SATSIX cross-layer architecture

Next-generation broadband satellite systems will have the capability to provide cost-effective universal broadband access for the users. But in order to meet users’ requirements, many enhancements have to be made on the existing satellite technologies. One of the promising methods is the introduction of cross-layer design. There are several advantages of a layered approach, since modularity, robustness and ease of designs are easily achieved. However the properties of the different layers have substantial interdependencies and a modularized design may therefore be suboptimal with regards to performance and availability. In this paper, we will carry out a review of cross-layer design in general, and based on this a cross-layer architecture for the next-generation broadband satellite system is proposed. Two main components are identified in the proposed cross-layer architecture: QoS and resource management and mobility management.