SD-SAT: software-defined multi-constellation satellite communication traffic management framework

As Satellite Communication (SATCOM) continues to expand rapidly, the need for dynamic and resilient traffic management solutions tailored to large-scale SATCOM environments is becoming increasingly critical. To address these SATCOM challenges, we introduce the SD-SAT framework, a hierarchical, distributed Software-Defined Networking (SDN) enabled network resource and traffic management solution designed specifically for SATCOM networks. The SD-SAT architecture tackles key issues of scalability, flexibility, and efficiency by integrating multiple SDN controllers across different layers of the system. Within our SD-SAT framework, SDN controllers for individual satellite constellations are aggregated into a "control resource pool", which is managed by an upper-layer SDN control plane. This upper layer ensures global coordination and management, leveraging a distributed cluster of autonomous SDN controllers to enhance coverage, scalability, and resiliency. Additionally, we present a seamless SDN controller migration method that facilitates smooth transitions and load balancing for distributed SDN controllers within the network. The SD-SAT framework not only integrates seamlessly with an existing SATCOM infrastructure but also optimizes resource management and traffic handling across multiple constellations. By adapting distributed SDN control methodologies to the unique demands of SATCOM, the SD-SAT architecture provides a scalable, efficient solution that significantly enhances global connectivity and resource utilization.