Virtualized Vehicle Networks for Reliable and Secure Data Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for effective communication systems that can convey various types of data between command and control electronic circuitry and other systems in aerial vehicles, while ensuring reliable and secure data transmission.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a combination of physical and virtual communications networks, where data of different types is communicated using distinct communications protocols between command and control electronic circuitry and other systems within the aerial vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple types of data are communicated using distinct communications protocols, then data reliability and security are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system segments different data types into separate virtual networks, each with dedicated protocols optimized for specific purposes (e.g., command and control data vs. telemetry data). This segmentation allows each data stream to use appropriate security and reliability settings without compromising other data types, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive data handling and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A virtualization layer acts as an intermediary between the physical communication infrastructure and various data communication requirements. This virtual network manager abstracts the complexity of multiple protocols and physical networks, presenting simplified interfaces to different system components while maintaining underlying protocol diversity for optimized data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If virtualized communications networks are implemented, then communication flexibility and adaptability are improved, but network configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication adaptabilityVSAvoidnetwork configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual network manager provides universal functionality for managing multiple communication protocols and physical networks through a single unified interface. This multi-functional system can dynamically configure, monitor, and switch between different virtual networks without requiring separate configuration mechanisms for each protocol type, thereby improving adaptability while managing configuration complexity centrally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system dynamically adapts network configurations based on real-time operational requirements. Virtual networks can be created, modified, or routed dynamically without manual reconfiguration of physical infrastructure. This dynamic provisioning allows the system to respond flexibly to changing mission requirements while the virtualization layer handles the complexity of underlying physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If separate virtual networks are used for different data types, then data security and confidentiality are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments communication channels into separate virtual networks isolated from each other. Command and control data travels through one virtual network with dedicated security protocols, while telemetry and positioning data use separate networks. This segmentation contains security breaches within specific virtual boundaries and prevents lateral movement of malicious data, improving overall system security without requiring complex security measures across the entire network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual network manager serves as a security intermediary that enforces isolation policies between different virtual networks. It manages authentication, authorization, and data routing between segmented networks, providing centralized security control without requiring complex distributed security implementations at each network node. This intermediary layer simplifies the architecture by centralizing security functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12348426B2Systems and methods for communicating with a vehicle utilizing a virtualized and logical communications network
Publication Date: 2025.07.01 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • US12348426B2 patent drawing
  • US12348426B2 patent drawing
  • US12348426B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques are disclosed of forming communications links with a vehicle, where each of at least two communication links are formed through different virtual and logical communications networks operated on a physical communications network.