FLoRaSat 2: Simulating Cross-Linked Direct-to-Satellite IoT LEO Constellations

Alexander Ylnner Choquenaira Florez, Robin Ohs, Juan A. Fraire, Hervé Rivano

Abstract: Direct-to-Satellite IoT (DTS-IOT) represents a promising solution for data transmission in remote regions where terrestrial infrastructure deployment is unfeasible. In DTS-IOT scenarios, Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites function as in-orbit gateways. Addressing the need for practical simulation tools, we present FLORASAT 2, an open-source, event-driven, end-to-end simulation tool leveraging OMNET++. The original FLO-RASAT met many DTS-IOT Medium Access Control (MAC) requirements. Still, this enhanced version introduces advanced Inter-Satellite Link (ISL) communication modules, including a helper for constellation creation, dynamic ISL topology control, routing, and analytics, facilitating the thorough evaluation of constellation-grade DTS-IOT networks. These new features allow detailed simulation scenario configuration, flexible support for developing and including diverse routing algorithms, and the tooling to perform automated data analysis from parametric simulations. Overall, the simulator enables the analysis of complex behaviors in DTS-IOT environments, optimizing performance and enhancing connectivity and efficiency in large-scale satellite IoT constellation networks.