Satellite Frequency Band Utilization in Hybrid Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite radioterminal systems face challenges in reliably serving densely populated areas due to signal blocking by high-rise structures and poor penetration into buildings, leading to underutilization of satellite spectrum, and conventional dual band/dual mode radioterminals are costly and bulky due to duplicating components for different frequency bands and air interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A radioterminal communications system that employs a space-based network and an ancillary terrestrial network, utilizing different satellite frequency bands for communication, where the space-based component communicates with radioterminals using frequencies from both L-band and S-band, and the ancillary terrestrial network uses these bands differently for forward and return links to enhance coverage and capacity, particularly in densely populated areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If satellite frequency bands are reused in densely populated areas, then system capacity increases, but signal reliability deteriorates due to blocking by high-rise structures and poor penetration into buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The service area is segmented into two distinct networks: a space-based satellite network for broad coverage and an ancillary terrestrial network for dense urban areas. This segmentation allows each network to operate optimally in its designated environment, with the terrestrial network providing reliable service in areas where satellite signals are blocked
Solution Approach 2:
The ancillary terrestrial network acts as an intermediary between satellite users in densely populated areas and the satellite system. Terrestrial components receive and transmit signals locally, bypassing the blocking problem of direct satellite-to-terminal links in urban environments
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual band/dual mode radioterminals are deployed to support both satellite and terrestrial networks, then service coverage improves, but device cost and complexity increase due to duplicating components
Solution Approach 1:
A single radioterminal design is developed that can operate in both satellite and terrestrial modes using a unified air interface. The terminal contains multi-functional radio hardware capable of operating on different frequency bands (L-band and S-band) without requiring separate dedicated components for each mode, thereby reducing overall device complexity and cost
3Productivity
If L-band and S-band frequencies are used differently by space-based and terrestrial networks, then frequency utilization efficiency improves, but interference management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different frequency bands are assigned to different networks based on their operational characteristics: L-band is used for satellite-to-terminal communications where penetration is needed, while S-band is used for terrestrial communications where capacity is prioritized. This localized frequency assignment optimizes performance for each network type
Solution Approach 2:
Time-division multiplexing is employed where the same frequency bands are alternately used by satellite and terrestrial networks in different time slots. This periodic allocation allows efficient reuse of spectrum resources while managing interference through temporal separation
Data Source
AI summary
A radioterminal communications system includes an ancillary terrestrial component configured to receive from at least some of a plurality of radioterminals using frequencies from a first satellite frequency band (e.g., an L-band) and to transmit to at least some of the plurality of radioterminals using frequencies from a second satellite frequency band (e.g., an S-band). The system further includes a space-based component configured to communicate with the plurality of radioterminals using at least some of the frequencies from the first satellite frequency band and/or at least some of the frequencies from the second satellite frequency band. In some embodiments the ancillary terrestrial component communicates with radioterminals using a Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode and the space-based component communicates with the same or other radioterminals using a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and/or a TDD mode.