Analysis of queuing delay in optical space network on LEO satellite constellations

Low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations using laser inter-satellite links (ISLs) are recognized as a promising technology to provide global broadband network services. In this paper, the queuing delay model of an optical space network built on LEO satellite constellations is established. It is assumed that the optical space network employs wavelength division multiplexing ISLs with wavelength routing technology to communication satellites and makes routing decisions. With consideration of the network task characterizations such as distribution of task arrival time and task holding duration, simulation experiment results are analyzed and the expression of optical space network queuing delay is given. Both theoretical analysis and simulation results show that features of queuing delay vary with distribution characterizations of the network tasks. It is hoped that the study can be helpful to evaluate the design of constellation networking.