Satellite Core Network Inter-Satellite Link Delay Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite communication systems face significant delays due to long communication links that need to connect to core networks on the ground, affecting communication quality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a satellite communication method where the core network and service server are located in interplanetary space, allowing direct communication with user equipment via inter-satellite or intra-satellite links, thereby reducing the need for ground-based connections and shortening communication links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite communication connects to core network on the ground, then communication coverage is extended, but communication delay increases due to long communication links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inter-satellite link as an intermediary communication path between the access satellite and the core network. Instead of directly connecting to ground-based core networks, satellites communicate with each other through optical or radio frequency inter-satellite links, forming a space-based communication backbone that reduces dependency on ground infrastructure and shortens communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the communication architecture from a ground-based dimension to a space-based dimension by deploying core network functions on satellites. This dimensional shift allows communication to occur entirely in orbit, eliminating the need for signals to travel to and from the ground, thereby significantly reducing communication delay while maintaining wide coverage.
2Reliability
If satellite communication uses ground-based core network connections, then system reliability is maintained, but communication efficiency decreases due to signal retransmission
Solution Approach 1:
The inter-satellite link serves as a reliable intermediary that maintains communication continuity without requiring ground-based signal retransmission. Satellites in the constellation can relay signals to each other, ensuring that communication paths remain stable and efficient while eliminating the need for repeated ground-based signal processing and retransmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the core network functions from the ground-based infrastructure and relocates them to space-based satellites. This extraction eliminates the bottleneck of ground-based signal processing and retransmission, allowing communication to proceed directly through space-based nodes, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining reliability through redundant satellite paths.
3Ease of manufacture
If satellite communication connects to ground core network, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but communication quality deteriorates due to long links
Solution Approach 1:
The inter-satellite link acts as a quality-preserving intermediary that maintains high communication quality without requiring expensive ground-based infrastructure. By using optical or high-frequency radio links between satellites, the system achieves low-latency, high-bandwidth communication while avoiding the need for multiple ground stations and complex signal routing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the communication backbone to the space dimension, where satellites can maintain line-of-sight connections and avoid ground-based obstructions. This dimensional change enables direct, high-quality communication paths without the need for expensive ground infrastructure, as satellites can communicate peer-to-peer through the vacuum of space with minimal signal degradation.
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite communication method includes communicating with a user equipment UE via an inter-satellite link or an intra-satellite link by a core network using a first communication satellite; and communicating with a service server via the inter-satellite link or the intra-satellite link by the core network. The service server and the core network may be on the same or different satellites. A satellite apparatus, core network element and storage medium are also discussed.