Low Orbit Satellite MAC Layer Processing for Delay Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite communication systems experience significant delays due to the lack of protocol stack processing on board satellites, as all processing is done in ground stations, leading to inefficiencies in data and signaling transmission, especially in scenarios requiring wide coverage like remote areas, oceans, and deserts.
Innovation Solution
Implementing hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) and random access (RA) function processing at the media access control (MAC) layer on low orbit satellites, and above-MAC protocol layer processing on medium or high orbit satellites to reduce processing delays and complexity, allowing for more efficient data and signaling handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If all protocol stack processing is completed in ground station with satellite used only as relay, then device complexity is reduced, but processing delay increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol stack processing functions between satellite and ground station. The MAC layer (including HARQ and RA functions) is implemented on the satellite, while higher-layer protocols remain at the ground station. This segmentation enables local processing of time-critical functions, reducing overall processing delay without requiring complete system complexity at the satellite.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of processing capability at the satellite level by implementing MAC layer functions, transforming the satellite from a simple relay into an active processing node. This dimensional change in system architecture enables parallel processing paths, reducing the single-path delay inherent in ground-only processing.
2Speed
If MAC layer processing is implemented on low orbit satellite, then processing speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing MAC layer processing specifically on low orbit satellites that are strategically positioned to serve particular geographic regions. This localized implementation optimizes processing speed for specific service areas while avoiding unnecessary complexity in other parts of the satellite constellation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by selecting only the most time-critical MAC layer functions (HARQ and RA) for satellite processing, rather than implementing the entire protocol stack. This partial implementation achieves significant speed improvements for critical functions while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If satellite performs HARQ and RA function processing, then productivity increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal MAC layer processing capabilities on satellites that can handle multiple functions (HARQ, RA, and other MAC protocols) through a unified architecture. This multi-functionality increases processing productivity while avoiding the need for separate specialized hardware for each function, thereby limiting manufacturing complexity.
4Reliability
If protocol processing is distributed to multiple satellites, then system reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the MAC layer on low orbit satellites as an intermediary processing level between the physical layer and higher-layer protocols. This intermediary enables distributed processing across multiple satellites while maintaining protocol coordination, improving reliability through redundancy without requiring complex end-to-end network management.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides an example satellite, an example terminal device, an example satellite communication system, and an example satellite communication method. One example satellite communication method includes obtaining, by a first satellite, at a media access control (MAC) layer, data and/or signaling, where the first satellite is a low orbit satellite. When MAC-layer first processing needs to be performed on the data and/or the signaling, performing, by the first satellite, the MAC-layer first processing on the data and/or the signaling. The MAC-layer first processing includes at least one of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) function processing or random access (RA) function processing.