Characterizing lowest-delay paths in low earth orbit satellite networks
Abstract
Modern networks of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites promise to offer low-latency connectivity between any pair of devices on Earth. However, as the length of inter-satellite links constantly changes, the lowest-delay paths between satellites change over time even if the network topology does not. In this paper, we characterize the lowest-delay paths in LEO satellite networks whose topologies are lattice graphs. We show how the shape of these paths can be determined by knowing the satellites’ orbits, their movement direction and the topological positions of source and destination satellites. Our characterization has the potential to inspire several practical applications, including fast, resource-efficient routing algorithms and protocols.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Satellite Communication Systems
Opportunistic and Delay-Tolerant Networks
Spacecraft Design and Technology
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Theoretical Computer Science
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 1072
- Pages
- 115859–115859
- Publication date
- 5 March 2026
- Language
- EN