On routing protocols in inter-satellite communications

Abstract

Low earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks offer broadcasting to remote places or places at the time of natural or human-caused calamities. LEO satellites are preferable in a real-time communication compared to e.g. geostationary satellites due to smaller propagation delay and packet loss. Inter-satellite communication may further reduce the end-to-end delay between two terrestrial nodes. Routing of the networks will play a crucial role in optimizing the potential capacity of the network. We present and analyze a simple ALOHA type routing protocol for inter-satellite links in a satellite network.