Virtual Network Functions Orchestration in Software Defined LEO Small Satellite Networks

Software defined network technique is a novel approach introduced to manage low earth orbit (LEO) small satellite networks. One important challenge is the allocation of the scarce virtualized satellite network resources in space environment. We devise a virtual network functions orchestration based model to implement the virtualized resources management for LEO satellite networks. This model is formulated as an integer linear programming (ILP) problem. Further, we propose a method combining Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition, column generation and branch-and-bound algorithm for the ILP problem to attain the optimal solution. Finally, simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.