Link-Layer Handover in Earth-Fixed LEO Satellite Systems

Using Virtual Node (VN) approach, network layer handover can be eliminated in earth-fixed LEO satellite systems. However, handover in lower layers could result in significant data loss. In this work we propose a link-layer handover algorithm for VN-based satellite systems: Virtual Node Handover Algorithm (VN-HO). Further, we propose to increment number of satellites per orbit in order to enable soft handover. On the modified system, which can be represented by multi-state virtual network (MSVN) topology, we propose a soft handover algorithm (MSVN-SHO). Relying on test results, MSVN-SHO is faster and smoother than VN-HO, despite a marginal increase in the cost.