Coherent Optical Intersatellite Mesh for Low-Latency Express Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy satellite networking in mesh-grid topology results in excessive hops, zigzag paths, increased latency, and high power consumption due to the involvement of numerous satellites and modems, leading to inefficient data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an Express-Mesh topology with coherent optical modems that directly connect sources and destinations in a straight line of sight, reducing the number of hops and streamlining physical paths, while utilizing coherent optical modems with programmable modulation formats to support high data rates and adapt to link reach with minimal power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If legacy mesh-grid topology routing by closest proximity is used, then satellite coverage and connectivity are maintained, but the number of hops increases and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic topology adaptation where satellites can switch between mesh-grid topology for coverage and express direct links for low-latency communication. The system dynamically selects routing paths based on traffic demands and geographic locations, allowing satellites to maintain reliable coverage while reducing latency for specific communication pairs through direct express links that bypass intermediate hops.
2Area of stationary object
If legacy mesh-grid topology with numerous satellites and modems is used, then global coverage is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes intermediate relay satellites and modems from the communication path by establishing direct express links between source and destination satellites. This extraction eliminates unnecessary power-consuming components while maintaining global coverage through the underlying mesh-grid infrastructure that remains available for other traffic patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of satellites and modems by switching between active and low-power states based on their role in current communication patterns. Satellites participating in express direct links operate at optimized power levels, while those not involved in active traffic can reduce power consumption, thereby achieving global coverage with reduced overall power usage.
3Productivity
If coherent optical modems with programmable modulation formats are used, then data transmission rate increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal coherent optical modems with programmable modulation formats that can adapt to different communication requirements. These multi-functional modems can operate in various modes (different modulation schemes, data rates, and link configurations) depending on traffic demands and channel conditions, thereby achieving high data transmission rates while managing complexity through software-defined functionality rather than multiple dedicated hardware units.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring an express mesh satellite network includes monitoring a plurality of satellites in a constellation, wherein each of the plurality of satellites includes a plurality of coherent optical modems; determining a topology of the constellation based on (1) ground traffic sources and sinks and (2) locations of any of the plurality of satellites; and causing the any of the plurality of satellites and their corresponding plurality of coherent optical modems to perform one or more of a relay function and a ground link, with corresponding coherent optical modems of the plurality of coherent optical, and based on the topology.