Performance Analysis of Dynamic Routing Algorithms in an IRIDIUM-Like Low Earth Orbit Satellite System

摘要

This research presents a first of its kind comparative analysis of the Extended Bellman-Ford and Darting algorithms, using the Iridium low earth orbit (LEO) satellite system configuration for the simulation environment. The algorithms are compared to one another via discrete-event computer simulation and evaluated based on their ability to route real-time voice communications under low, medium, and high network loading conditions. The algorithms' ability to meet real-time voice constraints is evaluated with a full and degraded satellite constellation using an algorithmic satellite removal method. The investigation results indicate that both algorithms are suitable for use in a LEO environment and are capable of meeting the real-time voice communications requirements as long as a load-balancing mechanism is in place to route traffic around heavily loaded satellites. The results also indicate that the Iridium system is robust, capable of meeting the real-time voice constraints even when the constellation is degraded.