Developing and experimenting with LEO satellite constellations in OMNeT++

TL;DR

This paper introduces a simulation model for LEO satellite constellations within OMNeT++, validated against existing models, enabling detailed analysis of satellite network performance.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel integration of the OS$^3$ satellite simulator into OMNeT++/INET, allowing for accurate simulation of LEO satellite constellations.

Findings

Validated latency results for different satellite constellations

Demonstrated the model's viability for simulating satellite networks

Compared simulation results with existing work for accuracy

Abstract

In this paper, we present our work in designing and implementing a LEO satellite constellation simulation model1 within OMNeT++ and INET, which is validated by comparing the results with existing work. Our model builds upon the fundamentals of the Open Source Satellite Simulator (OS$^3$), which was ported to INET 4.3. We describe how the model was integrated on top of the INET and ported OS$^3$ Framework. We then experiment with the simulation model to demonstrate its viability in simulating LEO satellite constellations. This involved simulating both outdated and more recent satellite constellations, using FCC filing information, to validate latency results.