DebriNet: An Opportunistic Software Defined Networking Framework over PSLV Debris
R. Suraj, Sarath Babu, Debabrata Dalai, B. S. B. S. Manoj · 2019
Satellite networking is of prime importance in the context of remote parts of the world, including the regions not served by cellular networks. However, high deployment cost and expensive end-user devices make satellite-based solutions infeasible in providing direct access to common man. Therefore, we propose DebriNet, a low-cost software-defined networking platform concept based on the rocket debris (called spent stages) which can be accessed using an ultra low-cost end-user device. DebriNet employs an opportunistic packet handover mechanism that makes use of the pre-calculated positions of the rocket bodies in orbits to ensure best-effort earliest packet delivery at the destination. We also propose a light-weight SDN software switch that implements link availability based packet forwarding functionality. The simulation studies on existing Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle debris (called PSLV Stage-4 or PS4) in their respective orbits in space using Systems Tool Kit (STK) simulator prove the feasibility of our network in terms of its connectivity. Our studies also reveal a significant improvement in throughput as well as delay performance on employing opportunistic packet handover among the debris. Further, we design low-cost hardware prototypes for PS4 onboard subsystem, end-user device, as well as ground-station which constitute the DebriNet architecture.