Satellite Cluster Inter-Satellite Link Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites in non-terrestrial networks leads to significant decreases in network performance due to inter-satellite interference, necessitating a solution for efficient communication among multiple terminals.
Innovation Solution
A satellite cluster system comprising a master satellite and multiple slave satellites, where the master satellite shares control and information signals with slave satellites through an inter-satellite link, utilizing radio frequency or visual light communication, and coordinates their positions to form clusters at various altitudes, employing cooperative multi-point communication technologies like joint transmission and dynamic point selection to enhance communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the number of LEO satellites is increased to expand non-terrestrial network coverage, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but inter-satellite interference increases and network performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the satellite network into multiple clusters, each with a master satellite and slave satellites. This segmentation allows independent interference management within each cluster while maintaining overall network coverage, resolving the contradiction between expanded coverage and interference control.
Solution Approach 2:
The master satellite acts as an intermediary that receives control signals from the ground control system and distributes them to slave satellites. This intermediary structure enables coordinated interference mitigation across the cluster while maintaining individual satellite autonomy, allowing coverage expansion without proportional interference increase.
2Speed
If satellites are deployed at lower altitudes to reduce propagation delay, then communication speed is improved, but the density of satellites increases leading to more interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional roles to different satellites within the cluster - master satellites handle control and coordination functions while slave satellites focus on service provision. This local differentiation allows low-altitude deployment for speed while managing interference through specialized roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The cluster configuration allows dynamic adjustment of satellite positions and roles. The master satellite can dynamically coordinate with slave satellites to adapt to changing interference conditions while maintaining low propagation delay benefits of low-altitude operation.
3Reliability
If a cluster configuration with master and slave satellites is implemented to reduce interference, then network performance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple slave satellites under a single master satellite's coordination. This combining approach reduces overall system complexity by centralizing control functions while maintaining the performance benefits of multiple satellites through the master-slave architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The master satellite performs multiple functions including control signal distribution, coordination of slave satellites, and interference management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The satellite cluster system mitigates inter-satellite interference, improves network reliability, and optimizes transmission capacity and latency by distributing communication functions between the master and slave satellites, effectively addressing the performance degradation caused by the growing number of satellites.
Implementation Method 1
The inter-satellite link may comprise a radio frequency communication or a visual light communication
Implementation Method 2
The inter-satellite link may comprise a radio frequency communication or a visual light communication
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite cluster system may comprise: at least one slave satellite; a master satellite sharing a control signal and an information signal with the at least one slave satellite through an inter-satellite link; and a terrestrial control system for adjusting positions of the master satellite and the at least one slave satellite and transmitting the control signal and the information signal to the master satellite.