a control plane protocol architecture. The PHY, MAC, MAC/RLC and RRC layers are optimized for satellite environment. When the satellites are not processing satellites, eNB functions are implemented in a satellite gateway, and, when the satellites are processing satellites, protocol architecture in the control plane differ from LTE, as follows: PHY layer is moved to the communicating LEO/MEO satellite on the user link, MAC/RLC, RRC and PDCP are be located in satellite or gateway depending on satellite complexity, and the need to have mesh connectivity between UTs. When the RRC is implemented in the satellite, the RRC is divided into RRC-Lower and RRC-Upper layers. The RRC-L is satellite-based, and handles UT handover. The RRC-U is eNB-based, and handles resource management functions. The RRC-U communicates with the PDCP layer in the eNB to configure security, header and data compression.