Analysis of OSPFv3 in LEO Satellite Networks

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations are poised to become key enablers of global connectivity. However, their dynamic topologies, high latency, and intermittent links pose significant challenges for traditional IP routing protocols. This paper evaluates the applicability of OSPFv3 in LEO networks using a novel emulation framework that integrates accurate orbital modeling with full-stack network simulation. Our framework decouples topology generation from network emulation, enabling protocol-independent testing in realistic conditions. We analyze OSPFv3 performance using the Iridium constellation as a case study, assessing protocol convergence, stability, and routing efficiency under worst-case scenarios. Results reveal the limitations of default OSPFv3 configurations in LEO environments and offer insights into potential optimizations for future integration of satellite networks into global IP infrastructures.