Dynamic Routing in LEO Satellite Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication protocols are not designed to handle the dynamic nature of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, leading to performance degradation due to varying distances between satellites and resulting delays and packet loss.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic forwarding tables and path selection techniques within the LEO satellite network, where satellite nodes perform simple routing operations based on the tables to route communications efficiently across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional static communication protocols are used in LEO satellite networks, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but network performance degrades due to dynamic satellite positions and varying distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing tables that automatically update satellite navigation information based on real-time satellite positions and network conditions. The routing protocol dynamically adjusts paths through the satellite network, selecting optimal routes based on current orbital mechanics and signal conditions, thereby adapting to the dynamic nature of LEO satellite networks without requiring complex manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where satellite nodes continuously report their positions, signal strengths, and routing metrics back to the network controller. This feedback enables the routing protocol to monitor network conditions and adjust paths in real-time, compensating for satellite movement and varying distances while maintaining reliable communication
2Area of stationary object
If satellites orbit at high altitude (geosynchronous), then coverage area is large, but bandwidth is limited and latency increases due to long round-trip time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orbital parameter from geosynchronous high altitude to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) altitudes of 500-2000 km. This parameter change fundamentally alters the network characteristics: satellites move faster relative to Earth, enabling lower latency communications while maintaining adequate coverage through constellation geometry. The system leverages this parameter change to achieve both speed and coverage objectives
3Speed
If LEO satellites move at high speeds (25,000+ km/h), then bandwidth and coverage are improved, but network stability decreases due to constantly changing adjacencies
Solution Approach 1:
The routing protocol embraces the dynamic nature of LEO satellite networks by continuously updating routing tables based on real-time satellite positions and adjacencies. The system dynamically reconstructs network topology information at regular intervals and adjusts paths in response to satellite movement, maintaining stable communication despite the high-speed orbital motion and changing network composition
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and caching routing paths based on predicted satellite positions and orbital mechanics. The network controller proactively updates routing tables before significant topology changes occur, preparing alternative paths in advance to minimize disruption when satellite adjacencies change due to high-speed orbital motion
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are techniques for routing communications to a destination node within a LEO satellite network. The techniques may comprise receiving, at a satellite node in a network of satellites, a communication directed to an address for a destination satellite, determining whether the satellite node is the destination satellite, upon determining that the satellite node is the destination satellite, transmitting the communication to a ground station in communication range of the satellite node, and upon determining that the satellite node is not the destination satellite: identifying, via a local routing table, a second satellite node associated with the address for the destination satellite, and forwarding the communication to the second satellite node.