Satellite Multi-Level Queue for IoT Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite constellations for IoT connectivity face challenges in managing bandwidth for large quantities of IoT devices and achieving near real-time end-to-end communication, with high latency due to long distances for data transmission between satellites and ground stations.
Innovation Solution
A computerized method and system that utilize a multi-level queue mechanism in satellites to route IoT device data packets. This involves identifying target ground sinks, calculating expected reception scores, and moving data packets through levels of a multi-level data structure based on these scores to ensure successful reception by at least one ground sink, thereby reducing latency and increasing bandwidth efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If ground stations are set up in polar regions or convenient places, then satellite infrastructure is simplified, but transmission distance increases causing high latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional single ground station architecture into multiple distributed ground stations positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows data to be transmitted to multiple targets simultaneously, reducing the time satellite needs to travel while maintaining infrastructure simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point ground station model to a multi-point distributed model, adding spatial dimensionality to the ground station network. This enables the satellite to transmit data to multiple ground stations within its coverage area, effectively reducing transmission distance and latency.
2Ease of manufacture
If nanosatellites use narrow bandwidths for direct communication, then device cost is reduced, but bandwidth capacity is insufficient for large quantities of IoT devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth capacity across multiple ground stations rather than requiring a single high-capacity ground station. Each ground station handles a portion of the total data load, enabling the system to support large quantities of IoT devices while nanosatellites continue to use narrow bandwidths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the capabilities of multiple ground stations to provide aggregate bandwidth capacity that exceeds what a single ground station could offer. This merging of resources at the ground level compensates for the narrow bandwidth limitations of individual nanosatellites.
3Device complexity
If existing systems use single-level data structures, then system complexity is reduced, but they cannot support near real-time communication for large quantities of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data structure into multiple levels, with each level representing different priority or timing requirements for data transmission. This segmentation enables the system to prioritize time-sensitive data while maintaining simpler handling for less urgent data, supporting real-time communication without overwhelming system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure herein describes using satellites and ground sinks and/or stations for routing IoT device data packets from IoT devices. A target ground sink in range of the satellite is identified and an expected reception (ER) score for the target ground sink is calculated based on ER parameter data and location data of the satellite. A data packet in a first level of a multi-level data structure of the satellite is sent to the target ground sink and, based on an ER threshold exceeding the ER score, the packet is moved to a second level of the multi-level data structure, whereby the data packet is queued to be sent to another ground sink. The disclosure further includes using cell towers as ground sinks and/or using them for backhauling with other ground sinks. The flexibility of the disclosure enables large ground sink networks to be established, reducing latency of packet routing.