Hybrid (Satellite and Terrestrial) Communication Networks: Object Oriented Generic Tools for Simulation and Management

We describe a generic object oriented software environment for the simulation and management of hybrid communication networks (satellite and terrestrial) under development at the University of Maryland, as part of the NASA CCDS program. We refer to this environment as a "systems engineering workstation for hybrid networks". It will have the capability to model such networks in a totally object oriented environment and link to network performance evaluation modules. Satellites are treated both as electronic/mechanical systems and as communication nodes. Great flexibility is allowed for defining the various components of the satellite, including its type (i.e. LEO or GEO), on board processing capabilities, bandwidth, multiple access scheme, linkage to terrestrial networks. The satellite link is also treated as an object allowing great flexibility in modeling weather effects, multipath interference and coverage. We show the system's flexibility in studying combined adaptive routing and access for voice-data large hybrid networks.