Satellite Beam Hopping for Dynamic Capacity Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-capacity satellite communications systems face challenges in efficiently allocating spectral resources to meet varying geographical demand, leading to non-uniform capacity distribution and increased interference, especially in multibeam satellite systems.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic resource allocation method that groups beams based on overall load, allocates frequency resources, and uses a beam hopping mechanism to optimize time and frequency allocation, ensuring simultaneous use of resources without generating interference across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the same amount of spectral resources is allocated to each beam, then the system implementation is simple, but the capacity distribution becomes non-uniform and cannot meet varying geographical demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the network supervisor continuously monitors beam load and adjusts frequency resource allocation in real-time. Beams with higher load receive more frequency resources, while beams with lower load receive fewer resources, making the system adaptive to varying geographical demand patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the allocation parameter (frequency resource amount) based on the load condition of each beam. The network supervisor modifies the number of frequency resources assigned to each beam dynamically, transforming the static equal allocation into a variable allocation scheme that responds to demand
2Productivity
If frequency resources are allocated to meet localized demand peaks, then the overall capacity increases, but interference between beams using the same frequencies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs beam hopping where beams periodically switch between different frequency resources according to a predetermined pattern. During time slots when multiple beams use the same frequency, the system ensures they are in non-adjacent beams that do not interfere with each other, and the switching occurs periodically to distribute the interference evenly across time
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous capacity enhancement by maintaining active communication on all beams at all times through coordinated frequency hopping. While frequencies are reused to increase capacity, the hopping mechanism ensures that interference-prone simultaneous usage is minimized, maintaining continuous useful action without interruption
3Adaptability or versatility
If beam hopping is used to distribute load between adjacent beams, then localized demand is met, but capacity and availability at beam edges are degraded due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different resource allocation strategies to different spatial locations. Central regions of beams can tolerate more aggressive frequency reuse and hopping, while edge regions are protected by allocating resources more conservatively. The network supervisor identifies edge terminals and adjusts their resource allocation to maintain service quality
Solution Approach 2:
The network supervisor acts as an intermediary that coordinates resource allocation between adjacent beams. It monitors the load and interference conditions and adjusts the beam hopping patterns and frequency assignments to balance load distribution while protecting edge regions from excessive interference, mediating between the competing requirements
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A method, and associated equipment, for the dynamic allocation of resources in a satellite network comprising at least one satellite configured to form a plurality of satellite beams (401 to 404) and terminals, performing the steps of: • gathering the beams into beam groups (420, 430), • allocating frequency resources to each of the beam groups, • determining geographical areas in which these frequency resources can be used simultaneously, • determining a hop frame (421) comprising first time intervals (422, 424), in which frequency resources are allocated to all terminals of one of the beams in the group, and second time intervals (423), in which frequency resources are allocated to a subset of terminals of at least one beam in the group.• Identification of said subset of terminals and allocation of frequency resources to the terminals, • Collection of information concerning the overall load of each of the beams.