Multicast file transfer in a military satellite broadcast system

This paper presents an overview of a multicast file delivery application and protocol designed for military satellite broadcast systems. The application was developed as part of the software suite in the Theatre Broadcast System (TBS) - an experimental satellite broadcast system developed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) Australia. The file delivery protocol was driven by the requirements of the TBS and has undergone several iterations in response to feedback generated from system trials. Today it provides an effective means of delivering high value information to military users in a timely and reliable manner.