As satellite networks have played an indispensable role in many fields, how to integrate them with terrestrial networks (e.g., the Internet) has attracted significant attention in academia. However, it is challenging to efficiently build such an integrated network, since terrestrial networks are facing a number of serious problems, and since they do not provide good support for heterogeneous network convergence. In this article, we propose a flexible network architecture, HetNet, for efficient integration of heterogeneous satellite-terrestrial networks. Specifically, the HetNet synthesizes Locator/ID split and Information-Centric Networking to establish a general network architecture. In this way, it is able to achieve heterogeneous network convergence, routing scalability alleviation, mobility support, traffic engineering, and efficient content delivery. Moreover, the HetNet can further improve its network elasticity by using the techniques of Software-Defined Networking and Network Functions Virtualization. In addition, to evaluate the HetNet performance, we build a proof-of-concept prototype system and conduct extensive experiments. The results confirm the feasibility of the HetNet and its advantages.

中文翻译：

---

HetNet：异构星地网络的灵活架构


由于卫星网络在许多领域发挥着不可或缺的作用，如何将卫星网络与地面网络（如互联网）融合引起了学术界的广泛关注。然而，由于地面网络面临着许多严重的问题，且无法为异构网络融合提供良好的支持，因此高效构建这样的融合网络具有挑战性。在本文中，我们提出了一种灵活的网络架构HetNet，用于异构星地网络的高效集成。具体来说，HetNet综合了Locator/ID分割和Information-Centric Networking来建立通用的网络架构。通过这种方式，它能够实现异构网络融合、路由可扩展性缓解、移动性支持、流量工程和高效的内容交付。此外，HetNet还可以利用软件定义网络和网络功能虚拟化技术进一步提高网络弹性。此外，为了评估 HetNet 性能，我们构建了概念验证原型系统并进行了广泛的实验。结果证实了HetNet的可行性及其优势。