Two-Layer Distributed Location Management Based on Dynamic Tracking Areas in Mega LEO Satellite Networks

Mega low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network has attracted a lot of attention due to its important roles in 6G systems and its many appealing features, including large bandwidth, low latency, extended coverage, and a wide range of applications. However, the mobility of both LEO satellites and terrestrial users necessitates frequent location updates, and a wide satellite coverage adds complexity to its paging signaling. This work proposes a two-layer distributed location management scheme based on dynamic tracking area (TDLM-DTA) to reduce the overheads related to paging and location updates. Terrestrial coverage areas are divided into three categories: dynamic tracking areas (DTAs), local registration areas (LRAs), and global registration areas (GRAs). A two-layer DLM architecture is developed by designating the management of GRAs and LRAs, respectively, for global and local location management centers. DTA can adjust its radius dynamically based on the rate of arriving calls and user mobility patterns. The simulation results verify that the proposed TDLM-DTA scheme outperforms traditional location management (LM) schemes in terms of paging delay and LM overhead. This research work focuses on the issues of distributed management and DTA design for advanced LM schemes, laying a foundation for further investigations on dynamic distributed LM in LEO satellite networks.