Software defined networking and virtualization for broadband satellite networks

TLDR

Satellite networks have evolved from niche, purpose‑specific systems to high‑performance access networks, and recent advances in software‑defined networking, network virtualization, and NFV are now being leveraged to integrate satellite and terrestrial infrastructures. This study examines the benefits of applying SDN and NFV programmability to satellite networks through a series of comprehensive use cases. The authors outline the specific requirements that each use case must satisfy to realize these benefits.

Abstract

Satellite networks have traditionally been considered for specific purposes. Recently, new satellite technologies have been pushed to the market enabling high-performance satellite access networks. On the other hand, network architectures are taking advantage of emerging technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN), network virtualization and network functions virtualization (NFV). Therefore, benefiting communications services over satellite networks from these new technologies at first, and their seamless integration with terrestrial networks at second, are of great interest and importance. In this paper, and through comprehensive use cases, the advantages of introducing network programmability and virtualization using SDN and/or NFV in satellite networks are investigated. The requirements to be fulfilled in each use case are also discussed.