Analysis of basic system parameters of communication networks based on low earth orbit satellites

Currently many efforts are undertaken to develop and install communication networks based on low earth orbit (LEO) and intermediate circular orbit (ICO) satellites. However, many problems are to be solved until the final operation of such networks. This paper deals with basic design problems of LEO/ICO-based networks. In the first part, estimates for the necessary number of satellites, orbits and number of communication channels per satellite are derived. Since the latter is a crucial quantity, the number of communication links and channels per link are derived with a more elaborate model in the second part of the paper. This includes the radio links from the satellites to mobile users and to gateways, as well as intersatellite links and terrestrial lines. We introduce a formal model for LEO/ICO-based networks and propose a method for the evaluation of link capacities, given the network topology and the traffic requirements. As an example, two constellations are investigated in detail. One of these constellations is the IRIDIUM system proposed by Motorola.