Modeling and simulation of communication processes in the Starlink system

This paper proposes a comprehensive end-to-end communication simulation framework for the Starlink system, focusing on critical components including finite state machine (FSM) design for user communication processes, satellite position prediction-based inter-satellite handover strategies, and resource allocation mechanisms. Leveraging the QualNet discrete event-driven simulation platform, the framework fully replicates the complete end-to-end communication lifecycle encompassing user terminal initial access, service maintenance, and cross-satellite handover procedures. Concurrently, fault injection models for satellite and gateway station nodes are established to validate service continuity under single-node failure scenarios. Furthermore, orbital plane destruction experiments targeting Shell 4 of the first-generation Starlink constellation reveal that service recovery time non-linearly increases to approximately 42 minutes when 1-6 orbital planes fail, indicating marked alterations in constellation topological robustness when ≥4 planes are compromised. This research provides a simulation validation methodology for optimizing communication workflows and ensuring quality-of-service in low Earth orbit mega-constellations.