Maritime Backhaul Link Setup Using Ship Position Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maritime ships face challenges in establishing and maintaining stable backhaul links for communication, especially when ships are in motion, as traditional satellite networks offer low-speed services and are costly, and terrestrial networks are not always available.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for setting up and adjusting backhaul links in maritime networks by allowing a first base station on a ship to select a suitable second base station on another ship based on radio measurements, position, and moving information of both ships, ensuring a stable connection to the terrestrial network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite network is used for maritime communication, then coverage is provided, but service speed is low and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the backhaul connection into multiple possible paths: satellite connection for coverage and terrestrial network connection for high-speed service. Each path serves different functional needs, allowing the system to switch between them based on availability and service requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station is designed with multi-functionality to support both satellite communication and terrestrial network communication. It can perform both coverage provision and high-speed data transmission by selecting appropriate communication paths based on current conditions.
2Reliability
If satellite network is used for maritime communication, then coverage is provided, but cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses satellite communication partially - only when terrestrial network coverage is unavailable. When terrestrial network is available, it switches to the lower-cost terrestrial path, thus avoiding excessive use of expensive satellite resources while maintaining coverage reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary that can connect to either satellite network or terrestrial network. It mediates between the two communication systems, selecting the appropriate path based on cost and service requirements, thereby reducing overall communication costs.
3Speed
If base station connects to terrestrial network directly, then high speed service is provided, but connectivity is not always available
Solution Approach 1:
The backhaul connection is made dynamic rather than static. The base station can dynamically switch between terrestrial network connection and satellite connection based on availability conditions, ensuring continuous service while maintaining high speed when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication parameter (connection path) based on terrestrial network availability. When terrestrial network is available, it uses that path for high-speed service; when unavailable, it switches to satellite path for continued connectivity.
4Reliability
If backhaul link is frequently adjusted due to ship motion, then connection is maintained, but data loss and service interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of candidate base stations using predicted position information before actual connection changes are needed. This allows proactive preparation of alternative connections, reducing the need for frequent emergency adjustments and minimizing data loss during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system cushions against frequent link adjustments by using prediction algorithms to anticipate position changes and pre-evaluate connection stability. This reduces the frequency of actual connection changes by identifying stable connection opportunities in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for setting up and/or adjusting backhaul link in maritime network. A method in a first radio node in a first ship comprises: obtaining a first position and moving information of the first ship; receiving a second position and moving information of a second ship from a second radio node in the second ship; determining whether to connect to the second radio node to form a maritime network, based on radio measurements between the first and second radio nodes, the first position and moving information and the second position and moving information.