Channel-aware handover management for space-air-ground integrated networks

To support ubiquitous communication and enhance other 6G applications, the Space-Air-Ground Integrated Network (SAGIN) has become a research hotspot. Traditionally, satellite-ground fusion technologies integrate network entities from space, aerial, and terrestrial domains. However, they face challenges such as spectrum scarcity and inefficient satellite handover. This paper explores the Channel-Aware Handover Management (CAHM) strategy in SAGIN for data allocation. Specifically, CAHM utilizes the data receiving capability of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, considering satellite-ground distance, free-space path loss, and channel gain. Furthermore, CAHM assesses LEO satellite data forwarding capability using signal-to-noise ratio, link duration and buffer queue length. Then, CAHM applies historical data on LEO satellite transmission successes and failures to effectively reduce overall interruption ratio. Simulation results show that CAHM outperforms baseline algorithms in terms of delivery ratio, latency, and interruption ratio.