Upstream Resource Preallocation in Satellite Modems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite communication systems face capacity limitations, leading to inadequate bandwidth for a large number of subscribers, especially due to the inherent design of first-generation satellite systems and the inefficiencies in Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) scheduling, which result in undesired latency and inefficiency in channel usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of preallocation of upstream channel resources by a scheduler at the gateway satellite modem termination system, utilizing a Type Length Value (TLV) field to anticipate and allocate excess transfer capability for users engaging in web or bulk data transfers, thereby reducing wait times and improving scheduling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) scheduling is used to allocate upstream bandwidth, then channel usage flexibility is improved, but latency increases and scheduling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preallocation of upstream bandwidth resources before actual data transfer begins. The gateway receives preallocation requests from terminals, evaluates available capacity, and grants upstream bandwidth allocations in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated handshake intervals during data transfer, reducing latency from 1.5×RTT per packet to a single upfront allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the bandwidth allocation decision-making process from the traditional DAMA per-packet handshake mechanism. By separating the allocation request and grant phases from the actual data transfer phase, the system eliminates redundant contention delays and handshake intervals that occur with each packet transmission under conventional DAMA scheduling.
2Power
If first-generation satellite system design is used to provide multi-gigabit per second capacity, then overall system capacity is improved, but the number of customers that may be adequately served is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preallocation of upstream bandwidth resources before actual data transfer begins. The gateway receives preallocation requests from terminals, evaluates available capacity, and grants upstream bandwidth allocations in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated handshake intervals during data transfer, reducing latency from 1.5×RTT per packet to a single upfront allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic bandwidth preallocation that adapts to varying traffic demands. The gateway evaluates available capacity dynamically and adjusts allocations based on real-time system conditions, allowing flexible resource distribution among multiple subscribers rather than fixed capacity allocation.
3Productivity
If preallocation of upstream resources is implemented, then wait times are reduced and scheduling efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a preallocation request message format with Type-Length-Value (TLV) fields as an intermediary mechanism between terminals and the gateway. This standardized message structure facilitates efficient communication of bandwidth requirements without requiring complex proprietary protocols, balancing functionality with implementation simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
In a data over satellite system, preallocation of upstream channel resources is provided by a scheduler at the gateway satellite modem termination system (SMTS) in response from the user terminal, wherein the user terminal detects web browser and/or bulk transfers involving large amounts of data transfer from users via the upstream channel. A type length value (TLV) field is included with data packets transmitted to the gateway SMTS, at which excess transfer capability is allocated to the user terminal in anticipation of load requirements.