Dynamic Satellite Communication Scaling with Virtual Transmitters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite communication systems face challenges in optimizing information transmission over limited resources due to the scarcity of available frequencies and increasing data volumes, necessitating improved hardware and software solutions at ground stations and satellites.

Innovation Solution

Implementing virtual network functions (VNFs) and cloud-native network functions (CNFs) to dynamically reconfigure traffic adapters and virtual transmitters/receivers, allowing scalable satellite communication systems that adapt to changing terminal numbers and network types without hardware changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional hardware-based satellite communication systems are used, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to changing terminal numbers and network types is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changing terminal numbers and network typesVSAvoidsystem reconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic scalability by allowing the number of virtual transmitters and receivers to be adjusted in real-time based on terminal requirements. The system can dynamically instantiate, terminate, or reconfigure virtual network functions without physical hardware changes, enabling adaptation from single terminal to multiple terminals while maintaining system stability through software-based flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses virtualization to create multiple virtual transmitters and receivers that are software instances rather than physical hardware copies. These virtual functions can be cloned, copied, and distributed across different physical servers, allowing the system to scale by copying virtual functions rather than duplicating expensive hardware infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If hardware resources are allocated for each terminal, then system reliability is ensured, but resource utilization efficiency decreases due to idle resources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal virtual transmitter/receiver platform that can serve multiple terminals simultaneously through software configuration. A single physical hardware resource running virtual network functions can dynamically serve different terminals with different network types (SCPC, FDMA, TDMA), eliminating the need for dedicated hardware per terminal while maintaining reliability through virtualization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different virtual transmitter/receiver configurations based on terminal requirements. The traffic adapter and virtual functions can be reconfigured through parameter changes in software to match different network types and terminal numbers, allowing efficient resource utilization without compromising reliability through proper virtual function instantiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed network configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying traffic patterns and environmental conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying traffic patternsVSAvoidsoftware reconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability through software-based reconfiguration of virtual network functions. The system can detect varying traffic patterns and environmental conditions, then dynamically adjust the number and configuration of virtual transmitters and receivers through the traffic adapter, enabling adaptation without fixed hardware constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the management system monitors traffic patterns and terminal requirements, then provides feedback to reconfigure virtual network functions accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to varying conditions by adjusting virtual function instantiation and configuration based on real-time demands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250310818A1Dynamically scalable satellite communication network

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 KRATOS INTEGRAL HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Described herein are systems, methods, and other techniques for scaling a satellite communication system. A gateway includes a compute infrastructure running a traffic adapter, a first virtual transmitter, and a first virtual receiver. The first virtual transmitter modulates signals for transmission to a first remote terminal. The first virtual receiver demodulates signals received from the first remote terminal. The traffic adapter transmits first outbound baseband frames to the first virtual transmitter and receives first inbound baseband frames from the first virtual receiver. A request is received to add a second remote terminal to the satellite communication system. A second virtual receiver is instantiated at the compute infrastructure to demodulate signals received from the second remote terminal. The traffic adapter is reconfigured to receive second inbound baseband frames from the second virtual receiver.