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
Engineering 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
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.
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.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtualized communications networks are implemented, then communication flexibility and adaptability are improved, but network configuration complexity increases
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Data Source
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.


