Development of Delay-Tolerant Networking Protocols for Reliable Data Transmission in Space Networks: A Simulation-Based Approach

Delay-tolerant networking (DTN) protocols play a vital role in enabling reliable communication in space networks, which are characterized by long delays, frequent disconnections, and high error rates. This research utilizes GNS3 simulations to evaluate the performance of DTN protocols under conditions that closely resemble deep-space communications. The study focuses on key features of DTN like store-and-forward mechanism and custody transfer to examine their effectiveness in maintaining data integrity and successful delivery during intermittent connectivity. The findings of this research demonstrate the remarkable resilience of DTN protocols, achieving a robust delivery ratio exceeding 90% even in scenarios with prolonged delays and random link failures. While latency is inherent to DTN due to its store-and-forward operations, the results suggest them to remain manageable within the constraints of space communications. Additionally, the research highlights the adaptive nature of DTN’s throughput optimization strategies, which dynamically adjust to network conditions, maximizing data transmission efficiency during periods of connectivity. The results of this study affirm the viability and resilience of DTN protocols for space missions, laying a solid foundation for their application in future space communication research. Furthermore, the potential applications of DTN in terrestrial environments during challenging network conditions especially in rural areas and disaster-stricken regions are stressed. The study also highlights the importance of continued research efforts in optimizing the scalability, resource management, and security aspects of DTN protocols, as such advancements will further lead to increased capabilities and robust communication infrastructures for both space and terrestrial networks.