Hitless Satellite Switch Rearrangement via Propagated Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional satellite communication systems face challenges in rearranging connections through multiple stage switch networks without causing data outages, which often requires redundant connections, increasing complexity and reducing network capacity.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution employs propagated synchronization, allowing for hitless rearrangement of satellite-hosted switches by using a digital switch with a multiple stage switch network and map select data to route frequency slices according to selected maps, eliminating the need for redundant connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant connections are established to achieve hitless rearrangement, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing multiple path options in the switch network before rearrangement is needed. The system pre-calculates and stores alternative routing paths, so when rearrangement is required, the switch can immediately switch to a pre-computed path without complex real-time calculations, achieving hitless rearrangement while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the switch network configuration adaptable and reconfigurable in real-time. The system dynamically selects and switches between different routing paths based on current network conditions and rearrangement requirements, allowing the network topology to change without service interruption while maintaining manageable complexity through structured control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If redundant connections are established to achieve hitless rearrangement, then connection reliability is improved, but network capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the switch network and its control mechanisms to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same switch infrastructure and control system handle both normal traffic routing and rearrangement operations, eliminating the need for dedicated redundant physical connections. This multi-functionality ensures reliability during rearrangement while preserving maximum network capacity for productive use.
3Device complexity
If conventional switching methods are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but data outage occurs during rearrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that coordinates the switching operations across multiple stages. This control system acts as a mediator between the existing simple switch infrastructure and the requirement for hitless rearrangement, managing the transition between routing paths without causing data outages while maintaining compatibility with conventional switching hardware.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus includes an analog front end to receive an analog input including user data, and an analog-to-digital converter to convert the analog input to digital signals including the user data. A digital channelizer may process the digital signals to generate frequency slices of user data, and a digital combiner may assemble the frequency slices to form output sub-bands of user data. A digital switch may route the frequency slices from the digital channelizer to the digital combiner according to a selected map of a plurality of available maps. The apparatus also includes a map selector to communicate map select data that indicates the selected map. The digital channelizer may receive and insert the map select data into the frequency slices in-band with the user data thereof. And the digital switch may interpret the map select data inserted into and route the frequency slices according to the selected map.