Satellite Terminal Ping Mechanism for Link Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In satellite-based communications systems, determining if a satellite link is fully functional end-to-end without data transmission is challenging due to complex algorithms and reliance on user equipment, making it difficult to maintain data connectivity reliably.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a satellite terminal with a built-in ping mechanism, a satellite ground station, and a ping server that actively pings the server to test and restore data connectivity by transitioning through various operational states to manage connection issues, including restarting the communications stack and rebooting the terminal if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex algorithms are used to monitor satellite link functionality, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the link monitoring function from complex end-to-end algorithms and implements it through simple ICMP ping operations. The ping mechanism sends standardized test packets through the satellite link to detect connectivity status, removing the need for complex monitoring algorithms while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite terminal performs self-diagnosis by autonomously sending ping requests and analyzing responses to detect link failures. The system monitors its own connectivity status without requiring external complex monitoring systems, enabling the terminal to identify and report link failures independently.
2Device complexity
If user equipment is relied upon for link monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite terminal independently performs link monitoring through built-in ping functionality, eliminating reliance on user equipment. The terminal autonomously sends test packets, analyzes responses, and detects link failures without requiring external devices, ensuring reliable monitoring regardless of user equipment availability or capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the satellite terminal continuously monitors link status by analyzing ping responses and reports connectivity state to the network. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable detection and communication of link failures without depending on user equipment to initiate or maintain monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If data transmission is required to test satellite link functionality, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary connectivity testing using ICMP ping operations before actual data transmission. These quick ping tests verify link availability in advance, allowing the system to determine connectivity status without waiting for lengthy data transmission processes, thus reducing test time while maintaining verification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transmitting full data packets for testing, the system uses minimal ICMP ping packets that contain only essential test information. This partial action approach provides sufficient link functionality verification with significantly reduced transmission time and bandwidth consumption compared to full data transmission tests.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for maintaining data connectivity in a satellite communications system including a satellite terminal with a ping mechanism, a satellite ground station, and a ping server, where the ping mechanism pings the ping server and restores data connectivity between the satellite terminal and the satellite ground station.