Private Satellite Network for Power Grid Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face security risks and limitations in scope and cost due to their reliance on public infrastructure, with private local area networks being inadequate in addressing these issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A private communications network utilizing earth stations configured to communicate with a multi-spot beam satellite, which uses Ku-band and Ka-band communications, and is physically connected to power infrastructure, including gateway earth stations and optical fiber connections to ensure secure and isolated communication across different geographic regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a private local area network is deployed to improve security, then security is improved, but scope and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from terrestrial private LAN infrastructure to satellite-based communication, adding a spatial dimension (space-to-earth communication) that enables wide geographic coverage while maintaining network privacy. The satellite system provides coverage across multiple continents and oceans, transforming the network's adaptability from local to global scale without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The private satellite communication network serves multiple functions and applications simultaneously - power grid control, maritime communication, aviation communication, and other critical infrastructure monitoring. This multi-functional capability allows a single network infrastructure to support diverse applications across different geographic regions and industries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If public communication networks are used to improve scope and connectivity, then scope is improved, but security and vulnerability to intrusion worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts critical communication infrastructure from the public network environment and establishes a separate, dedicated private satellite communication system. By taking out power grid control and other critical communications from public infrastructure, the system eliminates exposure to public network vulnerabilities, hacking, and electronic intrusion while maintaining comprehensive connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication infrastructure is segmented into distinct private and public networks. The private satellite network handles sensitive communications for critical infrastructure, while public networks handle general-purpose communications. This segmentation isolates critical systems from public network threats while maintaining necessary connectivity through dedicated channels.
3Reliability
If private local area networks are deployed to improve security, then security is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple private LANs across different geographic regions into a single unified satellite-based private network. Instead of deploying separate dedicated network equipment at each location, the satellite system provides centralized communication capabilities that serve multiple sites, reducing overall device complexity and infrastructure requirements while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for private communications networks. In various embodiments, a communication system in accordance with the disclosed technology includes a private communications network that has earth stations configured to communicate with a multi-spot beam satellite. The earth stations are communicatively unreachable by communication sources that are remote from the earth stations and that are outside the private communications network, and the earth stations are distributed across geographies covered by different spot beams of the multi-spot beam satellite.