Virtual topology dynamics and handover mechanisms in Earth-fixed LEO satellite systems

KORÇAK Ö., ALAGÖZ F.

COMPUTER NETWORKS, vol.53, no.9, pp.1497-1511, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 53 Issue: 9
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.comnet.2009.01.010
  • Journal Name: COMPUTER NETWORKS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1497-1511
  • Keywords: Earth-fixed satellite systems, Virtual topology, Virtual node, Handover mechanisms, Soft handover, ROUTING ALGORITHM
  • Marmara University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Handling network mobility in a highly dynamic LEO satellite network is a critical issue to achieve seamless and efficient integration of satellite and terrestrial networks. In Earth-fixed satellite systems, this task could be simplified by representing the network with a more static virtual topology. Virtual node (VN) approach is widely explored in satellite networks research; however, it has some deficiencies due to necessity of one-to-one correspondence between virtual nodes and physical satellites. In this work, a generic virtual topology model, namely multi-state virtual network (MSVN) architecture that alleviates these deficiencies, is proposed. A new mathematical model for MSVN is introduced along with its potential contribution to the overall system availability. Furthermore, possible handover mechanisms in Earth-fixed satellite systems are investigated, and new efficient handover mechanisms for both VN-based systems and MSVN-based systems are proposed. Comparing the handover mechanisms, we conclude with the benefits of using an MSVN-based Earth-fixed satellite system. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.