Inter-layer Topology Design for IGSO/MEO Double-Layered Satellite Network with the Consideration of Beam Coverage

Abstract

Due to the relative orbiting of IGSO satellites and MEO satellites in IGSO/MEO double-layered satellite network, the inter-layer links of the IGSO/MEO double-layered satellite network need to be dynamically switched, resulting in dynamic changes of the satellite network topology. Traditional interlayer link establishment strategies are generally low -orbit-centric and assume that the number of inter-layer links equipped on high-orbit satellites is not limited. Moreover, the beam coverage constraints are often not considered. Therefore, traditional inter-layer link establishment strategies are hard to apply in practice. In this paper, the conditions for establishing the inter-layer links are first formulated for the IGSO/MEO double-layer satellite network with the consideration of beam coverage. Then, an inter-layer link establishment strategy which is high-orbit-centric is proposed where we assume that the high-orbit satellite has only one inter-layer link and uses this as a premise to establish the inter-layer links. Finally, the inter-layer link establishment strategy is simulated and analyzed, and the inter-layer link establishment strategy which is high-orbit-centric is visualized.