Satellite Session Routing for Discontinuous Coverage Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
In satellite communication scenarios with discontinuous coverage, such as over sea surfaces or isolated islands, reliable communication between terminal devices and ground core networks is challenging due to the inability of satellites to maintain simultaneous connections.
Innovation Solution
A communication method involving a mobility management network element that determines a suitable satellite based on a communication plan, sending its identifier to a session management network element, which then selects an on-board user plane network element to establish reliable communication, utilizing store-and-forward services when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a satellite is used to provide communication service for terminal devices in discontinuous coverage areas, then communication coverage is extended to remote areas, but the satellite cannot maintain simultaneous connections to both terminal devices and ground core networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the satellite store communication data in advance during periods when it can connect to the ground core network. The satellite accumulates data in its onboard storage memory before the terminal device becomes available, so that data transmission can occur immediately when the terminal is in range, eliminating the need for simultaneous connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite acts as an intermediary with onboard storage functionality, mediating between the ground core network and terminal devices in discontinuous coverage areas. It receives and stores data from the ground network when available, then forwards stored data to terminal devices when they come into range, resolving the timing mismatch between network availability and device availability.
2Reliability
If satellite data processing capability is implemented, then communication reliability in discontinuous coverage improves, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing data processing and storage capabilities specifically on the satellite platform where they are most needed - in remote areas with discontinuous coverage. This localized approach to satellite functionality provides reliability improvements exactly where ground infrastructure is unavailable, without requiring complex changes throughout the entire network architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a communication method, a communication apparatus, and a communication system. In the method, in a scenario in which a satellite cannot be connected to a terminal device and a core network at the same time, a mobility management network element selects, for the terminal device based on a communication plan of the terminal device, a first satellite that provides a service, and sends an identifier of the first satellite to a session management network element; and the session management network element selects, for the terminal device based on the identifier of the first satellite, an on-board user plane network element that provides a service for the terminal device. This provides reliable communication services for the terminal device when communicating with a satellite.