Green Satellite Networks Using Segment Routing and Software-Defined Networking

TL;DR

This study investigates energy-efficient traffic engineering in SDN-enabled LEO satellite networks by integrating SRv6 with a green TE approach in the Telesat Lightspeed constellation. Through comparative simulations against MPLS and IPv4/IPv6 (OSPF-based) routing, the authors demonstrate that SRv6, and particularly Green SRv6, achieves lower CPU usage and sustained packet delivery rates under increasing traffic, albeit with modest increases in memory usage and packet overhead. The proposed dynamic rerouting algorithm relies on real-time CPU metrics and a weighted SPF to balance energy efficiency with performance, maintaining precomputed backup paths to mitigate delay. The work provides practical insights into deploying energy-aware TE in satellite networks and suggests avenues for predictive and broader SRv6 comparisons in future research.

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of network performance in software defined networking (SDN)-based low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks, focusing on the Telesat Lightspeed constellation. We propose a green traffic engineering (TE) approach leveraging segment routing IPv6 (SRv6) to enhance energy efficiency. Through simulations, we analyze the impact of SRv6, multi-protocol label switching (MPLS), IPv4, and IPv6 with open shortest path first (OSPF) on key network performance metrics, including peak and average CPU usage, memory consumption, packet delivery rate (PDR), and packet overhead under varying traffic loads. Results show that the proposed green TE approach using SRv6 achieves notable energy efficiency, maintaining lower CPU usage and high PDR compared to traditional protocols. While SRv6 and MPLS introduce slightly higher memory usage and overhead due to their advanced configurations, these trade-offs remain manageable. Our findings highlight SRv6 with green TE as a promising solution for optimizing energy efficiency in LEO satellite networks, contributing to the development of more sustainable and efficient satellite communications.

Figures (8)

• Figure 1: System architecture of SDN-based network.
• Figure 2: Green TE and backup rerouting path demonstration.
• Figure 3: Flowchart demonstration of green TE using SRv6.
• Figure 4: Simulation framework.
• Figure 5: Peak and average CPU usage vs. traffic load for different routing protocols.