Dynamic resource allocation for satellite communications

In large multi-user systems, such as communications satellites, the dynamic allocation of resources enables the system to simultaneously maximize usable throughput and provide acceptable communications quality to all users. In this paper the dynamic allocation problem for satellite communications is discussed. We present a multiple-rate Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) algorithm with the ability to adapt the information transfer rate per time slot as well as time slot allocation among terminals based upon traffic loads or link conditions. Simulation results comparing this algorithm with an algorithm that does not have the ability to alter the information transfer rate algorithm show significant improvement in terms of system throughput and end-to-end delay for the proposed algorithm.