Effective Routing Algorithms for IP based Satellite Networks

ABSTRACT: The main focus of this proposal is to develop innovative IP routing algorithms onboard over satellites that can link user preferences and network conditions and improve end-to-end network performance, including heterogeneity of satellite nodes, interferences on satellite links, and others. Because of the unique characteristics of satellite communication links with heterogeneous satellite nodes and end-users, there are numerous challenges in designing IP based satellite networks. To address those challenging issue, IFT team propose a unified framework for designing routing and transport algorithms onboard over satellites that can link user preferences and network conditions and improve end-to-end network performance. Our framework features: (i) both proactive and reactive routing algorithms for core networks, (ii) a cross layer design approach to the routing algorithms for access networks, (iii) energy-efficient cooperative routing algorithms with the MIMO consideration, (iv) bandwidth and delay guaranteed QoS services, and (v) TCP transport layer optimization. To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first one that provides a unified framework to provide end-to-end QoS based on the cross layer design and consider the special characteristics of satellite networks (e.g., heterogeneity on satellite nodes, interferences of satellite links, and others). BENEFIT: The proposed effective routing algorithms for IP based satellite networks have tremendous applications potential in many military applications. It can be used in real-time dynamic net-centric operations with security measures, e.g., IPSec to communicate at tactical edges where there exist users and warfighters with different priorities and credentials. In addition, some relevant Defense Acquisition Programs within DoD are such as WIN-T Warfighter Information Network-Tactical, JSTARS Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System Aircraft (JSTARS), JTRS GMR Joint Tactical Radio System Ground Mobile Radio. For some of these programs we already have close connections and know considerable program details. The market for military applications is quite large and IFT has successfully transitioned research prototypes for inclusion in DoD contractor research simulations. Other potential commercial applications include civilian network, such as finance, medicine, communications, electric power, nuclear energy, internet service provider, and air traffic control. Anticipated benefits may include significant improvement of end-to-end performance of links with errors and enhancement of TCP over satellite channels. The size of this market is not small and may grow rapidly with the commercial demand in homeland security. We expect the aggregated market size will be similar to that of military applications.