Maximum Achievable Burst Size in All-Optical Satellite Networks

2026-06-25

AI Summary

This study investigates the upper bound on burst data block size in all-optical low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks. Focusing on a 100 Gbps uplink and integrating wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) with optical burst switching (OBS) architecture, the authors develop a geometric model of LEO constellations to quantitatively assess, for the first time, how orbital altitude influences the maximum supported burst size. The results demonstrate that higher-altitude LEO constellations impose an upper limit of approximately 500 MB per burst, whereas lower-altitude LEO configurations can support bursts up to 600 MB. This finding establishes a clear relationship between orbital height and burst transmission capacity, offering critical theoretical insights for the design and optimization of all-optical satellite communication networks.

Abstract

We analyze the maximum burst size achievable in all-optical satellite networks across different constellations. With a 100 Gbps uplink capacity, a WDM-based optical burst switching network supports burst sizes of up to 500 MB in high-altitude LEO constellations and 600 MB in low-altitude LEO constellations.

Problem

• all-optical satellite networks
• maximum burst size
• optical burst switching
• LEO constellations
• WDM

Innovation

• all-optical satellite networks
• optical burst switching
• maximum burst size
• WDM
• LEO constellations