Multi-WAN Edge Routing for Satellite-Cellular Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks lack seamless switching and failover capabilities between untrusted networks, leading to inefficiencies and disruptions, especially in unreliable terrestrial environments, and do not effectively utilize satellite-based networks for resilient connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-WAN network framework incorporating satellite and cellular networks, utilizing an edge appliance with a connectivity platform and microservices architecture for intelligent routing and switching based on link performance metrics, traffic shaping, and content-specific decisions, enabled by a metasurface-based electronically scanned antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seamless switching and failover capabilities between untrusted networks are implemented, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network switch as an intermediary device that manages connections between the edge appliance and multiple network interfaces (cellular and Wi-Fi). The switch handles the complexity of network switching, failover, and connectivity management centrally, allowing the edge appliance to maintain simplified operation while achieving reliable seamless switching between untrusted networks through the mediator's control
2Productivity
If intelligent routing and switching based on link performance metrics is implemented, then network efficiency is improved, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network switch continuously monitors link performance metrics (such as signal quality, bandwidth availability, and connection status) of both cellular and Wi-Fi networks. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust routing decisions and switching operations, enabling intelligent adaptation to changing network conditions without requiring complex manual measurement and detection processes
3Reliability
If satellite-based networks are utilized for resilient connectivity, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse network types including cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellite-based networks through a unified interface and control mechanism. This universal approach allows the system to leverage satellite networks for resilient connectivity without requiring separate specialized systems for each network type, thereby improving reliability while managing device complexity through consolidation
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-wide area network (WAN) incorporating both satellite-based communication networks and cellular networks (e.g., an LTE network) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the WAN is implemented with a communications framework comprising: an edge appliance comprising a satellite modem interconnect for coupling to a satellite modem external to the edge appliance, a cellular modem interconnect for coupling to a cellular modem external to the edge appliance, a switch coupled to the satellite and cellular modem interconnects, and a processing node coupled to the switch and comprising a router to switch traffic between the satellite modem interconnect and the cellular modem interconnect when the edge appliance communicates with a public data network using a satellite link or a terrestrial cellular link, respectively; and a connectivity platform configured for connection to the edge appliance, the connectivity platform comprising a broker/integrator component configured to operate as a broker and an integrator between the edge appliance and both connectivity service providers and business support systems that perform subscription management to enable the edge appliance access to the satellite and terrestrial cellular links.