Path Determination in Space-Air-Ground Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The high-speed movement of satellites in space-air-ground integrated networks results in dynamic and complex network topologies, making it challenging to determine optimal paths that satisfy time constraints in communication networks.

Innovation Solution

A path determination method that acquires network topology and time constraint conditions to identify a target path between nodes, using the constraint-based shortest path first (CSPF) algorithm to ensure valid time durations for links, and employs snapshot routing to manage dynamic network changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If satellites move at high speed in space-air-ground integrated networks, then network coverage and service capability are improved, but network topology becomes dynamic and complex making path determination difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidnetwork topology complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing time constraint conditions and valid time durations for links before path determination. The network controller pre-calculates and announces time constraints to all nodes, enabling them to make informed routing decisions without dealing with the full complexity of dynamic topology changes in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by introducing time-varying parameters to the network topology. Links are assigned valid time durations that reflect their dynamic nature due to satellite movement. The path determination algorithm dynamically selects paths based on current time and the valid time durations of links, adapting to the changing network topology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional routing algorithms are used in dynamic networks, then implementation is simple, but they cannot guarantee time constraint satisfaction for communication paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealgorithm implementationVSAvoidtime constraint satisfaction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces time constraint conditions as an intermediary between the network topology and path selection. Instead of directly handling complex dynamic topology changes, the algorithm uses the intermediary time constraints to filter and evaluate candidate paths. This intermediary layer simplifies the decision-making process while ensuring time constraint satisfaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by introducing time-dependent variables to the routing algorithm. Links are characterized by valid time durations, and path selection depends on the current time relative to these durations. This parameter change transforms the routing problem from a static topology-based decision to a time-aware optimization problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If path determination considers dynamic topology changes, then path validity is improved, but computational complexity and determination time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath validityVSAvoidpath determination time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the path determination process into distinct phases: time constraint condition establishment, candidate path generation, and time constraint verification. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining path validity through systematic evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network controller performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and announcing time constraint conditions to all nodes before path determination. This preliminary information availability enables local nodes to quickly evaluate paths without requiring complex real-time calculations, significantly reducing path determination time while ensuring validity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4675993A1Path determination method, and electronic device and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 ZTE CORP
  • EP4675993A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4675993A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5A
  • EP4675993A1 patent drawingFigure 5B~6

AI summary

Provided are a path determination method, and an electronic device and a storage medium. The path determination method comprises: acquiring a time constraint condition and a network topology of a communication network, wherein the network topology is used for indicating nodes and links in the communication network, and the links have valid time periods; and according to the time constraint condition, determining a target path between a first node and a second node from the network topology, wherein the time constraint condition is used for constraining the valid time period of a target link which forms the target path.