An integrated routing and data fragmentation strategy for optimizing end-to-end delay in LEO satellite networks

With the advent of the digital era, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, as a critical communication infrastructure, have gradually become a key component of global communication networks due to their extensive coverage and high reliability. However, the dynamic topological nature and frequent link disruptions inherent in LEO satellite networks pose significant challenges to traditional routing algorithms. To address this issue, this paper proposes an innovative satellite network routing strategy that integrates time slicing and contact graph models. This strategy divides time into multiple segments, dynamically acquiring topological information for each segment and selecting the optimal set of routing paths based on the topology at each given moment. Furthermore, this paper introduces a strategy that combines routing selection with data fragmentation, optimizing data transmission paths through an efficient data allocation mechanism, which significantly reduces end-to-end delay and improves data transmission efficiency. Simulation results show that the proposed strategy not only optimizes routing but also enhances load balancing and routing utilization, while achieving a substantial reduction in end-to-end delay. The contributions of this work provide novel insights into routing and traffic management in LEO satellite networks and offer valuable support for the optimization of future satellite communication systems.