Mobility management protocols for next-generation all-IP satellite networks

To provide ubiquitous terrestrial Internet coverage mobility and Internet-based access to data generated by satellites, there is a strong desire to integrate the terrestrial Internet and satellite networks. This requires satellites that are based on IP for communications. Rotation of low Earth orbit satellites around the Earth results in communicating with different ground stations over time, and requires mobility management protocols for seamless communication between the Internet and satellite networks. In this article we provide a comprehensive summary and comparison of state-of-the-art research on mobility management schemes for satellite networks. The schemes are based on network and transport layers for managing host and network mobility. This article clearly indicates the aspects that need further research and which mobility management schemes are the best candidates for satellite networks.