Channel-Aware Scheduling algorithms with Channel Prediction for reliable multicast data transmission over geostationary satellite networks

In this paper, real-time channel prediction (RTChP) technique is implemented with channel-aware scheduling algorithms to increase decision accuracy at the scheduler. The channel-aware scheduler receives feedback messages in the form of channel state information (CSI) from the terminals via reservation slots in the return link. In the face of reliable multicast transmission, the channel-aware scheduler aims to reduce the number of packets received in error at the terminals. As a consequence, additional retransmission passes can be decreased, resulting in higher resource utilization in the forward link and reduced session delay. Simulation results are presented with considerations of a channel-aware scheduling (CAS) algorithm. From simulation results, RTChP increases performance gain when a lower number of terminals are considered. However, when the scenario involves more terminals, the prediction technique is ineffective and its performance deteriorates. Essentially, the RTChP implemented at the scheduler is useful only for small multicast group.