Dynamic Traffic Class Pool Sizing for Satellite Bandwidth Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite communications systems face challenges in dynamically allocating limited bandwidth to terminals with varying priority levels and traffic types, as existing systems often rely on static allocation methods that fail to adapt to changing bandwidth needs and quality of service metrics.
Innovation Solution
A satellite communications system that dynamically allocates uplink bandwidth among traffic classes and assigns resources to terminals based on bandwidth obligations, including minimum sustained rate, committed information rate, and requested information rate, using policies such as Proportional, Weighted Proportional, Fair Share, and Weighted Fair Share to ensure fair resource distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static bandwidth allocation is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing bandwidth needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation where the satellite controller continuously monitors bandwidth requests from terminals and adjusts resource allocation in real-time based on changing traffic conditions, terminal priorities, and quality of service metrics, transforming the static allocation system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying bandwidth demands
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where terminals send bandwidth requests and the satellite controller receives quality of service metrics, processes this information, and adjusts bandwidth allocation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously optimizes resource distribution based on actual system performance and demand
2Reliability
If bandwidth is allocated to meet all terminal requests, then quality of service is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates when resources are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different allocation strategies to different traffic classes and terminals based on their specific requirements, priorities, and quality of service agreements, rather than using a uniform allocation approach, allowing critical traffic to receive guaranteed bandwidth while best-effort traffic shares remaining resources
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes allocation parameters such as bandwidth amounts, priority levels, and quality of service metrics based on current system conditions, terminal needs, and resource availability, enabling flexible adjustment of resource distribution to optimize both service fulfillment and efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic bandwidth allocation is implemented, then adaptability to bandwidth requests is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth allocation process into distinct components including traffic class identification, priority-based scheduling, quality of service metric evaluation, and resource assignment, allowing each component to be processed independently and simplifying the overall complex allocation task
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite controller acts as an intermediary that receives bandwidth requests from terminals, processes them through quality of service policies, and translates them into resource allocation decisions, mediating between terminal demands and available satellite resources while managing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Novel satellite communications systems, methods, and related devices are described. In some embodiments, a satellite communications system is configured to dynamically allocate bandwidth to terminals. Such a system may be made up of a satellite in communication with terminals (e.g., user terminals or gateways). The satellite or a Network Control Center (NCC) may receive and compile bandwidth request data from the terminals. In each of a series of one or more epochs, and according to the bandwidth requests, the satellite and/or NCC may allocate carrier group resources to particular traffic classes. The assignment of allocated resources to particular terminals is also described.