Satellite assisted disrupted communications in OMNeT++: Experiments and IoT Case Study

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of micro-satellite constellations for IoT communications, using OMNeT++ simulations to evaluate network performance and disruptions in various satellite configurations and real-world IoT scenarios.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive simulation framework for satellite-assisted IoT communications, including experiments and a real-world case study with novel insights into constellation design impacts.

Findings

Satellite constellation design significantly affects RTT and ping loss.

Simulation parameters influence network resilience during disruptions.

Real IoT sensor data integration enhances simulation realism.

Abstract

In this work we discuss the utilization of micro-satellite constellations as effective infrastructures for the communication among ground stations or even among 'smart' devices in IoT scenarios. We design and implement a series of experiments in OMNeT++ (with the OS3 framework) and evaluate their results in different scenarios. Initially, we establish the necessary theoretical background for space communications, including satellite and constellation design features, with existing and novel satellite services in various areas of interest. Furthermore, we detail the OMNeT++ and OS3 frameworks and introduce the significant variables/parameters for our experiments. Our scenarios are presented in three groups, departing from the straightforward one sender - one receiver communication and proceeding with a topology of multiple neighboring ground stations transmitting pings. We conclude with an IoT Case Study in which we import real measurements from sensors of the SmartSantander test-bed. Through our experiments we observe the effect of simulation parameters such as the constellation design (e.g., the number of satellites and planes) and the intersatelliteLinks regarding the produced RTT and ping loss, while we also highlight their potential contribution on networking communications when disruptions dominate.