Virtualized Medium Access Architecture for Agile SATCOM Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SATCOM ecosystems are rigid and inflexible, making them unsuitable for the rapidly changing environment brought about by new satellite technologies, which require an integrated, flexible, and adaptable system to maximize capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable infrastructure system comprising a networked cloud of edge computing infrastructure, cloud computing infrastructure, virtual appliances, edge devices, and medium controllers, utilizing Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) to dynamically deploy virtual networks and medium access functions, enabling flexibility and agility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If monolithic purpose-built proprietary hardware and waveforms are used, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monolithic hardware system into separate functional components: physical layer functions are handled by edge devices and medium controllers, while network layer functions are virtualized as software components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - hardware for reliability, software for adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces proprietary mechanical hardware systems with virtualized software systems. Network functions that were traditionally implemented in dedicated hardware are now implemented as virtual network functions (VNFs) that can be dynamically deployed and reconfigured, providing both reliability through virtualization and adaptability through software flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If rigid proprietary hardware systems are deployed, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal infrastructure where a single set of physical hardware components (edge devices, medium controllers) can support multiple network functions through virtualization. This universal platform simplifies manufacturing by using standardized hardware while improving ease of operation through software-defined flexibility and dynamic reconfiguration capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtualized medium access functions are deployed, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtualization layers as intermediaries between the physical hardware and network functions. This virtualization infrastructure (including the virtualized medium access control system) manages the complexity by providing standardized interfaces and abstraction layers, allowing adaptability through software while hiding the underlying hardware complexity from users.
4Productivity
If dynamic reconfiguration is enabled, then productivity is improved, but loss of time during transitions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through the ability to pre-configure and prepare virtual network functions before they are needed. The virtualized medium access control system can be pre-provisioned with configuration templates and resource allocations, allowing rapid deployment and reconfiguration with minimal actual transition time when changes are required.
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable infrastructure system comprising a networked cloud of edge computing infrastructure, cloud computing infrastructure, at least one virtual appliance, at least one edge device, and at least one medium controller.