Satellite User Mobility via VXLAN and MPLS Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional satellite systems with time-varying user-satellite and satellite-ground Ethernet links require complex dynamic routing protocols, imposing routing protocol requirements on user devices, ground terminals, and terrestrial internet service providers, which complicates user mobility and subnet advertisement.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method that transmits IP data packets encapsulated in Ethernet frames through a series of virtual extensible local area network (VXLAN) and multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) layers, enabling user mobility without dynamic routing protocols by using layer 2 (L2) overlays and wide area network (WAN) L2 virtual private networks (VPNs), allowing seamless handovers between satellites and ground terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic routing protocols are used to advertise user subnets when user devices attach to each gateway, then user mobility can be supported, but the system complexity increases and routing protocol requirements are imposed on user devices, ground terminals, and terrestrial internet service providers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary component that centralizes the routing protocol processing and subnet advertisement functions. Instead of requiring user devices, ground terminals, and ISPs to run routing protocols, the network controller acts as a mediator that handles all routing decisions and advertisements, thereby supporting user mobility while eliminating the complexity from distributed devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the routing protocol requirements from the distributed system components (user devices, ground terminals, ISPs) and consolidates them into a centralized network controller. This extraction removes the burden of running routing protocols from edge devices and transfers it to a dedicated control plane entity, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ground terminals make configuration changes to advertise appropriate IP subnets, then user mobility is enabled, but the configuration and operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where the network controller automatically performs subnet advertisement and routing configuration without requiring manual intervention from ground terminal operators. The controller monitors user device attachments and dynamically advertises appropriate subnets through routing protocols, enabling user mobility through automated self-service operations rather than manual configuration changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If routing protocols are imposed on terrestrial internet service providers, then user mobility can be maintained across different networks, but the operational complexity and requirements for ISPs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller serves as an intermediary between the satellite communication system and terrestrial ISPs, handling all routing protocol interactions. This allows ISPs to participate in the mobile network without directly implementing routing protocols, as the controller manages the protocol operations and translates between different network domains, thereby maintaining network interoperability while simplifying ISP operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for user mobility in a system with time-varying user-satellite and satellite-ground Ethernet links are disclosed. In some embodiments, A method for user mobility in a satellite system comprises transmitting, by a user device, a first signal comprising internet protocol (IP) data packets encapsulated in an Ethernet frame to a satellite. The method further comprises transmitting, by the satellite, a second signal comprising the IP data packets encapsulated in the Ethernet frame to a ground modem of a ground terminal. Further, the method comprises transmitting, by the ground modem, a third signal comprising the IP data packets encapsulated in the Ethernet frame to a default gateway, which is associated with user device, of a customer ground location via a virtual Ethernet switch. The virtual Ethernet switch utilizes one of a layer two (L2) overlay or a wide area network (WAN) L2 virtual private network (VPN) implementation.