QoS-based routing methods for multi-hop LEO satellite networks

We propose QoS-based routing methods for multi-hop LEO satellite networks aiming at minimising the number of link handovers per connection, while at the same time satisfying the QoS requirements. For the representation of the network topology as well as for the minimisation of connection re-routing attempts due to the connectivity changes, a graph-theoretical approach is used, where a new metric for inter-satellite links, called lifetime, is introduced. In addition to a QoS-based routing strategy where the best feasible path is found under multiple constraints, e.g. lifetime and delay, we also propose a distributed QoS-routing strategy, where a choice between a number of selected paths can be made based on particular QoS requirements