Closed-Loop Queue Relinking for Lossless Satellite Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite communication systems face challenges with buffer overflow due to varying terminal data rates and terminal mobility, leading to packet loss and difficulty in maintaining seamless data transmission as terminals move between satellite beams and channels.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically allocates communication resources using a controller to manage data queues and switchably link them between MODEMs, ensuring lossless handover during terminal mobility by implementing a Dynamic Queue Relinking function and Adaptive Coding and Modulation, along with per-Class of Service and per-Terminal queues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the DFA follows the terminal around by manipulating satellite beams, then seamless data transmission is maintained, but system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic queue relinking that automatically adapts to terminal mobility by detecting when terminals move between DFAs and relinking their data queues accordingly. This dynamic adaptation maintains seamless transmission without requiring complex manual beam manipulation, as the system automatically adjusts queue assignments based on terminal position and DFA changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the switch and controller automatically detect terminal mobility events and perform queue relinking without external intervention. The closed-loop feedback system monitors queue occupancy and terminal movements, automatically triggering relinking operations to maintain transmission continuity, thereby reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal is reattached to the satellite under a new DFA, then the terminal can continue communication, but packet loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary queue relinking actions that are triggered in advance of complete DFA reattachment. When a terminal is detected to be moving between DFAs or when queue occupancy thresholds are approached, the system proactively relinks queues to prevent overflow and packet loss before the reattachment is fully complete, ensuring continuous data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs closed-loop feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor queue occupancy levels, terminal positions, and DFA assignments. This feedback enables the controller to detect mobility events and trigger queue relinking operations in real-time, preventing packet loss by maintaining queue integrity throughout the DFA transition process.
3Reliability
If MODEM buffers are made larger to prevent overflow, then packet loss is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic queue relinking that actively manages buffer occupancy by detecting when queues approach overflow thresholds and triggering relinking operations to redistribute data. This dynamic management prevents buffer overflow without requiring excessively large static buffers, as the system actively intervenes to maintain queue integrity through automated relinking when occupancy levels become critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors queue occupancy levels and triggers queue relinking operations when thresholds are approached. This feedback mechanism prevents buffer overflow by detecting critical occupancy levels and initiating corrective relinking actions, thereby maintaining reliability without requiring oversized buffers that would increase device complexity and cost.
4Reliability
If per-terminal and per-Class of Service queues are implemented, then quality of service is maintained, but switch complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation of data queues into per-terminal and per-Class of Service queues within the switch. This segmentation enables differentiated quality of service management by organizing queues hierarchically, where the controller can apply different relinking and priority policies to different terminals and service classes, maintaining QoS while managing complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch and controller are designed with multi-functionality to handle both per-terminal and per-Class of Service queue management within a unified architecture. The queue relinking mechanism operates universally across different queue types and service classes, applying the same fundamental relinking logic to maintain QoS for diverse traffic types, thereby reducing complexity through standardized multi-purpose handling.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for communicating data is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of modems for receiving uplink data and transmitting downlink data; a switch, communicatively coupled to a plurality of MODEMs, the switch comprising a plurality of data queues, the switch for switchably accepting uplink data from the plurality of MODEMs and switchably providing downlink data from the plurality of data queues to the plurality of MODEMs; and a controller, communicatively coupled to the plurality of MODEMs and the switch, the controller for providing controller information for dynamically controlling the switch to switchably accept the uplink data from the plurality of MODEMs and to switchably provide downlink data from the plurality of data queues to the one or more of the plurality of MODEMs on a per-terminal and a per-communications link basis.