End-to-end packet delays in LEO satellite constellations

Abstract

Satellite systems are part of the global communication system and considerable differ from ground communications networks (such as fixed, mobile, and wireless data networks) mainly in a quality of transmission links. From transmission delays point of view the low earth orbit satellite systems (from all satellite systems) can only compete with ground systems. This contribution is oriented into the analysis and comparison of selected low earth orbit satellite constellations. The satellite constellations investigated here differ in orbital plane inclination, position of the end user terminals and availability of cross-seam intersatellite links. The comparison is mainly realized based on the end-to-end transmission delays.