MUOS Ground Base Station Emulation via Software Defined Radio
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and proprietary nature of traditional ground base station hardware and software make it difficult for operators to test and communicate with Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) enabled terminals effectively, as they require continuous interaction with specialized MUOS waveforms.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined emulation system that configures a MUOS enabled terminal to communicate with a MUOS ground base station emulation server, using a generic discovery client server, internet key exchange session manager, session initiation protocol server, and emulations of a radio base station and radio network controller, allowing for autonomous testing and communication without the need for expensive hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ground base station hardware and proprietary software are used, then reliable MUOS terminal communication is achieved, but high cost and proprietary restrictions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a software-based emulation copy of the ground base station functionality that replicates the behavior and protocols of the proprietary hardware system. This emulation layer allows MUOS terminals to communicate as if connected to actual base station infrastructure, eliminating the need for expensive physical hardware while maintaining communication reliability through accurate protocol reproduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the physical mechanical hardware system (actual ground base station equipment) with a software-based virtual system running on general-purpose computing platforms. This substitution transforms the communication infrastructure from dedicated hardware to software-defined functionality, reducing costs while preserving the essential communication protocols and interfaces required for MUOS terminal operation.
2Reliability
If actual ground base station hardware is used, then accurate MUOS waveform interaction is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The emulation system creates a virtual replica of the ground base station that accurately reproduces the waveform interaction protocols and communication behaviors. This software copy maintains fidelity to the original system's operational characteristics while eliminating the need for complex physical hardware infrastructure, thereby preserving waveform interaction accuracy without the associated hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The software-based emulation platform provides universal functionality that can serve multiple MUOS terminals and simulate various base station scenarios without requiring dedicated physical hardware for each terminal or test case. This multi-functional software system replaces multiple specialized hardware components with a single versatile emulation environment.
3Reliability
If proprietary software is used for base station emulation, then accurate MUOS protocol implementation is achieved, but cost and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The emulation software replicates the proprietary protocol implementation through software code that mirrors the behavior and communication patterns of the original proprietary system. This software copy enables accurate protocol interaction without requiring licensing or purchasing expensive proprietary software, making the solution accessible and cost-effective while maintaining protocol fidelity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces proprietary software with open or custom-developed software that implements the same communication protocols and interfaces. This substitution eliminates dependency on expensive licensed software while achieving equivalent protocol accuracy through software-based implementation of the same communication standards and procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and related system is disclosed for emulation of a Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) ground base station. A Software Defined Radio (SDR) based architecture with interpreted scripting languages interfaces with open source software running in an embedded environment to emulate entire MUOS ground transportation segment. The ground base station emulation resides on a server remote from the MUOS enabled terminals or embedded within MUOS enabled terminals. It is transparent to the MUOS enabled terminal whether the terminal is in communication with the emulation of or the actual MUOS ground base station.