Role of Dynamic Routing in Traffic Engineered Space Mesh Networks

In traffic engineered space mesh networks, a logically centralized Network Controller (NC) sets up end to end paths based on user flow attributes. Robust, resilient connectivity between the NC and the constellation Space Vehicles (SVs) is critical to ensuring that the NC can reliably send configurations to SVs and receive status information. This paper highlights the need for a dynamic routing protocol that provides such resilient connectivity. Dynamic routing challenges unique to Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (nGSO) space mesh networks are described. Key requirements for a dynamic routing protocol in this environment include rapid convergence in the presence of predicted time-variant changes and node/link failures. Multiple standards based and experimental routing protocols are identified and evaluated in the context of these requirements.