A parametric approach to improve the performance of the transport layer in satellite communications

The paper begins suggesting a possible framework to classify the different approaches to modify the transport layer (namely, the TCP) over satellite channels. In one case, the satellite network is considered as a black box (Black Box - BB approach). Each modification is performed within the end terminals. In the other case, the satellite network is completely known and the transport layer parameter tuning and the consequent optimization of the overall performance is not independent from the choices followed within the satellite network (Complete Knowledge - CK approach). In both cases a complete parameterization of the algorithms at the transport layer is recommended to allow adaptability in different conditions. Concerning the CK approach, a first analysis proposed concerns the behavior of the queue length at IP layer in the intermediate routers. The IP buffer tuning represents a first step towards the implementation of a new transport protocol (STP - Satellite Transport Protocol) adapted to various satellite environments from LEO to GEO, whose interfaces towards the upper layers will keep the characteristics of the TCP interfaces but whose performance will be strongly improved. A possible generic architecture is reported and some possible solution to be implemented within the network architecture will be shown along with the results obtained by means of real measures in the field.