Routing LEO satellite traffic in adverse weather

This research investigates the planning and optimization of sixth-generation (6G) non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) by leveraging Free-Space Optical (FSO) communication to enhance speed, coverage, and resilience in global communication. Building on the theoretical foundation of NTN technologies, this study develops a dynamic simulation model to represent interactions among satellites, ground stations, and environmental variables. Our model allows detailed analysis of weather-induced disruptions, revealing that conditions such as rain and fog can significantly impact radio and FSO-based communication by reducing network speed and reliability. Simulation results show that integrating FSO links alongside traditional microwave connections enhances network adaptability, reducing latency and hop counts, particularly in high-traffic scenarios. In stress tests simulating ground station outages, the network demonstrated resilience by dynamically rerouting traffic over inter-orbit inter-satellite links, maintaining continuity even under significant regional disruptions. These findings underscore the importance of hybrid connectivity models and adaptive routing strategies in 6G NTN planning, providing critical insights for designing robust, high-performance networks capable of meeting future connectivity demands.