Blocking analysis and simulation studies in satellite-augmented cellular networks

Satellite systems have been used recently to extend the geographical coverage of cellular service and to off-load congestion within the area covered by the cellular network. An integrated satellite-cellular network scenario is considered. An analytical model for a 1-dimensional (e.g. highway) cellular system that is augmented by multiple spot beams is presented and the call blocking probability for this system is computed. A simulation program has been developed and used to study the call blocking probability and handoff blocking rate in a planar cellular network with spot beam support. The effect of different hierarchical positions of the satellite system and the cellular system in the integrated scenario are also investigated. (i.e., the relative priority assigned to the cellular and satellite systems by the policy used to direct new call requests and handoffs).