Research on Handover Strategy of LEO Satellite Network

In the low earth orbit satellite network, since the running speed of low earth orbit satellites is much higher than the average speed of mobile users, users frequently switch. It is necessary to solve the problem of how to find the best switching satellite and how to effectively use the limited channels, so as to improve the service quality of users. In this paper, the current situation of switching strategies in satellite networks is analyzed, and the applicability of existing beam switching strategies and inter-satellite switching strategies for channel allocation and how to find the best switching target satellite in satellite-ground integrated networks is explored. The development and challenges of switching strategies in LEO satellite networks are also analyzed.

I. Introduction

Low Earth orbit satellites (LEO) are distributed in low-altitude orbits 500 -1500 km from the ground, compared with geostationary orbit satellites (GEO), LEO satellites have lower propagation delay and signal attenuation. The reduced propagation delay realizes real-time communication and higher throughput, and relieves power demand [1]. Therefore, it is generally believed that the LEO satellite network will play an important role in the future communication system. On the other hand, smaller LEO satellites and larger LEO satellite constellations have become the main development trend, which can not only reduce production costs, but also achieve multi-satellite coverage and increase system capacity.