Session Duration Between Handovers in Dense LEO Satellite Networks

Abstract

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations offer superior low latency performance and excellent signal power, however because of satellites inherent fast relative movement, frequent handovers are necessary for maintaining a continuous connection in such constellations. This letter lays an analytic method for estimating the session duration between two consecutive handovers which is an important design parameter that impacts the overall network performance. We focus on recent LEO networks where, due to their high density, it is possible to analytically capture the bounds of their performance using tractable tools from stochastic geometry. The letter studies two possible physical handover mechanisms and compares the analytic results with well-design practical network deployments.