Comparative Handover Performance Analysis of MIPv6 and FMIPv6 in LEO Satellite Networks

Terrestrial networks are different from LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite networks with highly frequent handovers and larger propagation distances. Hence, the IP-based mobile protocols proposed by IETF can't be extended to LEO satellite networks directly. In this paper, we analyze and compare MIPv6 (Mobile Ipv6) and FMIPv6 (Fast Mobile IPv6) with the handover prediction and buffering mechanisms in LEO satel-lite network. The handover model of LEO satellite networks is built and the performance of MIPv6 and FMIPv6 is analyzed and in terms of handover latency, packet loss and forwarding cost. The numerical results indicate that FMIPv6 outperforms MIPv6 in terms of handover latency and packet loss by em-ploying handover prediction and forwarding mechanisms, but FMIPv6 will cause the forwarding cost. Moreover, we can get an ideal mobility management protocol by combining the cost and respective profits with a certain tradeoff of the performance critenas discussed in this paper.