Satellite Data Transmission via Local Terminal Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite networks face delays or data loss due to blockages that prevent terminals from maintaining a direct line of sight with satellites, disrupting data transmission to base stations.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a local connection between terminals to bypass obstacles, allowing them to communicate directly with each other and expedite data transmission to the base station via satellites, even during blockages, by using local servers and cryptographic keys for secure communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct line of sight connection between terminal and satellite is required, then transmission reliability is improved, but transmission time increases due to waiting for satellite visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing local connections between terminals in advance and pre-positioning data in local buffers before satellite visibility is available. This allows data to be ready for immediate transmission when the satellite becomes visible, eliminating waiting time while maintaining reliable transmission through pre-validated communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements including local buffers that temporarily store data and alternative transmission paths through other terminals that have satellite visibility. These intermediaries enable data to be transmitted reliably even when the original terminal lacks direct satellite access, converting a reliability constraint into a flexibility advantage.
2Speed
If data is transmitted immediately when satellite is visible, then transmission speed is improved, but data may be lost if satellite moves away before transmission completes
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by keeping local buffers continuously populated with data ready for transmission and maintaining persistent local connections between terminals. When satellite visibility occurs, transmission continues seamlessly without interruption or data loss, even as satellite position changes, because the data is already positioned and ready in the buffer.
Solution Approach 2:
Data is preliminarily prepared and staged in local buffers before transmission begins. This preliminary action ensures that when the satellite becomes visible, the transmission can start immediately at full speed without waiting for data assembly, while the buffered data provides a safety margin that prevents loss if visibility is brief.
3Reliability
If multiple copies of data are transmitted to different terminals, then reliability is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into independent terminal units, each with its own local buffer and transmission capability. This segmentation allows data to be distributed to multiple terminals without creating complex inter-dependent relationships, as each terminal operates independently with its own copy of the data, simplifying the overall network architecture while improving reliability through redundancy.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for transmitting data using a satellite communication network are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a satellite communication network includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a base station. The first terminal is configured to collect first target data. The second terminal is configured to receive a first data packet including the first target data from the first terminal via a local connection. The base station is in communication with the first terminal and the second terminal via at least one satellite. The base station is configured to: (i) receive copies of the first data packet from each of the first and second terminals via the at least one satellite; (ii) process a first copy of the first data packet; and (iii) delete a second copy of the first data packet.