Satellite Routing and Switching Functionality Partition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite communications systems with bent-pipe architectures face limitations in multiplexing gains due to the lack of processing capabilities onboard satellites, making it costly to implement full router functionality, and thus there is a need for partitioning functionality to enhance efficiency and bandwidth utilization.
Innovation Solution
A satellite communications system with novel routing and switching functionality onboard, where a satellite communicates directly with terminals or via other satellites, and a ground-based network control center dynamically allocates bandwidth, measures signal errors, and distributes routing tables to optimize data processing and routing paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If full router functionality is implemented onboard satellite, then routing and switching capabilities are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments router functionality into two parts: reference terminal functionality remains onboard the satellite, while full routing functionality is moved to ground-based network control centers. This segmentation allows the satellite to maintain essential routing capabilities without the complexity of a complete router, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ground-based network control centers as intermediary elements that handle complex routing decisions. The satellite's reference terminal communicates with these ground-based centers, which act as mediators to perform sophisticated routing and switching operations, thereby improving adaptability without increasing onboard satellite complexity.
2Productivity
If processing tasks are performed on satellite, then multiplexing gains are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments processing tasks between the satellite and ground infrastructure. The satellite performs essential signal processing and reference terminal functions to achieve multiplexing gains, while more complex processing is handled by ground-based network control centers. This segmentation enables productivity improvement without proportionally increasing satellite device complexity.
3Device complexity
If bent-pipe architecture is used, then device complexity is reduced, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic routing capabilities to the otherwise static bent-pipe architecture. By enabling the reference terminal to perform routing decisions and communicate with ground-based network control centers, the system transforms from a simple passive relay to a dynamically adaptable system that can optimize bandwidth utilization while maintaining relatively low device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the bent-pipe architecture by implementing routing tables and switching functionality at the reference terminal. This parameter change allows the system to dynamically adjust signal routing based on network conditions, thereby improving bandwidth utilization without fundamentally altering the bent-pipe architectural simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Satellite communications systems, methods, and related devices are described. A satellite communications system may include routing and switching functionality onboard the satellite. Such a system may include a satellite in communication with terminals (e.g., subscriber terminals or gateways) either directly, or via one or more other satellites through an inter-satellite link. The satellite may be configured with different beams which each provide service to a coverage area. A ground-based network control center (NCC) may dynamically allocate bandwidth and process data measured on the satellite. A novel partition of functionality between the satellite and the NCC is described. Routing paths on the satellite, and the distribution of routing tables within the system, are described as well.