Frontiers of Data and Computing ›› 2020, Vol. 2 ›› Issue (3): 3-17.

doi: 10.11871/jfdc.issn.2096-742X.2020.03.001

Special Issue: 下一代互联网络技术与应用

• Special Issue: Next Generation Internet Technology & Application • Previous Articles     Next Articles

A Survey on Satellite Networks Based on Software-Defined Networking

Zhang Ran(),Liu Jiang(),Yang Dan(),Huang Tao(),Liu Yunjie()   

  1. State Key Laboratory of Networking and Switching Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing 100876, China
  • Received:2020-04-10 Online:2020-06-20 Published:2020-08-19
  • Contact: Liu Jiang E-mail:zhangran@bupt.edu.cn;liujiang@bupt.edu.cn;dyang@bupt.edu.cn;htao@bupt.edu.cn;liuyj@chinaunicom.cn

Abstract:

[Context] Satellite networks have the advantages of wide coverage and robustness, which can be widely used in a variety of fields and occupy an important position in the development of future networks. However, due to the large size of its constellation, complex heterogeneity and dynamic topology, there are still challenges in efficient control and resource utilization. [Methods] Software-Defined Networking (SDN), as a key technology for future networks, can effectively solve a range of problems in satellite networks. [Results] This paper analyzes the advantages of applying SDN in satellite networks, and introduces the current research on SDN-based satellite networks in terms of network architecture design and key technologies, respectively. [Conclusions] Finally, this paper summarizes the challenges and future development directions of SDN-based satellite networks.

Key words: satellite network, satellite-terrestrial integrated network, software-defined networking