Guardians of Connectivity: Navigating and Mitigating Non-Malicious Disruptions in Satellite Networks

Satellite networks are becoming increasingly important for global communications due to the rise of satellite megaconstellations. The reliability of these new networks is paramount as they support critical services in national and global economies. A clear understanding of the sources of network disruptions and available mitigation techniques is necessary to design reliable networks. In this paper, we overview the sources of non-malicious network disruption and associated mitigation techniques in satellite networks. Subsequently, we categorize these disruptions in terms of probability, impact, and the localization of the failures caused by these disruptions. In order to facilitate comprehension for system developers and researchers, a risk matrix has been implemented to provide a more comprehensive illustration of the impact of failures on the network. In addition, we undertake a discussion on mitigation techniques and their respective costs to enhance the resilience of satellite networks. The work intends to provide the necessary information for both satellite operators and researchers to proactively navigate and mitigate non-malicious disruptions, allowing for the development of reliable and efficient satellite networks.