A novel distributed dynamic routing algorithm in LEO/MEO satellite networks

The survivability disadvantage and remarkable performance decline due to unpredictable intersatellite links (ISLs) failure in offline routing algorithms are first analyzed as well as the reason why the conventional routing algorithms cannot be directly applied to the satellite networks. Then, a novel distributed routing algorithm in low earth orbit/medium earth orbit (LEO/MEO) satellite networks, namely link reversal algorithm, is proposed. This algorithm optimizes the routing strategy based on the periodicity and predictability of the satellite movement, and automatically adjusts the routes to avoid the faulty links when some ISLs are shut down unpredictably. The simulation and analysis result based on the LEONET shows that comparing with the conventional algorithms, the link reversal algorithm provides smaller costs in packets overhead and converges faster.