Link-layer dynamic resource allocation for TCP over satellite networks

Future packet switched satellite communication networks are being designed with dynamic resource allocation on the lip and down links in order to efficiently utilize the limited RF resources. The resource allocation algorithms must be designed to maximize system efficiency and user performance rather than simply optimizing link layer efficiency. An OPNET simulation environment is used to model and evaluate system performance for a satellite network with dynamically provisioned tip and down links under dynamic traffic and channel variations. Link-layer resource allocation algorithms are developed and tested to ensure network layer objectives can be satisfied while maximizing system throughput.