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, isolated islands, or polar areas, existing technologies fail to establish simultaneous connections between satellites and ground core networks, leading to communication disruptions for terminal devices.
Innovation Solution
A communication method involving mobility management and session management network elements that select appropriate satellites based on communication plans, including location and time information, to ensure continuous service by using on-board user plane elements for data forwarding and store-and-forward capabilities.
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 establish 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 when coverage is available, then forwarding the stored data later when the terminal device becomes accessible. This allows the satellite to prepare data during periods when both the core network and terminal are available, ensuring reliable delivery even when simultaneous connection is impossible.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite acts as an intermediary with store-and-forward capability, receiving data from the ground core network when possible and holding it until the terminal device is available for reception. This mediator role resolves the contradiction by decoupling the timing of data reception from data transmission, enabling extended coverage while maintaining connection reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a satellite provides communication service without ground gateway station connection, then service is available in isolated areas, but the satellite cannot establish connection to the core network
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing data storage and buffering mechanisms on the satellite before the satellite enters isolated areas without ground gateway access. Data is pre-positioned on the satellite during periods when ground connection is available, enabling seamless service continuity in isolated areas without compromising core network connectivity reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by enabling the satellite to switch between different operational modes: connected mode when ground gateway is available, and store-and-forward mode when in isolated areas. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain service availability across diverse environments while preserving core network connection reliability when possible.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple satellites are used to ensure continuous coverage, then communication continuity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous coverage requirement into discrete segments handled by individual satellites with store-and-forward capabilities. Each satellite independently manages its own coverage period and data buffering, eliminating the need for complex inter-satellite coordination while achieving continuous overall coverage through sequential handovers.
Solution Approach 2:
Each satellite is equipped with self-sufficient store-and-forward functionality, allowing it to independently provide continuous coverage without relying on real-time coordination with other satellites or ground stations. This self-service capability reduces system complexity by making each satellite autonomous while collectively achieving continuous coverage through their individual operational cycles.
Data Source
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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 implements correct communication of the terminal device.