An efficient packet switching architecture for next-generation military satellite networks

The lack of commercial network technology well-suited for unique military operating conditions is a challenge that is particularly acute in the area of military satellite communications (MILSATCOM). While some network technology issues such as the performance problems associated with TCP over satellite systems have been well-studied and documented, there has been very little focus on the technical and practical issues associated with incorporating packet-switching and possibly even IP routing functionality onto satellite payloads. This is a particularly important area of concern at the present time due to ongoing efforts to bring packet-switched IP-centric networking capabilities to next-generation MILSATCOM. In this paper, we propose an efficient packet-switching protocol suite that is optimized for IP internetworking in the space segment. The proposed approach presents a dynamic solution over which a number of routing architectures can be overlaid, while conserving precious resources that are typically consumed in a wasteful manner by routing control information and commercial multicast solutions.