Research on Topology Management Methods for Large-Scale Satellite Networks

The paper addresses the challenges and requirements of topology management in large-scale satellite constellation networks. It first examines the limitations of existing methods, which often rely on centralized topology planning characterized by limited autonomy and an absence of resilience. To overcome these shortcomings, the paper introduces two novel approaches for satellite network topology management: a multi-master centralized method and a masterless distributed method. Both methods are designed to enhance system reliability and reduce inter-satellite transmission data volume. Also, the paper provides a detailed explanation of the implementation and characteristics of these methods, followed by an analysis of their engineering design and experimental validation. A comparison with the traditional onboard centralized topology construction approach demonstrates that the proposed methods not only meet the design specifications but also improve the autonomous operation and reliability of space networks while in orbit. These findings underscore the potential of the proposed methods to advance the field of satellite network topology construction.