Systematic Performance Evaluation Framework for LEO Mega-Constellation Satellite Networks

TL;DR

The paper addresses the lack of a systematic KPI framework for LEO mega-constellations by proposing a constellation-aware KPI system that combines constellation KPIs with traditional RIT KPIs. It introduces an efficient evaluation methodology based on interfering area and spherical hexagonal cells to model multi-satellite interference while balancing fidelity and computational cost, and validates the approach with a system-level simulator calibrated to ITU/3GPP baselines. Key findings from a reference 1800-satellite LMCSN include an area traffic capacity around 4 Kbps/km^2 and service availability in the 0.36–0.39 range, with high access success (~96%) and modest handover performance under nearest-satellite association. The framework provides a practical baseline for LMCSN performance assessment, guiding beam hopping, interference modeling, and mobility management design for future NTN deployments.

Abstract

Low Earth orbit (LEO) mega-constellation satellite networks have shown great potential to extend the coverage capability of conventional terrestrial networks. How to systematically define, quantify, and assess the technical performance of LEO mega-constellation satellite networks remains an open issue. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive key performance indicator (KPI) framework for mega-constellation based LEO satellite networks. An efficient LEO constellation oriented performance evaluation methodology is then carefully designed by resorting to the concept of interfering area and spherical geographic cell. We have carried out rigorous system-level simulations and provided numerical results to assess the KPI framework. It can be observed that the achieved area traffic capacity of the reference LEO constellation is around 4 Kbps/km2, with service availability ranging from 0.36 to 0.39. Besides, the average access success probability and handover failure rate is approximate to 96% and 10%, respectively, in the nearest satellite association scheme.

Figures (8)

• Figure 1: Beam layout in existing single-satellite simulation.
• Figure 2: An example quasi-earth-fixed LEO NTN system.
• Figure 3: LEO constellation evaluation methodology overview.
• Figure 4: Unmet capacity performance of 10 sampling SCs.
• Figure 5: CDF of access capacity in target SCs.