## 5 Conclusions and Outlook  
In this work, we present a complete physical layer tool for estimating the performance of OILs in LEO satellite networks. Our tool includes various aspects, including the architecture of the constellation, link budget analysis, collision avoidance optimization, transceiver optics design, etc., and it can be used to analyze practical constellation implementations. A Python implementation of our tool is publicly available on the world-wide web under an open-source license. Using our approach, we estimated the power requirements of high-speed OIL communication assuming LEO constellation variations. We show that, especially for dense constellations, power requirements are compatible with existing state-of-the-art optical terminals even for smaller satellite sizes, pointing out the significant potential of optical satellite communications for providing high-speed network satellite internet services. Our simulation tool can be used to ascertain the feasibility of satellite network designs accurately and efficiently.  
Future research could explore several promising directions, many of which we plan to address in subsequent work. While our model assumes a standard IM/DD OOK transceiver, incorporating alternative modulation formats (e.g., multi-level amplitude modulation), as well as wavelength, spatial, or polarization multiplexing, would offer valuable insights. Extending the model to coherent systems is also a promising avenue, given the power efficiency of coherent detection [43] and its support for advanced modulation formats such as PSK and QAM. Furthermore, investigating higher-network-layer design and routing algorithms could provide key insights into performance metrics such as network latency. The evaluation of optical downlink and uplink technologies under realistic conditions is also of great importance for formulating a roadmap for the advancement of these technologies. Although our study focuses on OOK, our model, which approximates an AWGN system with a time-varying path loss, can be extended to other modulation schemes, including coherent detection. Therefore, improvements in SNR and spectral efficiency observed in conventional optical systems should also be applicable in this context. Finally, future work could investigate perturbation effects (e.g., gravitational forces, drag, and station-keeping maneuvers) on acquisition, tracking, and laser alignment, as well as the impact of satellites' structural elements such as solar panels in dense constellations, and scenarios involving uplink and downlink under turbulence effects. These studies could optimize satellite design and improve communication and tracking efficiency.  
[PERSON] was responsible for the investigation, methodology, development of models and software, original draft writing, review and editing, visualization, and data curation. [PERSON] contributed to the development of models and software, writing, supervision of the research activity, project administration, and participated in the review and editing process. [PERSON] led the  
Figure 14: Maximum transmission power required to maintain connectivity between adjacent satellites as a function of the data rate, for Scenarios B and C, as described in Table 3.  
conceptualization, the formulation and development of the overarching research goals and aims, and contributed to the review and editing of the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research received no external funding.  
**Institutional Review Board Statement**: Not applicable.  
**Informed Consent Statement**: Not applicable.  
**Data Availability Statement**: The data are contained within the article.  
**Conflicts of Interest**: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.