Performance of a two-layer low Earth orbiting satellite communication network

A novel two-layer low Earth orbiting satellite network is proposed. Compared with a single layer global network, not only is the system performance improved but also the number of satellites can be reduced. The main ideas include (1) raising the altitude of the original global network, and (2) adding several satellites at a lower altitude to form a regional network to serve calls from the areas of heavy traffic. In order to fully utilize the benefits of the two-layer network, additional functions such as adjustable beams and dynamic channel management are added. The call blocking rate is derived. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate several interesting phenomena. A network of multiple LEO satellites has also been proposed as a means to support global personal communications.