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Plotinus: A Satellite Internet Digital Twin System

Yue Gao, Kun Qiu, Zhe Chen, Wenjun Zhu, Qi Zhang, Handong Luo, Quanwei Lin, Ziheng Yang, Wenhao Liu

TL;DR

Plotinus presents a microservice-based digital twin for satellite Internet within SAGIN, addressing the need for end-to-end, real-time, and scalable emulation. It combines plugin-based PHY, dynamic topology and path computation, and a visualization interface, backed by NS-3 and semi-physical integration to mirror real-world networks. The evaluation demonstrates realistic behavior across satellite-to-ground links, path computation scenarios, and real-world integration with containers, including comparisons to Hypatia and the ability to simulate inter-satellite link dynamics. The work offers a practical, extensible platform for testing SAGIN architectures and algorithms, with potential to accelerate development and validation of satellite Internet technologies.

Abstract

The development of an integrated space-air-ground network (SAGIN) requires sophisticated satellite Internet emulation tools that can handle complex, dynamic topologies and offer in-depth analysis. Existing emulation platforms struggle with challenges like the need for detailed implementation across all network layers, real-time response, and scalability. This paper proposes a digital twin system based on microservices for satellite Internet emulation, namely Plotinus, which aims to solve these problems. Plotinus features a modular design, allowing for easy replacement of the physical layer to emulate different aerial vehicles and analyze channel interference. It also enables replacing path computation methods to simplify testing and deploying algorithms. In particular, Plotinus allows for real-time emulation with live network traffic, enhancing practical network models. The evaluation result shows Plotinus's effective emulation of dynamic satellite networks with real-world devices. Its adaptability for various communication models and algorithm testing highlights Plotinus's role as a vital tool for developing and analyzing SAGIN systems, offering a cross-layer, real-time and scalable digital twin system.

Plotinus: A Satellite Internet Digital Twin System

TL;DR

Plotinus presents a microservice-based digital twin for satellite Internet within SAGIN, addressing the need for end-to-end, real-time, and scalable emulation. It combines plugin-based PHY, dynamic topology and path computation, and a visualization interface, backed by NS-3 and semi-physical integration to mirror real-world networks. The evaluation demonstrates realistic behavior across satellite-to-ground links, path computation scenarios, and real-world integration with containers, including comparisons to Hypatia and the ability to simulate inter-satellite link dynamics. The work offers a practical, extensible platform for testing SAGIN architectures and algorithms, with potential to accelerate development and validation of satellite Internet technologies.

Abstract

The development of an integrated space-air-ground network (SAGIN) requires sophisticated satellite Internet emulation tools that can handle complex, dynamic topologies and offer in-depth analysis. Existing emulation platforms struggle with challenges like the need for detailed implementation across all network layers, real-time response, and scalability. This paper proposes a digital twin system based on microservices for satellite Internet emulation, namely Plotinus, which aims to solve these problems. Plotinus features a modular design, allowing for easy replacement of the physical layer to emulate different aerial vehicles and analyze channel interference. It also enables replacing path computation methods to simplify testing and deploying algorithms. In particular, Plotinus allows for real-time emulation with live network traffic, enhancing practical network models. The evaluation result shows Plotinus's effective emulation of dynamic satellite networks with real-world devices. Its adaptability for various communication models and algorithm testing highlights Plotinus's role as a vital tool for developing and analyzing SAGIN systems, offering a cross-layer, real-time and scalable digital twin system.
Paper Structure (31 sections, 5 equations, 8 figures, 1 table)

This paper contains 31 sections, 5 equations, 8 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Background and Related Work
  3. Introduction to Satellite Internet Emulation Platforms
  4. Diverse Approaches in Satellite Internet Emulations
  5. The Need for Advanced Digital Twin System
  6. The Design of Plotinus
  7. Microservice Architecture
  8. Physical Layer Plugin
  9. Topology and Path Computation Plugin
  10. Visualisation Interface Plugin
  11. Key features
  12. Microservice Design
  13. Topology Plugin
  14. Path Computation Plugin
  15. Physical Layer Plugin
  16. ...and 16 more sections

Figures (8)

  • Figure 1: An overview architecture of Plotinus.
  • Figure 2: The connection between different modules in the reference physical layer plugin.
  • Figure 3: The topology of Plotinus evaluation environment using Ping as an example to demonstrate the platform.
  • Figure 4: TCP sending rate for a stable channel.
  • Figure 5: TCP sending rate for a rapidly changing channel.
  • ...and 3 more figures