The next generation IP SATCOM: exploration of the IPV6 technology in global broadcast service technology refresh

Initial GBS architectural thinking concentrated on defining the correct principles for one-way transport of time-critical information to support joint military operations. Through a hybrid terrestrial-satellite. Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)-based network infrastructure, GBS was able to extend near world-wide coverage - providing efficient transport of classified and unclassified video, imagery and other information to warfighters in theater, garrison, and transit. Significant technological advances within the commercial satellite Internet service provider market served as the impetus for an Internet Protocol (IP)-based technical re-design of the circuit-based GBS architecture. Led by the GBS Joint Program Office (JPO) Systems Engineering team, the IP technology refresh design significantly enhanced GBS in terms of data transport efficiency, receive suite portability, and modularity for incorporation of new COTS technologies. On a larger-scale, IP proved itself as the foundation of interoperability across DoD's global information grid (GIG), integrating sensors, weapons, and platforms. However, existing GBS IP technologies based on IP version 4 (IPv4) can not support the Department's network centric operations and warfare vision. To support future DoD operations, the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Networks Information Integration (ASD/NII) established a mandate directing all global information grid (GIG) assets to transition to next generation IP, IP version 6 (IPv6). To stay at the forefront of this strategic technology, meet the expanding requirements of the digital warfighter, and provide a common interface with which other next generation DoD network centric systems can connect, GBS must continue to evolve and support IPv6-based communications. Successful transition to this transformational technology can only be achieved by overcoming a number of significant programmatic and technical challenges. This paper reviews GBS-specific benefits of IPv6, identifies technical and programmatic challenges of IPv6 migration, and explores performance and design considerations that will guide the evolution of the GBS architecture and enable communications of heterogeneous IPv4/IPv6 traffic across diverse satellite/terrestrial/wireless network topologies.