A modified 802.11 protocol applicated in space wireless local area network

Using satellite tool kit software, this paper is concerned with topology of low earth orbit satellite formation. Triangular formation and circular formation are both designed here to analyze their characteristics of inter-satellite link. After deep studying on current IEEE 802.11 protocols, this paper presents an improved protocol which adapts to space wireless area network composed of small low earth orbit satellite. The novel protocol can realize quick response and high-level connectedness. Aiming to triangular satellite formation, the optimization steps are proposed in the paper. Through adjusting the key parameters of physical layer and data link layer in IEEE 802.11, the protocol decreases the Media Access Control delay and improves the throughput.