Satellite Spot Beam Bandwidth Allocation via Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumer broadband satellite services face capacity limitations, restricting the number of users and bandwidth per subscriber due to the inherent design of first-generation satellite systems, despite advances in communications and processing technology.

Innovation Solution

A satellite communications system employing a multi-beam satellite with dual-circular polarization, using Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers for maximum efficiency, and a gateway system that schedules traffic and allocates bandwidth dynamically across multiple service spot beams, allowing frequency reuse and adaptive coding and modulation to optimize bandwidth distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If first-generation satellite systems are used, then multi-gigabit per second capacity can be achieved overall, but the number of customers that may be adequately served is limited and bandwidth to each subscriber is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall capacityVSAvoidnumber of customers served

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The satellite system divides the overall capacity into multiple independent spot beams, each serving a specific geographic region. This segmentation allows the total multi-gigabit capacity to be distributed across many more customers by assigning different spot beams to different customer groups, thereby increasing the number of adequately served customers while maintaining high overall capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by using multiple spot beams directed at different geographic locations. This dimensional approach transforms a single-point capacity limitation into a multi-point capacity distribution, enabling the system to serve many more customers simultaneously by utilizing spatial diversity rather than just increasing single-link capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If capacity is split across numerous coverage areas, then more geographic regions can be served, but the bandwidth to each subscriber is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidbandwidth to each subscriber

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the coverage area into multiple spot beams, each with dedicated bandwidth resources. This allows the total bandwidth to be distributed across more subscribers while maintaining adequate per-subscriber bandwidth by ensuring that each spot beam has sufficient capacity for its assigned customers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation and traffic scheduling that adapts to real-time demand patterns. This dynamic management allows the system to optimize bandwidth distribution across coverage areas, ensuring that subscribers receive adequate bandwidth even as the system expands to serve more geographic regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If dual-circular polarization and Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers are used, then maximum efficiency and bandwidth can be achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes dual-circular polarization as a parameter change to multiply the available frequency spectrum by a factor of two, effectively doubling the capacity without adding physical hardware. This parameter-based approach increases bandwidth efficiency while avoiding the complexity of additional physical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional amplification methods with Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers that are specifically optimized for satellite communications. This substitution provides maximum efficiency in bandwidth utilization while managing system complexity through the use of well-established, reliable amplifier technology rather than experimental approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system significantly increases available bandwidth per spot beam, enabling efficient streaming and flexible capacity allocation, thereby supporting a larger number of subscribers with improved bandwidth utilization.

Implementation Method 1

using Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers for maximum efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTraveling Wave Tube Amplification:

Implementation Method 2

multi-beam satellite with dual-circular polarization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS8189501B2Multiple MAC domains

Publication Date: 2012.05.29 VIASAT INC

AI summary

A satellite system for broadband communication with a plurality of remote locations is described. The system includes a satellite and a plurality of service spot beams from the satellite. A plurality of forward channels are transported on carriers in the service spot beams. A plurality of sub-channels pass on the plurality of forward channels. The system further includes a plurality of independently managed domains, wherein the plurality of sub-channels are divided among the plurality of domains. The system may further include a plurality of satellite modems addressed by a plurality of service identifiers. Each of the plurality of service identifiers may be exclusively addressable within one of the plurality of domains.