Using BGP in a Satellite-Based Challenged Network Environment

Once, satellites were considered an important option for creating global Internet access. However, for a period of time, satellites were supplanted by other ground-based technologies. More recently, satellites have been proposed as an integral component in highly dynamic challenged environments where large numbers of mobile devices connect through satellite-based terminals. Routing within groups of mobile devices is performed by one of the myriad of wireless routing protocols, but over the space/ground link, BGP is the protocol of choice. In this work, we conduct a high fidelity experimental study of link intermittency on the space/ground link and its effect on BGP peering sessions between ground and satellite routers. Our results show that a routing architecture that does not correctly adapt to the particular characteristics of satellite links performs very poorly. By contrast, a correctly tuned routing architecture can survive prolonged outages intermixed with short periods of link connectivity.

I. Introduction

Increases in satellite processing power and the demand for network communication in remote areas is making IP-based satellites ever more attractive. The Transformational Satellite (TSAT) [8] program aimed to install an inter-connected constellation of Geostationary satellites, with 10 Gbps aggregate throughput per satellite. ViaSat, which plans to create the first ever satellite with an aggregate throughput of 100 Gbps, is another example [5]. Substantial increases in antenna technologies allow mobile devices to have reliable high speed links in almost any environment. For example, Satcom Direct markets a product that allows airplanes to have high speed Internet access via a satellite connection [7]. In addition, Mobil Satellite Technologies offers satellite antennas and service which allows cars and trucks to maintain IP connectivity while in motion [16].