A Link-Layer Broadcast Service for SpaceWire Networks

SpaceWire, a recent ESA standard, is gaining popularity because of its simple circuitry, low power consumption, and high-link speed. However network management on SpaceWire networks is hampered by the lack of a link-layer broadcast mechanism which is required for services such as the address resolution protocol (ARP) and the dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP). Currently, address resolution and host IP assignments require manual configuration. This paper describes a link-layer broadcast service and encapsulation service for SpaceWire that is implemented in the host node software drivers and requires no change to routers or host node interface hardware. We believe this work will help move SpaceWire towards a future of plug and play networks, decreasing the cost and time required to develop and integrate space systems.