Publications Journal article · Delay-tolerant networks · 2016

Analysis of communication strategies for earth observation satellite constellations

Pablo G Madoery, Juan A. Fraire, and Jorge M Finochietto

IEEE Latin America Transactions, vol. 14, no. 6, pp. 2777–2782, 2016

Abstract

Earth observation satellite constellations are arising as a new paradigm with important advantages in comparison with traditional monolithic systems. In particular, the concept of Segmented Architecture proposes to transform these constellations into a distributed and connected system in order to exploit resource sharing. However, this imposes severe technological challenges such as packetized space networking communications. In general, and due to the limited availability of data transmission opportunities, these communications can be modeled as delay and disruption tolerant networks (DTN). In this article, we propose to evaluate a particular case study of several flight-formation satellites intended for the observation of the Earth. To this end, we consider both the availability of Earth-to-space links and their combination with cooperative inter-satellite links. In the latter, different routing schemes such as Contact Graph Routing (CGR) and its extension Multi-Graph CGR (MG-CGR) are analyzed and compared.

Cite

DOI 10.1109/tla.2016.7555254

BibTeX

@article{madoery2016analysis,
  author    = {Madoery, Pablo G and Fraire, Juan A. and Finochietto, Jorge M},
  title     = {Analysis of communication strategies for earth observation satellite constellations},
  journal   = {IEEE Latin America Transactions},
  volume    = {14},
  number    = {6},
  pages     = {2777--2782},
  publisher = {IEEE},
  year      = {2016},
  doi       = {10.1109/tla.2016.7555254}
}

More on delay-tolerant networks

Assessing Contact Graph Routing Performance and Reliability in Distributed Satellite Constellations Juan A. Fraire, Pablo G. Madoery, Scott C. Burleigh, Marius Feldmann, Jorge M. Finochietto, Amir Charif, Nacer-Eddine Zergainoh, and Raoul Velazco Journal of Computer Networks and Communications, 2017
Abstract
Existing Internet protocols assume persistent end-to-end connectivity, which cannot be guaranteed in disruptive and high-latency space environments. To operate over these challenging networks, a store-carry-and-forward communication architecture called Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) has been proposed. This work provides the first examination of the performance and robustness of Contact Graph Routing (CGR) algorithm, the state-of-the-art routing scheme for space-based DTNs. To this end, after a thorough description of CGR, two appealing satellite constellations are proposed and evaluated by means of simulations. Indeed, the DtnSim simulator is introduced as another relevant contribution of this work. Results enabled the authors to identify existing CGR weaknesses and enhancement opportunities.

Publisher
Delay Tolerant Satellite Networks Juan A. Fraire, Jorge M Finochietto, and Scott C Burleigh Artech House, 2017
Abstract
This cutting-edge resource provides a comprehensive treatment of applying delay-tolerant networking (DTN) principles to satellite-based network communications. Detailed models and analytical tools are used to evaluate performance and provide guidance in the field. This book presents the state-of-the-art in existing on-board and ground technologies that support satellite applications, such as communications protocols, algorithms, and security procedures. Readers gain key insight into the fundamental concepts of DTN applied to satellite networks (DTSNs) and case studies are provided. This book presents an authoritative introduction to the methods for computing metrics for satellite network modeling. Satellite communications are examined, including satellite links, communication protocols, and distributed multiple access schemes, such as time division, code division, and frequency division. This book focuses on ways in which DTN might make terrestrial communication and observation via earth orbiting satellites less expensive and more robust. The fundamental concepts and analysis of the Ring Road Architecture are explored. Unique analyses on the motivating factors of using Inter-Satellite Links (ISL) to form networks in disruptive environments in space are discussed. This book explores the limits of larger and complex DTSNs as the number of satellites increase and different orbital formations become possible. As satellite networks become larger in upcoming years this book provides a guide for readers to stay informed about standard protocols such as DTN that will allow seamless interoperation, cost reduction, and risk mitigation.
Design challenges in contact plans for disruption-tolerant satellite networks Juan A. Fraire and Jorge M. Finochietto IEEE Communications Magazine, 2015
Abstract
During the past 20 years, space communications technologies have shown limited progress in comparison to Internet-based networks on Earth. However, a brand new working group of the IETF with focus on DTN promises to extend today's Internet boundaries to embrace disruptive communications such as those seen in space networks. Nevertheless, several challenges need to be overcome before operative DTNs can be deployed in orbit. We analyze the state of the art of effective design, planning, and implementation of the forthcoming network communications opportunities (contacts). To this end, different modeling techniques, system constraints, selection criteria, and methods are reviewed and compared. Finally, we discuss the increasing complexity of considering routing and traffic information to enrich the planning procedure, yielding the need to implement a contact plan computation element to support space DTN operation.

HAL Publisher

Delay-tolerant networks: the topic page All 84 papers on this topic