A Distributed Link Assignment (Reconstitution) Algorithm for Space-Based SDI Networks

This paper examines the link assignment problem for a mid-course, space-based SDI architecture. A network link assignment algorithm is responsible for determining the network connectivity by finding schedules for establishing and disconnecting high bandwidth satellite crosslinks that use directional antennas. Our algorithm is designed to recover from predictable link outages as well as massive failures. To minimize computational time complexity we are implementing heuristics to allow "good" topologies to be found with a reasonable amount of computation. The algorithm is designed to emphasize robustness in stressed environments and therefore, to handle multiple failures. In addition, if a massive outage disconnects the network into multiple islands that do not communicate, it always reconnects these islands into a single network when physically possible. Initial simulation results are presented and future directions for this research are discussed.