A hierarchical autonomous system based space information network architecture and topology control

SIN (Space Information Network) has recently emerged as a promising approach to solving the collaboration difficulty among current space programs. However, because of the SIN’s large scale, high component complexity, and dynamic characteristics, designing a proper SIN architecture is challenging. Firstly, we propose a novel SIN architecture, which is composed of GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit) satellites as backbone network nodes, LEO (Low Earth Orbit) or other types of satellites as enhanced coverage nodes, and high-altitude platforms to meet the service requirements of emergency or hotspot applications. Unlike most existing studies, the proposed architecture is AS (Autonomous-System) based. We decouple the complex SIN into simpler sub-networks using a hierarchical AS model. Then, we propose a topology control algorithm to minimize the time delay among sub-AS networks. We prove that the proposed algorithm achieves logical k-connectivity provided that the original physical topology has k-connectivity. Simulation results validate the theoretic analysis and effectiveness of the algorithm.