Network Simulators for Satellite-Terrestrial Integrated Networks: A Survey

Abstract

Satellite-terrestrial integrated networks have been proposed as a promising solution to provide global seamless coverage in next-generation communication networks. To enable the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks, network simulation is a fundamental and economically efficient step compared to the high cost of field trial and real-world system deployment. Simulation challenges arise with the fast growth of LEO mega-constellations, including frequent re-connection and handover, long satellite transmission delay, high dynamics of satellite network topologies, and the integration of heterogeneous infrastructures. More requirements emerge for satellite-terrestrial integrated simulation, including fidelity, scalability, extensibility, agility, and real-time. However, there is a lack of a state-of-the-art review for relevant simulators. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the most comprehensive and latest survey that covers network simulators for satellite-terrestrial integrated networks, with all or partial simulation functionalities for satellite orbit simulation, physical layer modeling, and network protocols and algorithms. Compared with existing surveys, this survey contributes from three aspects: (1) an up-to-date collection and a comprehensive taxonomy of simulation tools in the past decade; (2) a summary of the main requirements and challenges; and (3) an inspiring summary for new research opportunities and publicly available simulation tools for follow-up research.

The concept, technical architecture, applications and impacts of satellite internet: A systematic literature review

“…In general, satellites can be divided into three main types according to their orbital height: LEO, medium earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites [ 1 ]. Unfortunately, research on the MEO Satellite Internet is relatively scarce owing to several factors.…”

“…Following wired and wireless communications, Satellite Internet is regarded as a major breakthrough in providing global seamless coverage in next-generation 6G oriented Space–Air–Ground Integrated Networks (SAGIN) [ 1 , 2 ]. With the accelerated evolution of the global technological revolution and industrial transformation, Satellite Internet will become the main battlefield for strategic technological competition among countries and a crucial domain for a country to obtain new advantages in global network competition owing to its fundamental nature, penetrative capability, and empowerment effect [ 3 ].…”

Advancements and Challenges in IoT Simulators: A Comprehensive Review

“…Smart Cities: IoT simulators are essential for urban planners and developers in crafting interconnected, intelligent urban environments. These simulators are instrumental in a range of applications, from traffic management to environmental monitoring, by leveraging data from diverse IoT devices such as vehicles [ 4 ], bicycles [ 8 ], and satellites [ 6 ]. In traffic management, IoT simulators use data from vehicles equipped with sensors to model and improve urban traffic flows, reducing congestion and enhancing road safety [ 4 ].…”

“…Satellite imagery and data play a crucial role in large-scale environmental monitoring, offering a macro perspective on urban development, green spaces, and pollution levels. IoT simulators that incorporate satellite data [ 6 ] can predict weather patterns, monitor air quality, and assess the impact of urban planning decisions on the environment. Hence, all the IoT simulator tools in smart city applications excel in modeling traffic management systems to alleviate congestion and enhance public transportation efficiency, while also optimizing waste collection by predicting bin fill levels, reducing operational costs.…”

Multi-Domain Network Slicing in Satellite–Terrestrial Integrated Networks: A Multi-Sided Ascending-Price Auction Approach

“…With the support for broadcast and multicast services, the satellite network offers data distribution services for users with a higher communication efficiency [3]. Besides these technological benefits, the satellite-terrestrial integrated network brings some economic benefit for remote areas, in which the deployment of 5G terrestrial networks is economically prohibitive [4].…”