On User Association in Large-Scale Heterogeneous LEO Satellite Network

In this article, we investigate the performance of large-scale heterogeneous low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks in the context of three association schemes. In contrast to existing studies, where single-tier LEO satellite-based network deployments are considered, the developed framework captures the heterogeneous nature of real-world satellite network deployments. More specifically, we propose an analytical framework to evaluate the performance of multitier LEO satellite-based networks, where the locations of LEO satellites are approximated as points of independent Poisson point processes, with different density, transmit power, and altitude. We propose three association schemes for the considered network topology based on the Euclidean distance, the average received power, and a random selection. By using stochastic geometry tools, analytical expressions for the association probability, the downlink coverage probability, as well as the spectral efficiency are derived for each association scheme, where the interference is considered. Moreover, we assess the achieved network performance under several different fading environments, including low, typical, and severe fading conditions, namely nonfading, shadowed-Rician and Rayleigh fading channels, respectively. Our results reveal the impact of fading channels on the coverage probability, and illustrate that the average power-based association scheme outperforms in terms of achieved coverage and spectral efficiency performance against the other two association policies. Furthermore, we highlight the impact of the proposed association schemes and the network topology on the optimal number of LEO satellites, providing guidance for the planning of multitier LEO satellite-based networks in order to enhance network performance.