Method and apparatus for predictive QoS routing for broad band low earth satellite networks

摘要

A predictive routing scheme for broad band Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations is presented. The predictive routing scheme may be used to provide Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees for both Constant Bit-Rate (CBR) and Variable Bit-Rate (VBR) traffic types. The predictive routing scheme takes advantage of the predictable qualities of a LEO constellation, such as constant satellite footprint, constant satellite velocity, and predictable satellite trajectory. By using this information, combined with satellite-fixed cells which are divided into a set of equal-sized slots, along with user information such as the location of each particular user as well as the geographic concentrations of user traffic, each satellite may cooperate with surrounding satellites which have recently passed through the area into which they are entering, in order to receive predictive information regarding their future load. The information for each of the individual satellites may be used in order to determine a set of possible routes for new calls based on the predictive information regarding the future load distribution on the network. The predictive routing scheme utilizes a cost function in order to determine an optimal set of routes that maximizes the amount of unused bandwidth of the network, while still providing the required QoS guarantees.