Hybrid Satellite-Terrestrial Network Interference Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Terrestrial and satellite wireless communications systems operating in spectral and geographical proximity face interference issues, limiting the coverage and effectiveness of both networks due to cochannel and adjacent channel interference.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of hybrid self-organizing networks (SONs) that utilize interference mitigation technologies such as antenna null steering, adaptive interference cancellation, and intelligent resource scheduling to reduce mutual interference between terrestrial and satellite components, allowing for more pervasive coverage by adjusting the standoff distance and resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If terrestrial and satellite networks operate in spectral and geographical proximity, then coverage area and network effectiveness are improved, but cochannel and adjacent channel interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidcochannel and adjacent channel interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts harmful interference signals into beneficial information by using them for interference estimation and cancellation. The terrestrial base station receives satellite downlink signals as interference, estimates their characteristics, and subtracts them from the received signal to recover the uplink signal. This transforms the harmful cochannel interference into a useful mechanism for interference mitigation and enables closer geographical operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key operational parameters including frequency allocation (using different frequency bands for satellite uplink/downlink versus terrestrial uplink/downlink), power control (adjusting transmit powers to manage interference levels), and spatial parameters (optimizing antenna patterns and beam directions). These parameter changes allow the networks to operate in proximity while maintaining acceptable interference levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If satellite terminals and terrestrial base stations are placed closer together, then geographical coverage is enhanced, but the standoff distance required for interference mitigation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeographical separation distanceVSAvoidinterference mitigation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the terrestrial base station continuously monitors the received signal to estimate satellite downlink interference characteristics. This feedback loop allows the base station to adaptively adjust its interference cancellation parameters and maintain reliable operation even at reduced standoff distances. The feedback enables dynamic adaptation to changing interference conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary interference estimation and cancellation preparation before the actual data reception. The base station pre-estimates the satellite downlink signal characteristics using known pilot signals or training sequences, and prepares the interference cancellation filters in advance. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden during data reception and improves the reliability of interference mitigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If interference mitigation technologies are implemented, then mutual interference between satellite and terrestrial components is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemutual interferenceVSAvoidinterference mitigation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service interference mitigation where each network component (satellite terminal and terrestrial base station) autonomously performs interference estimation and cancellation using its own received signals. The terrestrial base station independently estimates and cancels satellite downlink interference without requiring complex coordinated control from the satellite network. This self-service approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective interference mitigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11432367B2Methods and systems of self-organizing satellite-terrestrial networks

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 ATC TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Hybrid self-organizing networks. One example system includes a cellular network and a mobile satellite network. The cellular network includes a cellular base station configured to perform at least one cellular interference mitigation measure. The cellular network is configured to provide wireless communications in a first frequency band within a first deployed area. The mobile satellite network includes a mobile satellite network terminal configured to perform at least one satellite interference mitigation measure. The mobile satellite network is configured to provide wireless communications in the first frequency band within a second deployed area separated from the first deployed area by a first standoff distance. Performance of one or both of the at least one cellular interference mitigation measure and the at least one satellite interference mitigation measure results in a second standoff distance that is less than the first standoff distance.