The optimal link expansion in mobile satellite networks

Traffic from mobiles over satellite can be routed through different satellite links (if more than one satellite is visible) or through various channel types on the same satellite link. The efficient heuristic algorithm for sizing of N satellite capacity types (on the land Earth station side of the link) in mobile networks during exploitation is being developed, minimizing the total expansion cost. The heuristic is compared with algorithm based on exact approach, but in all numerical test-examples (with predicted traffic demands) the best possible result is achieved. After that the heuristic is tested through the same test-examples as before, but using various limitations for capacity state values. Only if we apply adequate heuristic approach we can ensure both, significant improvement of QoS (quality of service) for capacity availability and minimal capacity expansion cost. It means that our heuristic approach can be successfully applied to short-term or medium-term satellite network planning.