Data Transmission Protocol for UAV Link Switchover Delay Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current command and control (C2) link systems experience delays in user data transmission due to extra message exchanges during link switching, especially critical for low latency unmanned aerial vehicle operations, and rely on static industry-standard estimates for link transmission characteristics which can exacerbate delays.
Innovation Solution
A data transmission protocol that dynamically adjusts segment size and transmission characteristics based on new link conditions, embedding link switch information in data packets and using link performance statistics to minimize delay during link switchovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If media change indication messages are exchanged between communication peers for link switchover, then link switching can be executed, but the switchover duration increases and user data transmission is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the link switchover indication with user data packets by embedding the indication in the segmentation header of existing data segments. This merging eliminates the need for separate media change indication messages, allowing link switchover to be triggered without additional message exchanges, thereby reducing switchover duration while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation header is given multi-functionality by serving both its original purpose of indicating data segmentation and the new purpose of carrying link switchover indications. This universal approach allows a single data structure to perform multiple functions, eliminating the need for dedicated switchover messages and reducing overall communication overhead
2Ease of manufacture
If static industry standard estimates are used for link transmission characteristics, then implementation is simplified, but transmission delay increases due to inappropriate block size and lifetime settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of link transmission characteristics by allowing the sender to specify segment size and lifetime based on current link conditions rather than using static industry standards. The receiver adapts to these dynamic parameters, enabling optimal transmission settings that reduce delay while maintaining implementation feasibility through structured negotiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameters (block size, lifetime) from fixed industry standard values to variable values that are negotiated and adapted based on actual link conditions. This parameter flexibility allows the system to optimize for low latency when needed while maintaining simplicity through structured parameter exchange in the segmentation headers
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing delay during a link switchover is disclosed. The method comprises determining whether transmission of data in progress is a segmented data transmission, and detecting whether there is a link switchover. If there is a link switchover, the method generates new link characteristic header information for a data packet, and determines a segmentation of the data packet based on the new link characteristic header information. The method then generates segmentation header information for the data packet, and transmits the data packet over a current link.