Enhancing LEO Mega-Constellations with Inter-Satellite Links: Vision and Challenges

Fuente: arXiv
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Hauptverfasser: Wu, Chenyu, Han, Shuai, Chen, Qian, Wang, Yu, Meng, Weixiao, Benslimane, Abderrahim
Format: Preprint
Veröffentlicht: 2024
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author Wu, Chenyu
Han, Shuai
Chen, Qian
Wang, Yu
Meng, Weixiao
Benslimane, Abderrahim
author_facet Wu, Chenyu
Han, Shuai
Chen, Qian
Wang, Yu
Meng, Weixiao
Benslimane, Abderrahim
contents Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites have been envisioned as a significant component of the sixth generation (6G) network architecture for achieving ubiquitous coverage and seamless access. However, the implementation of LEO satellites is largely restricted by the deployment of ground stations. Inter-satellite links (ISLs) have been regarded as a promising technique to fully exploit the potentials of LEO mega constellations by concatenating multiple satellites to constitute an autonomous space network. In this article, we present the merits of implementing ISLs in LEO mega constellations and the representative applications empowered/inspired by ISLs. Moreover, we outline several key technical challenges as well as potential solutions related to LEO satellite networks with ISLs, including performance analysis for system design, routing and load balancing, and resource allocation. Particularly, the potential of using ISLs in enhancing in-flight connectivity is showcased with a preliminary performance evaluation. Finally, some open issues are discussed to inspire future research.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2406_05078
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Enhancing LEO Mega-Constellations with Inter-Satellite Links: Vision and Challenges
Wu, Chenyu
Han, Shuai
Chen, Qian
Wang, Yu
Meng, Weixiao
Benslimane, Abderrahim
Information Theory
Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites have been envisioned as a significant component of the sixth generation (6G) network architecture for achieving ubiquitous coverage and seamless access. However, the implementation of LEO satellites is largely restricted by the deployment of ground stations. Inter-satellite links (ISLs) have been regarded as a promising technique to fully exploit the potentials of LEO mega constellations by concatenating multiple satellites to constitute an autonomous space network. In this article, we present the merits of implementing ISLs in LEO mega constellations and the representative applications empowered/inspired by ISLs. Moreover, we outline several key technical challenges as well as potential solutions related to LEO satellite networks with ISLs, including performance analysis for system design, routing and load balancing, and resource allocation. Particularly, the potential of using ISLs in enhancing in-flight connectivity is showcased with a preliminary performance evaluation. Finally, some open issues are discussed to inspire future research.
title Enhancing LEO Mega-Constellations with Inter-Satellite Links: Vision and Challenges
topic Information Theory
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.05078