MAC Layer Resource Aggregation for Satellite Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite communication systems struggle to integrate seamlessly with terrestrial communication systems like 5G networks, leading to limitations in satellite-based coverage and interface efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A satellite gateway system is developed, equipped with a medium access control (MAC) layer that supports air-interface communication with satellites. This MAC layer includes a resource aggregation block, enabling the allocation of additional radio resources to user terminals on one beam by utilizing carriers from adjacent beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If radio resources are allocated to user terminals on a single beam, then resource allocation is simple and manageable, but throughput is limited by the available resources on that single beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radio resources from multiple beams (first beam and second beam) to serve a single user terminal. The MAC layer aggregates resource blocks from different beams, allowing the user terminal to receive data transmissions that utilize the combined capacity of multiple beams, thereby increasing throughput while managing complexity through MAC layer aggregation functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If satellite communication systems use dedicated satellite interfaces, then satellite coverage is reliable, but integration with terrestrial communication systems like 5G is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal air interface that operates across both satellite and terrestrial communication systems. The MAC layer is designed to function in both satellite and 5G terrestrial environments, allowing the same interface to serve dual purposes. This multi-functional design enables seamless integration while maintaining reliable communication through standardized protocols that work across different system types
Data Source
AI summary
MAC layer enhancements in protocol stacks of a user terminal of a satellite communication system such as a 5G based system. The MAC layer may include a scheduler that allows resource aggregation by allocating additional radio resources to users on one beam using carriers allocated to an adjacent beam. The MAC layer enhancements may also provide user terminals the ability to report their battery status to the scheduler which can then send signals to the user terminal that allow the terminal to shut down electronics to conserve power resources based on the battery status.