Analysis on connectivity of inter-orbit-links in a MEO/LEO double-layer satellite network

Abstract

As an important scheme of future global mobile satellite communication systems to provide multimedia service, a double-layer satellite network (DLSN) with MEO and LEO satellites is proposed. The inter-orbit-links (IOLs) between layers is an essential factor, which affects performances of the DLSN systems. In this paper, considering certain constellation parameters, geometric characteristics of IOLs are described and the connectivity of MEO satellites and LEO satellites in the DLSN is analyzed. By computer simulation, results show that IOLs should be selectively established according to certain parameters rather than the simple in-sight principle.