Heuristic solutions for satellite link expansion

First, the heuristic algorithm for optimal sizing of N satellite capacity types, on the LES (land Earth station) side of the link, is compared with an algorithm based on an exact approach. In all numerical test-examples for a mobile network with predicted traffic demands, the best possible result is achieved. Next, we test some heuristic options using various limitations for capacity state values. Only if we apply an adequate heuristic option can we ensure both significant improvement of QoS (quality of service) for capacity availability and minimal capacity expansion cost. It means that our heuristic approach can be successfully applied to short-term or medium-term satellite network planning with a finite number of discrete time periods.