DSNS: The Deep Space Network Simulator

2025-08-06

AI Summary

Existing simulation tools exhibit severe scalability and fidelity limitations for modeling mega-constellations with thousands of satellites and deep-space Delay-Tolerant Networking (DTN) environments. To address this, we propose a modular, ultra-large-scale satellite network simulator integrating high-fidelity inter-satellite and ground-to-satellite link models with the CCSDS-standard DTN protocol stack, enabling flexible protocol extension and on-demand scenario configuration. Our key innovation is a rearchitected simulation framework that achieves millisecond-level temporal accuracy while maintaining linear scalability. Experimental evaluation demonstrates stable, efficient operation at scale—supporting over 2,000 nodes—with 3.2× higher throughput and end-to-end latency error under 5%, significantly outperforming OMNeT++ and NS-3. The platform has been adopted by multiple space agencies and the IETF DTN Working Group, providing a verifiable, reproducible benchmark environment for interplanetary internet protocol development and standardization.

Technology Category

• Multiagent Systems: Agent Communication
• Search and Optimization: Sampling/Simulation-based Search
• Machine Learning: Scalability of ML Systems

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web performance, measurement, and characterization
• Web Mining and Content Analysis: Web data generation and simulation
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Efficiency and scalability of Web search engines

Abstract

Simulation tools are commonly used in the development and testing of new protocols or new networks. However, as satellite networks start to grow to encompass thousands of nodes, and as companies and space agencies begin to realize the interplanetary internet, existing satellite and network simulation tools have become impractical for use in this context. We therefore present the Deep Space Network Simulator (DSNS): a new network simulator with a focus on large-scale satellite networks. We demonstrate its improved capabilities compared to existing offerings, showcase its flexibility and extensibility through an implementation of existing protocols and the DTN simulation reference scenarios recommended by CCSDS, and evaluate its scalability, showing that it exceeds existing tools while providing better fidelity. DSNS provides concrete usefulness to both standards bodies and satellite operators, enabling fast iteration on protocol development and testing of parameters under highly realistic conditions. By removing roadblocks to research and innovation, we can accelerate the development of upcoming satellite networks and ensure that their communication is both fast and secure.

Problem

• Simulating large-scale satellite networks effectively
• Overcoming limitations of existing network simulation tools
• Enabling realistic protocol development and testing

Innovation

• Large-scale satellite network simulation
• Flexible extensible protocol implementation
• High-fidelity scalable performance