Publications Conference paper · Mega-constellations · 2025

PhantomLink: Emulating Virtual End-to-End Links on Ground and in Orbit

Robin Ohs, Gregory F. Stock, Juan A. Fraire, Holger Hermanns, and Andreas Schmidt

ACM/IRTF Applied Networking Research Workshop (ANRW), pp. 39–46, 2025

Abstract

Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) networks are highly dynamic due to their closeness to Earth and fast movements. At the same time, these dynamics are also highly predictable as the LEO satellites have their fixed orbits. As this predictability is rarely found in terrestrial networks, existing network evaluation tools cannot be used in associated Internet research. We propose PhantomLink, a tool to emulate an evolving virtual end-to-end (E2E) link in real time using the unmodified Linux networking stack. PhantomLink emulates general scenarios—which are inspired by, but not limited to, LEO networks. The tool represents a virtual network interface that can be used to send/receive packets as if they were using an actual multi-hop path. Finally, we showcase our tool in the context of current orbital Internet research.

Cite

DOI 10.1145/3744200.3744758

BibTeX

@inproceedings{DBLP:conf/anrw/OhsSFH025,
  author    = {Robin Ohs and Gregory F. Stock and Juan A. Fraire and Holger Hermanns and Andreas Schmidt},
  title     = {PhantomLink: Emulating Virtual End-to-End Links on Ground and in Orbit},
  booktitle = {ACM/IRTF Applied Networking Research Workshop (ANRW)},
  pages     = {39--46},
  publisher = {{ACM}},
  year      = {2025},
  doi       = {10.1145/3744200.3744758}
}

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