Efficient, flexible, scalable inter-satellite networking

Abstract

Satellite networks pose challenging requirements on the MAC sub-layer to provide flexible, scalable and efficient cross-links between satellites' communication modules. A high throughput, robust and peer-to-peer MAC protocol is introduced to inexpensively address the challenging requirements of satellite networks. In a single-radio solution, the problem of providing high network capacity for nearby satellites while maintaining links with those that are 100s of Km away is not solved with existing MAC protocols. A dual-range, dual-mode MAC and a UWB PHY is proposed that proves to solve this problem easily while maintaining flexibility and scalability to be suitable to any satellite mission. A hybrid Frequency-time division multiple access gives the system the ability to reuse available RF spectrum efficiently for long-range, power-limited links.