Mobile Satellite IP Network Architecture and Multiple Interface Manager Integrating Various Satellite and Terrestrial Mobile Communication Systems

This paper presents the architecture of the mobile satellite IP network (MSIN) and the multiple interface manager (MIM). The MSIN integrates various satellite and terrestrial communication systems using the IP mobility management protocol, which supports a uniformed handoff process irrespective of the underlying link layer. The MIM selects a suitable network interface according to the user preferences and communication environment by supervising triggers that interact between the link layer and the upper layers. The MSIN and MIM expand the scope of applicability, i.e., anytime, anywhere, and any device, for emerging data applications in the mobile satellite communications system. We present an experimental evaluation of media independent handover as an example of the MIM function. The results indicate that the MIM has the potential to provide seamless session continuity.