Hybrid Satellite-HAP Optical Links for Global Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems, including terrestrial, satellite, and HAP networks, face challenges in providing global coverage, high bandwidth, and efficient power usage, with limitations in network routing efficiency, capacity, and infrastructure costs due to incomplete mesh networks and high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing low earth orbit satellites and HAPs with optical communication links, optical phased arrays, and WDM, along with HAPs as hubs for inter-satellite communication, forming a dynamic toroidal mesh network to maintain continuous communication links and reduce ground-based equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LEO satellites are used for communication, then latency and atmospheric losses are reduced, but capacity and propagation delay limitations remain requiring more satellites with higher power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces HAPs as intermediary nodes between satellites and ground stations. HAPs receive optical signals from satellites and retransmit them via RF links to ground equipment, enabling communication without requiring direct high-power RF links from satellites to ground, thus reducing satellite power consumption while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces RF mechanical communication systems with optical communication systems for satellite-to-HAP links. Optical communication provides higher bandwidth and lower power consumption compared to RF, allowing satellites to transmit data more efficiently without requiring high power output
2Productivity
If optical links are used between ground-based communications equipment and satellites, then bandwidth is improved, but attenuation of optical signals in the atmosphere by cloud and scintillation reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
HAPs serve as intermediaries that receive optical signals from satellites and convert them to RF signals for ground-based equipment. This intermediate conversion allows the system to benefit from high optical bandwidth while avoiding the reliability issues of direct ground-to-satellite optical links through atmospheric attenuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-point-to-point optical link (ground-to-satellite) to a multi-point system involving HAPs in the air dimension. This dimensional change allows optical communication to occur at satellite-HAP level where atmospheric conditions are more favorable, while ground equipment communicates with HAPs via RF
3Area of stationary object
If HAPs are deployed in stratosphere at 15-22km altitude, then line-of-sight coverage area is significantly increased, but sufficient area to support worldwide communications is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges HAP-based aerial communication network with satellite communication systems. HAPs provide local area coverage with line-of-sight advantages, while satellites provide global coverage. The combination creates a hybrid network where HAPs can relay satellite signals to ground stations, achieving both local efficiency and global coverage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a third dimension to the communication architecture by deploying HAPs in the stratospheric air space. This aerial dimension complements the traditional ground-based and satellite-based dimensions, creating a three-dimensional communication network that can route signals globally while providing line-of-sight coverage to specific regions
4Ease of operation
If RF and mm-Wave frequencies are used for satellite-HAP links, then communication capability is provided, but free space losses increase requiring more satellites with higher infrastructure costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RF frequency communication with optical frequency communication for satellite-to-HAP links. Optical communication operates at much higher frequencies with narrower beam widths, providing directional communication capability while avoiding the free space losses associated with RF signals over long distances
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
Enables bi-directional high data rate communication links, reduces infrastructure costs, and enhances network capacity and efficiency by providing global coverage with reduced power consumption and eliminating the need for additional ground-based stations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical phased array; wherein the HAP is configured to fly near an orbital plane crossing position for adjacent satellite orbital planes to relay at least one inter-satellite communication link
Implementation Method 2
A system utilizing low earth orbit satellites and HAPs with optical communication links, optical phased arrays, and WDM
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for providing communication between ground-based User Equipment (UE) and at least one core network and a method for providing wireless communication between ground- based User Equipment (UE) and at least one core network are disclosed. The apparatus for providing communication between ground-based User Equipment (UE) and at least one core network comprises a plurality of low earth orbit satellites each comprising at least one satellite- based optical transmitter element and at least one satellite-based optical receiver element for providing at least one optical communication link; and at least one aerial vehicle comprising at least one aerial vehicle based optical transmitter element and at least one aerial vehicle based optical receiver element for providing at least one optical communication link and at least one directional antenna for providing a wireless communication link to a ground-based station and/or mobile UE.