Routing, Power an‎d Modulation Order Assignment in Laser Inter-satellite Networks

3/17/2027 12:00:00 AM

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks based on optical inter-satellite links (OISLs) are a key infrastructure for future high-speed communications. However, the inherent dynamics of these networks—including rapid satellite movement, time-varying topology, an‎d optical link constraints—pose significant challenges for the design of efficient routing algorithms. In this research, a routing framework is proposed that simultaneously considers topology dynamics, channel quality, an‎d operational link constraints. Inter-satellite links are classified into permanent an‎d temporary categories, each with a distinct channel model based on path loss an‎d pointing error. An adaptive modulation an‎d power selec‎tion mechanism maximizes spectral efficiency while ensuring a target bit error rate threshold an‎d minimizing energy consumption. The main novelty of this research is a link-aware setup delay model: a temporary link incurs a setup cost only upon its first activation within consecutive time slots, reflecting the pointing, acquisition, an‎d tracking (PAT) process. The routing problem, with the objective of minimizing end-to-end delay under link capacity constraints, is solved using a heuristic N-try Dijkstra algorithm with bottleneck penalty. An intelligent rerouting mechanism also ensures the continuity of long-term flows against topology changes. Simulation results on a Starlink-like constellation show that: Increasing the number of temporary links improves topological flexibility but limits power consumption reduction due to the higher SNR margins required. Higher setup delay discourages the use of temporary links, leading to longer paths an‎d increased blocking rates. Under high traffic load, the proposed algorithm significantly reduces the blocking rate compared to single-try routing approaches.

ّشبكه هاي ماهواره اي مدار پايين زمين , لينك هاي بين ماهواره اي نوري , مسيريابي پويا , لينك موقت , تخصيص توان و مدولاسيون تطبيقي , تاخير راه اندازي , استارلينك

LEO satellite networks , optical inter-satellite links , dynamic routing , temporary link , adaptive modulation an‎d power allocation , setup delay , Starlink

Elina Shahri

S. Alireza Nezamalhosseini