Better satellite communication: DE-CIX and DLR work together
DE-CIX and DLR are developing technology for LEO satellites by 2026. DE-CIX wants to use a Space-IX to transfer its knowledge as a node operator into space.
(Image: DE-CIX)
The operator of the DE-CIX Internet exchange is reaching for the stars. Together with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the two partners are researching solutions to optimize communication with LEO satellite constellations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the two partners announced. DE-CIX has in mind the establishment of a Space-IX, an Internet node specifically for satellite networks.
The aim of the research collaboration is to find out how information and data can be transmitted more reliably between space and earth using laser links. By July 2026, protocols, algorithms, and processes are to be developed that optimize network utilization between optical ground stations and satellites and reduce problems caused by atmospheric turbulence and cloud shadowing. Although lasers allow more bandwidth and higher data rates, they can be more strongly influenced by the weather (clouds, fog, rain) than previously used radio transmissions. The investigation is part of the OFELIAS project of the European Space Agency (ESA).
DE-CIX wants to help with earthly knowledge
The ultimate goal is to be able to seamlessly integrate optical satellite communication into existing terrestrial networks. According to DE-CIX, the intelligent interconnection of satellites and ground stations with the Internet is being examined for this purpose. Knowledge from the Internet interconnection sector is to be incorporated into this.
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Satellites in low earth orbit are considered to be very important to be able to connect the digital infrastructure seamlessly. These require extremely low latency times, in some cases in the single-digit millisecond range.
Orbital data centers for AI?
However, DE-CIX's ideas go even further: the Space-IX website even talks about orbitally operated data centers that could set new standards in the future. “As they are supplied with energy from the sun in space and can be cooled by the cold of the vacuum, they are sustainable and economical alternatives for training AI models, for example,” says the internet node operator with conviction.
(mki)
