A routing solution for a global, space-based multimedia system

This paper focuses on the Teledesic satellite constellation, which is an attempt to provide high speed, multi-media networking connectivity to any location on the globe. Since the routers (satellites) are in constant motion, this venture is unique and leads to a one-of-a-kind data routing scheme. This concept is still in the design phase, with implementation still a few years away. However, several large companies and capital investors have already committed funds to this venture. Supporters are claiming a full operational capability in roughly 3 years. Our focus in this paper is to develop a routing algorithm for the Teledesic satellite constellation and to model its operation in a simulator. The algorithm is conceptually developed and implemented using a software simulation. Our results, which indicate this algorithm is a viable solution to the routing problem, and our implementation details are presented below.