High altitude platform networks: A feedback suppression algorithm for reliable multicast/broadcast services

High Altitude Platforms (HAP) are currently considered as an alternative solution for providing reliable multicast and broadcast services. The major problem limiting the scalability of such systems is Feedback Implosion, a problem arising whenever a large number of users transmit their feedback messages. In the present Letter, a novel scheme is proposed which takes into account rain attenuation being the dominant factor impairing link performance. The proposed scheme is based on the selection of an Area Representative (AR) which is responsible for providing quick feedback messages to the HAP, thus suppressing feedback messages sent by other users. The proposed scheme is assessed both through analytical modeling and simulation with very satisfactory results.