Implementation and analysis of networking protocols for low earth orbit satellite formation network

Abstract

In this paper, the key IEEE 802.11 optimization techniques, which are aimed at extending the terrestrial wireless network to space to realize the communication among the satellite formation, are mainly investigated. Optimization approaches such as IEEE 802.11 inter-frame re-definitions, the integration of smart antennas with the MAC protocol and the adapting minimum contention window are proposed in this paper. Formation flying presented in this paper and the key technologies such as orbit distribution, coverage of constellation and the variable inter-satellite links are also analyzed.1