Satellite Payload Orchestration via YANG Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack a straightforward method to leverage the device agnosticism and flexibility of terrestrial communication networks in satellite-based services, hindering the software-based orchestration of communication payloads in satellites.
Innovation Solution
The use of Yet Another Next Generation (YANG) data modeling language for software-defined networking (SDN) enables the software-based orchestration of satellite communication payloads, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration and seamless integration with terrestrial networks by translating YANG models into satellite commands and managing satellite payloads as part of a larger network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional static and decentralized satellite network architecture is used, then system stability is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of satellite payloads through software-based orchestration, allowing the network architecture to transition from static to dynamic. The SDN controller enables real-time adjustments to payload configurations, beam forming, and resource allocation based on changing service requirements, while maintaining system stability through controlled transition mechanisms and standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified YANG data model that can represent multiple satellite payload types and configurations through a single standardized framework. This universal model enables the same orchestration system to manage diverse satellite payloads (communication, Earth observation, weather) with different functionalities, achieving both flexibility and stability through standardization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary satellite control systems are used, then device-specific functionality is optimized, but interoperability with terrestrial networks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces YANG data models as an intermediary layer between proprietary satellite control systems and terrestrial SDN networks. This intermediary standardizes the representation of satellite payload configurations, enabling interoperability without requiring changes to underlying proprietary systems. The YANG models act as a translation layer that simplifies integration while maintaining device-specific optimizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal YANG data model framework enables a single integration approach to work with multiple different satellite payload types and terrestrial network configurations. This universality reduces integration complexity by providing a consistent methodology for connecting proprietary satellite systems with terrestrial networks, regardless of the specific equipment involved.
3Productivity
If manual satellite payload configuration is used, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but service provisioning speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated orchestration systems that can independently configure satellite payloads based on service requirements. The SDN controller automatically translates high-level service demands into specific payload configurations using YANG models, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining accuracy through standardized validation rules and constraints defined in the data models.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the SDN controller monitors payload configuration status and service performance, automatically adjusting configurations as needed. This closed-loop control maintains configuration accuracy while accelerating service provisioning, as the system can detect and correct configuration issues automatically without manual intervention.
4Productivity
If separate management systems for satellite and terrestrial networks are used, then system reliability is maintained, but overall network optimization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges satellite and terrestrial network management into a unified SDN orchestration framework. The YANG data models provide a common representation layer that allows the combined system to optimize end-to-end service delivery across satellite and terrestrial segments while maintaining the reliability of individual network segments. The unified controller coordinates resource allocation and configuration across both domains.
Data Source
AI summary
Software-based orchestration of communication payloads in satellites. In an embodiment, a payload model of a satellite payload, defined in a data modeling language (e.g., YANG) and representing a configuration for the satellite payload, is received. The configuration specifies a setting for at least one component of the satellite payload. The payload model is translated into one or more satellite commands for configuring the satellite payload according to the configuration represented in the payload model, and the satellite payload is reconfigured using the satellite command(s).