LEO Satellite Virtual Cells for Mobile Spectrum Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile satellite communication systems face limitations in providing universal and cost-effective coverage, especially in developing countries and rural areas, due to proprietary and incompatible solutions, leading to patchy 4G coverage and slow technology evolution.
Innovation Solution
A global mobile satellite communication system utilizing a constellation of low earth orbit satellites, earth station gateways, virtual radio access network data centers, and mobile network operators to support multiple mobile standards, forming dynamic spot beams and using advanced beamforming techniques to enhance coverage and capacity while integrating with existing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary and incompatible satellite communication solutions are used, then satellite coverage is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase while limiting adaptability to different mobile standards
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite communication system is designed to support multiple mobile standards (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) and different network operators simultaneously through a single interface. The system uses virtualization techniques to create multiple virtual network instances on the satellite, allowing it to function as both a dedicated satellite communication system and a terrestrial mobile network, thereby eliminating the need for separate proprietary solutions for each standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gateway and virtual radio access network (vRAN) as intermediary components between the satellite and mobile networks. These intermediaries translate and adapt signals between different mobile standards and the satellite communication protocol, enabling seamless integration without requiring changes to existing mobile user equipment or satellite hardware.
2Area of stationary object
If dedicated satellite communication infrastructure is deployed, then coverage in under-served areas is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges satellite communication infrastructure with existing terrestrial mobile networks by making the satellite act as an additional base station. This integration allows the satellite to leverage existing mobile network infrastructure, core networks, and user equipment, thereby extending coverage to remote areas without requiring separate complex satellite-specific infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite system is designed to provide universal service across multiple mobile standards and network operators simultaneously. By virtualizing the radio access network and supporting multiple tenants on a single physical platform, the system achieves broad coverage without proportionally increasing infrastructure complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mobile standards are supported, then adaptability and universal service are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allocates resources and configures virtual network instances based on the specific mobile standard and network operator requirements. The virtual radio access network can adapt its parameters, protocols, and resources in real-time to match the demands of different 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, allowing a single physical system to handle diverse standards without permanent complexity for each.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of implementing multiple physical systems for different mobile standards, the patent creates virtual copies of network functions and protocols within a unified platform. The virtualized baseband units and radio access networks replicate the necessary functionality for each standard through software, eliminating the need for separate hardware implementations for each mobile technology.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables universal mobile coverage, accelerates the adoption of advanced mobile standards like 4G LTE in under-served areas, and supports the rapid evolution of mobile technology, increasing capacity and reducing costs by leveraging existing investments and infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
forming dynamic spot beams and using advanced beamforming techniques to enhance coverage and capacity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a mobile satellite communication system that supports standard 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G mobile user equipment directly. The system comprising standard mobile user equipment, a low earth orbit satellite constellation, a satellite gateway connected to a terrestrial mobile network operator's operational support systems, a satellite beam steering controller configured to share mobile spectrum connected to an antenna array and digital beamformer that duplicates the mobile network's cell identification, frequencies, synchronization signals and control channels to satellite beams to form “Virtual Cells” further subdivided into “Doppler Cells” that are pre-compensated for the high range Doppler shift thereby reducing the residual Doppler shift received by the standard mobile user equipment to a range it can correct normally.