A multi-constraint optimal routing algorithm in LEO satellite networks

The LEO satellite network is an important part of the communication network, among which the inter-satellite link (ISL) undertakes the main data transmission task. The routing technology in LEO constellation is an important technical component of the satellite communication system. However, the design of ISL routing algorithm is not easy. It is necessary to consider the relative motion between satellites, the data transmission capacity of nodes and the reliability of links. Moreover, the algorithm should be adaptive to face all kinds of emergencies. Based on the above considerations, this paper proposes a multi-constraint optimal routing algorithm (MCORA) in LEO satellite networks. By analyzing various parameters that may affect data transmission, the link selection problem is transformed into a multi-constraint optimal problem. In order to avoid getting trapped in local optimal solution during path finding, an improved ant colony algorithm is proposed. So MCORA not only considers the optimal link selection but also considers the reliability and load balancing of the whole network. Simulation results show that the MCORA scheme obtains better link performance, indicating the proposed routing algorithm is feasible.