Plotinus: A Satellite Internet Digital Twin System

The development of integrated space-air-ground network (SAGIN) requires sophisticated satellite Internet emulation tools that can handle complex, dynamic topologies and offer in-depth analysis. Existing emulation platforms struggle with challenges like the need for detailed implementation across all network layers, real-time response times, and the ability to scale. Plotinus, a new digital twin system based on microservices for satellite Internet emulation, aims to solve these problems. It features a modular design, allowing for easy replacement of the physical layer to emulate different aerial vehicles and analyze channel interference. It also enables the replacement of path computation methods to simplify testing and deploying algorithms. In particular, Plotinus allows for real-time emulation with live network traffic, enhancing the realism of network models. Evaluation result shows that Plotinus's effective emulation of dynamic satellite networks with real-world devices. Its adaptability for various communication models and algorithm testing highlights Plotinus's role as a vital tool for developing and analyzing SAGIN systems, offering a scalable, real-time response, and flexible digital twin system.