Modeling Space-Terrestrial Integrated Networks with Smart Collaborative Theory

Driven by the requirements of space exploration and terrestrial investigation, interplanetary network merging has been widely focused on by academia, industry, and the military. Although system architecture and layered workflow are updated endlessly, the pervasive methodology is still urgently needed to provide a unified solution for heterogeneous elements. In this article, we propose a modeling scheme named generalized logical sphere (GLS) for space-terrestrial networks based on smart collaborative theory. First, the coverage range, transmission mechanism, and practice guideline of integration evolution are fully analyzed via three phases to guarantee the comprehensive combinations. Then the specific approach as well as the advanced characteristics of GLS (i.e., load balancing, smart routing, cognitive healing, and hierarchical shielding) are presented and discussed. Finally, a prototype platform is established to validate the correctness. The results of two scenarios illustrate the functionality and practicability of our model.