To simulate the Satellite Communication projects using OMNeT++, which contains modeling communication among the satellites, ground stations, and possibly other space-based elements. We can be replicated scenarios like satellite relays, satellite-to-ground station communication, or inter-satellite links. OMNeT++ together with the INET framework can be expanded to model satellite communication systems.
We follow the below guide to simulating Satellite Communication in OMNeT++:
Steps to Simulate Satellite Communication Projects in OMNeT++
- Install OMNeT++ and Required Frameworks
- OMNeT++: Download and install OMNeT++ from omnetpp.org.
- INET Framework: We can download and install the INET Framework from inet.omnetpp.org that supports network communication protocols such as TCP/IP, Ethernet, and wireless communication required for satellite communication simulations.
- Understand Satellite Communication Components
Satellite communication normally contains:
- Satellites: Orbiting communication platforms, which receive and send the signals.
- Ground Stations: Earth-based stations that communicate with satellites.
- Inter-Satellite Links (ISL): Communication among the satellites.
- Orbit Models: Describing the orbit (e.g., geostationary, low-earth orbit) and movement of satellites.
- Set Up Satellite Communication Topology in NED
Make a NED file, which encompasses satellites, ground stations, and links. Describe the positions and movements of the satellites if required.
Example NED file for a simple satellite-ground station network:
network SatelliteCommunicationNetwork
{
submodules:
satellite1: SatelliteNode;
satellite2: SatelliteNode;
groundStation1: GroundStation;
groundStation2: GroundStation;
connections:
satellite1.transmitter <–> RadioLink <–> groundStation1.receiver;
satellite2.transmitter <–> RadioLink <–> groundStation2.receiver;
satellite1.transmitter <–> RadioLink <–> satellite2.receiver;
}
- SatelliteNode: Denotes satellites in space.
- GroundStation: Signifies ground-based communication stations.
- RadioLink: Models the communication link among the satellites and ground stations.
- Define Satellite Communication in the INI File
The .ini file describes significant metrics for satellite communication, like frequencies, data rates, transmission power, and orbit details. Also, we can identify how data is sent among the ground stations and satellites.
Example INI file configuration:
[General]
network = SatelliteCommunicationNetwork
sim-time-limit = 600s
# Satellite 1 communication parameters
*.satellite1.transmitter.txPower = 100W
*.satellite1.transmitter.frequency = 2.5GHz
*.satellite1.mobility.orbitType = “GEO” # Geostationary orbit
# Satellite 2 communication parameters
*.satellite2.transmitter.txPower = 100W
*.satellite2.transmitter.frequency = 2.5GHz
*.satellite2.mobility.orbitType = “LEO” # Low-Earth orbit
# Ground station communication settings
*.groundStation1.receiver.sensitivity = -90dBm
*.groundStation2.receiver.sensitivity = -90dBm
- txPower: Transmission power for the satellite transmitter.
- frequency: The frequency of the satellite communication.
- orbitType: Describes the kind of orbit (e.g., GEO for geostationary or LEO for low-earth orbit).
- receiver.sensitivity: The minimum signal strength required by the ground station to receive signals.
- Simulate Satellite Mobility (Optional)
Satellites frequently move in predefined orbits. To mimic it in OMNeT++, utilize mobility models for satellites, particularly for LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites. Geostationary (GEO) satellites, instead we have fixed positions comparative to the Earth.
Example configuration for satellite mobility:
*.satellite1.mobility.typename = “StationaryMobility” # Geostationary satellite
*.satellite2.mobility.typename = “LinearMobility” # Low-Earth orbit satellite
*.satellite2.mobility.speed = 7.5kmps # Speed for LEO satellites
This configure permits one satellite to be stationary even though the other moves in a low-Earth orbit.
- Simulate Data Communication Between Satellites and Ground Stations
To mimic data communication, we can set up applications on the satellites and ground stations to transmit and receive data using protocols such as UDP or TCP.
Instance INI file configuration for data communication among the satellites and ground stations:
*.satellite1.numApps = 1
*.satellite1.app[0].typename = “UdpBasicApp”
*.satellite1.app[0].destAddresses = “groundStation1”
*.satellite1.app[0].sendInterval = 1s
*.satellite1.app[0].messageLength = 1024B
*.groundStation1.numApps = 1
*.groundStation1.app[0].typename = “UdpSink”
- UdpBasicApp: Transmits data packets from the satellite to the ground station.
- UdpSink: Receives data packets on the ground station.
- Implement Satellite-to-Satellite Communication
If we are replicating an inter-satellite communication then we set up the satellite nodes to communicate with each other using inter-satellite links (ISLs). It is helpful for satellite constellations or relay-based systems.
Example configuration for satellite-to-satellite communication:
*.satellite1.numApps = 1
*.satellite1.app[0].typename = “UdpBasicApp”
*.satellite1.app[0].destAddresses = “satellite2”
Now, satellite1 sends data to satellite2 that may transmit the data to a ground station or another satellite.
- Run the Simulation
- Build the project: We compile the project by choosing Project > Build All in OMNeT++.
- Run the simulation: Utilize the Run Configurations to implement the simulation. We can utilize Qtenv to envision the satellite orbits, communication paths, and data flow.
- Analyze Simulation Results
OMNeT++ generates the outcomes in scalar and vector files that can be investigated to estimate the performance. Significant performance parameters in satellite communication comprise:
- Signal Strength: The received signal strength at the ground station or satellite receiver.
- Latency: The time taken for data to travel from the satellite to the ground station (or between satellites).
- Throughput: The data rate attained in the satellite link.
- Packet Loss: The amount of lost packets because of the interference, mobility, or other issues.
We can be used Plove to visualize the outcomes or export data for further analysis in tools such as MATLAB or Python.
- Advanced Satellite Communication Scenarios
- Satellite Constellations: Mimic a constellation of satellites (e.g., LEO constellation) and understand communication efficiency among the satellites and ground stations.
- Handover and Mobility: Execute handover mechanisms for satellites in LEO orbits in which ground stations switch among the satellites.
- Inter-Satellite Relays: Replicate scenarios in which data is relayed among several satellites before attaining the ground station.
- Weather and Interference Effects: Mimic the effect of environmental factors such as weather or interference on satellite communication.
Example Satellite Communication Project Ideas:
- LEO vs GEO Satellite Communication Performance: We compare the communication performance (latency, throughput) among Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites.
- Satellite Constellation Communication: Mimic a constellation of satellites with inter-satellite links (ISLs) and focus on how data is routed among satellites and ground stations.
- Delay-Tolerant Networking in Space: Execute delay-tolerant networking (DTN) protocols for satellite networks in which long delays or intermittent connectivity exist.
- Satellite Communication for IoT: Mimic the use of satellites for Internet of Things (IoT) applications that concentrating on data aggregation and transmission efficiency.
In this simulation, we had illustrated about how to execute and simulate the Satellite Communication projects and also we offered example project ideas on this topic using OMNeT++. We will be distributed more informations concerning this subject, if needed.
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