SN-VNE: A Virtual Network Embedding Algorithm for Satellite Networks

Abstract

Network virtualization is a significant technology for the future network development. Many research results of it have already been proposed. However, almost all of these research is based on terrestrial networks to establish a network model. These terrestrial-based research cannot adapt to the extremely limited re-sources and high dynamics of satellite networks, and obviously cannot meet the demands of satellite networks for the network virtualization services. The inter-satellite link only establishes a connection when it carries a task. This establishment of inter-satellite links consumes the energy of the satellite. To reduce energy consumption of satellite network, this paper establishes a satellite network model and proposes a virtual network embedding (SN-VNE) algorithm. By considering link establishment state in node mapping and link mapping, we moderately map virtual links to the established physical connections. Our experiments prove that SN-VNE can reduce the number of link establishments in the mapping of virtual links. This reduction can save the energy consumption of satellite networks.