An integrated approach for IP networking over the wideband gapfiller satellite

The deployment of the wideband gapfiller satellite (WGS) over the next few years will provide the military with satellites that incorporate advanced signal processing and switching capabilities. This paper presents a satellite-terrestrial network architecture that leverages these capabilities and provides highly flexible and integrated support of IP services. The approach maximizes the application of industry standards, and explores user terminal design options that address the diversified needs of DOD users. The paper also describes how the network architecture facilitates DOD network centric communications in the near term, and provides key incremental steps towards the transformational MILSATCOM systems of the future. Finally, we describe the ongoing standardization efforts to bridge the gaps between commercial standards and DOD satellite terminal requirements.