Hybrid (satellite and terrestrial) communication networks: object oriented generic tools for simulation and management

The authors describe a generic object-oriented software environment for the simulation and management of hybrid communication networks (satellite and terrestrial), currently under development. Referred to as a systems engineering workstation for hybrid networks, the environment will have the capability to model such networks in a totally object-oriented way and link to network performance evaluation modules. Satellites are treated both as electronic/mechanical systems and as communication nodes. Great flexibility is allowed in defining the various components of the satellite, including its type, onboard processing capabilities, bandwidth, multiple access scheme, and linkage to terrestrial networks. The authors show the system´s flexibility in studying combined adaptive routing and access for large, hybrid voice-data networks