SYSC 4907

CSE	SE	Comm	Biomed	EE	Aero	Special
Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No

Description

Project Context: Satellite Networking is a fast-growing dynamic field that has become increasingly important in recent years. Massive satellite constellations are currently being built in low Earth orbit (Starlink, Kuiper, OneWeb etc.), and this new network type encounters challenges that do not exist in traditional terrestrial based networks. Due to the mobility of LEO satellites, satellite to ground station as well as inter-satellite links appear and disappear very rapidly. In addition, satellites have limited on-board processing power and limited battery energy which raises an energy-efficient management framework. This necessitates the development of new protocols and network architecture solutions to allow for these new networks to provide critical services such as internet access to remote and rural areas to connect the unconnected which is a significant objective in the Canadian geographical context. In addition to that, along with LEO mega-constellation based giant companies like Starlink, Telesat, Kuiper etc., the ICT industries and research communities are currently working towards the integration of terrestrial and satellite networks. This integrated network will provide internet access for 6G and beyond generations to not only remote but also densely populated areas. Project Description: To develop these protocols and network architecture solution, an accurate simulation model of the network behavior must be developed. This necessitates modelling the parameters such as the dynamic satellite network topology, network node behavior and network traffic. The proposed project would involve developing a network simulator using MATLAB and Simulink that will enable the modelling of satellite networks and specific events such as network failure and possible congestion scenarios. MATLAB can be used to generate today’s satellite mega-constellations like SpaceX’s Starlink, Telesat’s Lightspeed, etc. This network topology is to be used in Simulink as an input. In the network, a satellite will operate like a router. In this regard, different router architectures can be explored in terms of performance metrics like delay, congestion, reliability, latency-jitter etc. Link failure is one of the challenges that future satellite networks need to address. Handling link failures is crucial for reliable and seamless internet access. Modelling such failures, designing efficient routing algorithms, and how different satellite (router) architectures are behaving is a crucial study. Machine learning models can be integrated if time permits with these models to predict an event such as congestion that can be used for a better routing decision.

Prerequisites:

Interest and passion for learn about satellite mega-constellations.

Keywords:

Satellite communications and networks, mega-constellations, LEO, Starlink