Inter-network Roaming Logic for Satellite Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current satellite communication systems disrupt mobile terminal service when they exit the coverage area of a managed network, failing to seamlessly transition to and receive service from other independent satellite networks without interruption or burdensome re-registration.

Innovation Solution

Implementing network management logic that enables mobile terminals to request and receive configuration data from a second network, allowing seamless roaming by identifying the home service plan and transmitting necessary configuration data to ensure uninterrupted service, with features like selective route-back-to-home network access points and secure authentication mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mobile terminals use current satellite communication systems, then service is provided within the coverage area of a managed network, but service is disrupted when the terminal exits the coverage area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidnetwork coverage flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the satellite communication system into multiple independently managed networks, each with its own coverage area. This allows mobile terminals to be served by different network segments depending on their location, ensuring continuous service coverage while maintaining the reliability of each individual network segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces network management logic as an intermediary that coordinates between home networks and visited networks. This mediator enables seamless handover and service continuity by managing the interactions between different satellite networks, allowing terminals to move across coverage areas without service disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mobile terminals transition between independent satellite networks, then network coverage and service flexibility are improved, but burdensome re-registration procedures and service interruption occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork roaming capabilityVSAvoidservice transition simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing service plan mappings and configuration data between home networks and visited networks. Before a mobile terminal actually roams to a visited network, the necessary service configurations and authorizations are prepared in advance, enabling seamless transitions without burdensome re-registration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where network management logic continuously monitors terminal locations and service status. This feedback enables the system to automatically trigger handover procedures and update service configurations in real-time, maintaining ease of operation during network transitions without requiring manual user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If network management logic transmits configuration data between networks, then seamless roaming is achieved, but data transmission complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroaming service reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork management system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing network management logic with multi-functional capabilities that can handle various roaming scenarios, service plan mappings, and configuration transmissions through a unified framework. This reduces the need for separate specialized systems for each roaming function, managing complexity while maintaining reliable seamless roaming across different network configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11272350B2Inter network roaming between independently managed satellite networks

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 HUGHES NETWORK SYST

AI summary

Systems and methods are described, and one method includes receiving at a first network a request for a second network configuration data and an identifier of a first network home service plan of the mobile terminal, and transmitting to the second network an inter-network configuration data request. The inter-network configuration data request carries the request for the second network configuration data and an identifier of the mobile terminal's first network home service plan. The first network receives from the second network an inter-network configuration data response that carries the second network configuration data and, in response, transmits the second network configuration data to the mobile terminal.