Adaptation, modeling, and analysis of PIM-DM in a LEO satellite network environment

Multicast communication protocols continue to evolve as more applications take advantage of the efficiencies afforded by the ability of a single source to reliably send data to many users and vice versa. This article continues that evolution and provides analysis on three multicasting protocols (PIM-DM, DVMRP, and ODMRP), adapted to a low Earth orbit satellite network. We provide a simplified overview of multicasting and the three protocols highlighted. We then discuss the implementation details required to adapt the protocols for a satellite network environment, and deviations from the protocols that we found necessary. Finally, we compare the protocol performances in terms of data-to-overhead ratio, received-to-sent ratio, and end-to-end delay.