A QoS-based dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithm for LEO satellite networks

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks are expected to provide a global coverage and to support varying Quality of Service (QoS) requirements traffic including real-time multimedia communications. However, the LEO satellite bandwidth in essential is an invaluable resource, it must be effectively assigned in order to maximize network throughput and provide acceptable communications quality to all users. In this paper, a QoS-based dynamic bandwidth allocation (QDBA) algorithm with the ability to adapt the variations of channel conditions and traffic loads is proposed. The data rates provided to each queue of each Satellite Gateway (SG) are allocated to differentiate between multiple QoS priority levels, provide fairness, and to maximize system capacity. Simulation results comparing QDBA with an algorithm that does not have the ability to alter the data rate show significant improvement in terms of system throughput and delay.