Unlocking the Performance Potential of Mega-Constellation Networks: An Exploration of Structure-Building Paradigms

2025-08-21

AI Summary

In mega-constellation networks (MCNs), achieving both inter-satellite link (ISL) stability and low transmission latency remains challenging due to the inherent trade-off between structural robustness and dynamic routing efficiency. Method: This paper proposes a “structure = motif + grid” decoupled design paradigm—first jointly optimizing local topology (motif) and global connectivity (grid). We formally define the High-Availability Low-Latency Link Deployment (HALLMD) problem and devise SMLOP, a polynomial-time heuristic algorithm. Leveraging graph-theoretic modeling and real orbital data, we co-optimize structural configuration and performance metrics. Contribution/Results: Evaluated on four major constellations, our approach increases network capacity by 5–18%, throughput by 1–12%, reduces path stretch by 12–23%, and cuts round-trip latency by 8–77%, significantly enhancing MCN availability and real-time responsiveness under high-dynamic conditions.

Technology Category

• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal Systems
• Search and Optimization: Algorithm Configuration
• Multiagent Systems: Mechanism Design

Application Category

• Graph Algorithms and Modeling for the Web: Efficient manipulation of static and dynamic Web-related graphs
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Incentives in network design for Web infrastructures and ecosystems
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Applied ML and AI for Web-based mobile applications

Abstract

The network structure design plays a vital role in the mega-constellation network (MSN) to coordinate massive network nodes to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of operations and services for future space wireless communications networks. One of the critical issues in MCN is how to design an optimal network control structure by configuring the most stable inter-satellite link (ISL) to achieve high available MCN within a limited average transmission delays. To address this problem, this paper introduces a novel MCN structure design paradigm: Structure = Motif + Lattice (SML), which decouples MCN design into local motifs design and global lattices design. Specifically, we formulate the High-Availability and Low-Latency Mega-Constellation Design (HALLMD) problem, aimed at maximizing ISL availability while minimizing the transmission latency. To solve HALLMD, we propose SMLOP, a heuristic algorithm that efficiently finds optimal network structures in polynomial time. Experimental validation on four public state-of-the-art constellations demonstrates significant improvements, including enhanced capacity by $5sim 18%$, increased throughput by $1sim 12%$, reduced path stretch by $12sim 23%$, and Round-Trip Time (RTT) by $8sim 77%$.

Problem

• Designing optimal network control structure for mega-constellations
• Maximizing inter-satellite link availability within latency constraints
• Achieving high-availability low-latency mega-constellation network performance

Innovation

• SML paradigm decouples constellation design
• Heuristic algorithm finds optimal network structures
• Maximizes ISL availability and minimizes latency