Prospective Uplink Grant for Satellite Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-geosynchronous satellites introduce latency in communication systems due to signal propagation time, which adversely affects network throughput and can impact real-time applications like voice calls and data responses, especially when using a constellation of satellites.
Innovation Solution
The system provides prospective grants of uplink resources to user terminals based on analysis of downstream data, using techniques like packet inspection and traffic pattern analysis to anticipate responses, allowing for pre-allocation of resources for upstream data transmission, thereby reducing latency and improving communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If satellites in non-geosynchronous orbits are used for communication, then signal propagation time is reduced, but latency still adversely impacts network throughput and real-time applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by analyzing downstream data packets to predict when upstream response packets will be generated, and pre-allocates uplink resources in advance. This eliminates the need for real-time resource negotiation when the response packet is actually transmitted, thereby reducing communication latency while maintaining efficient resource utilization.
2Productivity
If traditional resource allocation methods are used, then resource utilization is maintained, but resource negotiation increases latency and reduces network throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs resource allocation in advance by analyzing downstream traffic patterns and predicting upstream response requirements. Uplink resources are pre-allocated based on these predictions, eliminating the need for real-time resource negotiation and significantly reducing the time loss associated with traditional allocation methods.
3Loss of time
If uplink resources are pre-allocated based on downstream data analysis, then latency is reduced, but system complexity increases due to packet inspection and traffic pattern analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the satellite itself performs the packet inspection and traffic pattern analysis that would otherwise require separate ground-based systems. By integrating these functions into the satellite's onboard processing capabilities, the system reduces latency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Satellites provide communication between devices such as user terminals (UTs) and ground stations that are in turn connected to other networks, such as the Internet. Latency for signals to and from the satellite can introduce delays due at least in part to propagation time. The latency adversely interacts with data transfers that result in responses from the UT. Downstream data to the UT is processed to determine if a response is expected. Header data is associated with the downstream data that is sent to the satellite. A resource scheduler onboard the satellite uses the header data to provide a prospective grant to the UT to send the expected response. The UT receives the downstream data, response data such as an acknowledgement is generated, and the response data is sent to the satellite using the prospective grant. The system substantially reduces the latency associated with responsive traffic and improves overall throughput.