Modeling and analysis of satellite communication systems using point processes

Abstract

Satellite communications have recently been considered as a solution to deliver global internet services, leveraging extensive satellite coverage. As numerous satellites are set to be deployed, there is a growing need to investigate satellite mega-constellations from the perspective of system optimization. In this dissertation, we model and analyze various satellite communication scenarios based on point processes. First, we analyze low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems under the shadowed-Rician fading by modeling the satellite distribution based on a binomial point process (BPP). The analytical results are further simplified with the help of the Poisson limit theorem. Next, we derive the coverage performance of geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) satellite systems where GEO satellites are distributed in the geostationary orbit according to a BPP. We then introduce promising structures for clustering-based LEO constellations and evaluate performances at both link- and system-levels considering various clustering types and transmission schemes. The extensive coverage, a primary advantage of satellites, could also cause a significant risk by making uplink signals more susceptible to interception. In this regard, we analyze the impact of potential threats posed by malicious satellite eavesdroppers in terms of secrecy performance.