Joint Transport and Routing Optimization for Adaptive Satellite Networks

ABSTRACT: Due to increasing communications demand for tactical mission operations force the DoD to initiative to migrate the existing circuit-switched, bent-pipe satellite communication systems to the onboard packet switched satellite systems using Internet Protocols. The new approach offers significant flexibility and performance gain, but there are still tough challenges, e.g., high bit error rate, long round trip time, heterogeneous satellite nodes and end users, different end user QoS requirements, etc. To respond to this challenge, we propose Joint Transport and Routing Optimization for Adaptive Satellite Networks (JTRO-ASN) for the satellite network that establishes end-to-end routes in the space exploiting inter-satellite and inter-level links connecting satellites on different orbits and constellations that provide advantages of reducing ground station dependencies, decreasing end-to-end latencies and delays, and supporting traffic prioritization and distributing traffic loads via multiple available routes. To establish routes in the space, it uses predefined satellite orbits to predict the topology and to calculate routes. Furthermore, JTRO-ASN shares relevant information across the layer boundaries so that it achieves resource utilization and protocol operation optimization and improvements. Upon using inter-satellite and inter-level links, the routing algorithm is able to find multiple paths between satellites and with the cross-layer optimization approach; in addition, JTRO-ASN can support users QoS requirements. For example, it gives the highest priority flows more opportunities to reach the destination or it provides. Based on experience and Phase I achievements, i.e., routing protocol design, the JTRO-ASN team will develop and implement the network and transport protocols and present feasibility and performance of the protocols via demonstration. In addition, the team will conduct theoretical and analytical study for the satellite networking. BENEFIT: In order to meet the modern military mission critical operation requirements, secure, high bandwidth for a large number of heterogeneous war-fighting users is required. The proposed IP-based satellite network architecture will greatly benefit the Air Forces satellite communication programs by enabling the linkage of user preferences and network conditions, and significantly reducing both latency between network nodes, and transmission failures, among other identified objectives. UtopiaCompressions (UC) technologies will greatly enhance communications at the tactical edges, increasing mission efficiency and effectiveness and enhancing Air Force program objectives overall. Moreover, an enhanced broadband satellite communications system is a critical component of DoDs network centric state. Defense: Key Structural changes outlined in the U.S. DoDs FY 2011 budget will increase demand for secure, broadband satellite communications through increases in targeted personnel such as Special Forces, as well transformation of Army Multi-functional and Functional Support (MFF) brigades to a modular design. Enhanced satellite capabilities will, under the future paradigm, be driven down through the brigade to the company level. The growth rate of the military satellite communications sector is projected at 5.6 percent annual growth over the next ten years, dependent on the advent of critical enabling technologies like what UC proposes here. Current DoD programs which would benefit from UCs enabling satellite communications technologies include numerous ISR programs which will require significantly increased and reliable communications capabilities to deliver performance projections, as well as the UAVs which carry the ISR payloads and communicate with other mobile machines. Specific programs include the Global Hawk vehicles and the upgraded Predator drone, Gray Eagle. Transition opportunities for the proposed technologies exist within the Wideband Global SATCOM Deployment. Commercial Applications: The commercial potential for the proposed technology is significant and slated to grow substantially. Satellites worth a total of $250 billion should be launched over the course of the next 15 years, with 1,600 satellites by 2025. Drivers for this growth include GEO ComSat replacement, government contracts, Science and Navigation missions, and the Ka-band/HTS me too syndrome. UCs proposed routing technologies will be critical enabling components in support of this growth. UCs proposed technologies will also provide critical capabilities to the commercial Mobile Satellite Services market, which relies on reliable connection between heterogeneous, mobile devices. The global MSS market will grow to $10.2 billion in 2020, more than doubling from todays volume. The world Satellite Machine-to-Machine communications sector of MSS supports applications used for logistical tracking, telemetry, remote monitoring, geo fencing, security, and scientific monitoring, providing various benefits for industries ranging from agriculture to retail. This sector is strongly dominated by the United States which holds 62 percent market share and its revenue is estimated to reach $1.9 billion by 2016. UC will analyze optimal transition plans and entry points within this value chain over the course of Phases I and II to effectively maximize the commercial potential of the proposed technology.