PETRA: performance enhancing transport architecture for Satellite communications

This paper presents a performance enhancing transport architecture for the satellite environment. This solution improves the network transport performance by overcoming the limits imposed by a transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP)-based stack suite, while maintaining the interfaces offered by it. This is an important issue since TCP/IP is widely used and most of the applications are based on it. The work starts from the state-of-the-art about the transport layer over satellite by distinguishing two alternative frameworks: the black box (BB) and the complete knowledge (CK) approaches. In the former, the network is considered as a "black box" and only modifications in the terminal tools are permitted. In the latter, the complete control of any network element is allowed so as a performance optimization procedure is possible. The proposed architecture [called Performance Enhancing Transport Architecture (PETRA)] is designed in all details using the second approach. PETRA uses network elements, called relay entities, to isolate the satellite portions in case of heterogeneous networks, while a transport layer protocol stack is used to optimize the transport of information over satellite links. A special satellite transport protocol, that is part of the transport layer protocol stack, is used over such links to perform error recovery. Simulation results show that the proposed framework significantly enhances throughput performance.     

Transport layer protocols and architectures for satellite networks

Designing efficient transmission mechanisms for advanced satellite networks is a demanding task, requiring the definition and the implementation of protocols and architectures well suited to this challenging environment. In particular, transport protocols performance over satellite networks is impaired by the characteristics of the satellite radio link, specifically by the long propagation delay and the possible presence of segment losses due to physical channel errors. The level of impact on performance depends upon the link design (type of constellation, link margin, coding and modulation) and operational conditions (link obstructions, terminal mobility, weather conditions, etc.). To address these critical aspects a number of possible solutions have been presented in the literature, ranging from limited modifications of standard protocols (e.g. TCP, transmission control protocol) to completely alternative protocol and network architectures. However, despite the great number of different proposals (or perhaps also because of it), the general framework appears quite fragmented and there is a compelling need of an integration of the research competences and efforts. This is actually the intent of the transport protocols research line within the European SatNEx (Satellite Network of Excellence) project. Stemming from the authors' work on this project, this paper aims to provide the reader with an updated overview of all the possible approaches that can be pursued to overcome the limitations of current transport protocols and architectures, when applied to satellite communications. In the paper the possible solutions are classified in the following categories: optimization of TCP interactions with lower layers, TCP enhancements, performance enhancement proxies (PEP) and delay tolerant networks (DTN). Advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches, as well as their interactions, are investigated and discussed, taking into account performance improvement, complexity, and compliance to the standard semantics. From this analysis, it emerges that DTN architectures could integrate some of the most efficient solutions from the other categories, by inserting them in a new rigorous framework. These innovative architectures therefore may represent a promising solution for solving some of the important problems posed at the transport layer by satellite networks, at least in a medium‐to‐long‐term perspective. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Wi‐Fi‐based modeling and hybrid routing scheme for delay‐tolerant public bus network

Delay‐ or Disruption‐Tolerant Networking (DTN) is a communications approach that is utilized in easily disrupted or delayed networks. Examples of such networks are often found in heterogeneous networks, mobile or extreme terrestrial networks, and planned networks in space. In this paper, we examine the metropolitan bus network as a research target of DTN for a public transport network. We analyze the metropolitan bus network through spatial and temporal modeling using an existing Bus Information System (BIS) database. On the basis of the results of our analysis, we propose and design an appropriate DTN routing scheme called Hybrid Position‐based DTN Routing. This scheme uses position‐based routing instead of address‐based routing by soliciting infrastructural help from nearby Access Points for the real‐time BIS location service. We simulated our scheme using a WLAN for the wideband DTN communication and evaluated it by comparing it with traditional Ad hoc flooding, Epidemic routing, and strategic protocol steps in our own algorithm. The results indicate that our scheme achieves reasonably high performance in terms of packet delivery ratio, latency, and resource usage. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the impact of link layer retransmission schemes on TCP over 4G satellite links

We study the impact of reliability mechanisms introduced at the link layer on the performance of transport protocols in the context of 4G satellite links. Specifically, we design a software module that performs realistic analysis of the network performance, by utilizing real physical layer traces of a 4G satellite service. Based on these traces, our software module produces equivalent link layer traces, as a function of the chosen link layer reliability mechanism. We further utilize the link layer traces within the ns‐2 network simulator to evaluate the impact of link layer schemes on the performance of selected Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) variants. We consider erasure coding, selective‐repeat automatic request (ARQ) and hybrid‐ARQ link layer mechanisms, and TCP Cubic, Compound, Hybla, New Reno and Westwood. We show that, for all target TCP variants, when the throughput of the transport protocol is close to the channel capacity, using the ARQ mechanism is most beneficial for TCP performance improvement. In conditions where the physical channel error rate is high, hybrid‐ARQ results in the best performance for all TCP variants considered, with up to 22% improvements compared to other schemes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Improving Bandwidth Utilization of Intermittent Links in Highly Dynamic Ad Hoc Networks

Non-uniform node densities occur and intermittent links exist in highly dynamic ad hoc networks. To fit these networks, researchers usually combine delay tolerant network (DTN) routing protocols and mobile ad hoc network (MANET) routing protocols. The DTN protocol separates end-to-end links into multiple DTN links, which consist of multi-hop MANET links. Determining how to arrange DTN links and MANET links from source to end and dealing with intermittent links are performance issues, because node density ranges from sparse to dense and MANET protocols are much lighter than DTN protocols. This paper presents HMDTN, an application-network cross-layer framework, to solve the previously mentioned issues. The application layer in HMDTN supports disrupt tolerance with a large data buffer while adjusting the routing table on the basis of the connection state of links (link is disrupted or recovered), which are collected by the network layer. As a result, HMDTN increases the bandwidth utilization of intermittent links without compromising the efficiency of the MANET protocol in a reliable network. The HMDTN prototype was implemented based on Bytewalla (a Java version of DTN2) and Netfilter-based AODV. Experiments on Android devices show that unlike AODV and Epidemic, HMDTN increases the bandwidth utilization of intermittent links with a negligible increase of network overhead. In particular, HMDTN maintains the network throughput as high as regular network conditions even if the network undergoes relatively long-term (dozens of seconds or few minutes) data link disruptions.

     

容迟网络体系结构及其关键技术研究

当前的Intemet体系结构和其中许多协议无法很好的适用存在高延迟和频繁割裂的网络.当端节点具有严格的能量和存储限制时,这一问题将更加恶化.由于移动性和特殊应用需求,使得像陆地移动网络、军事无线自组织网络、星际网络及无线传感器网络等这样的受限网络缺乏“保持连接”的基础结构.这些受限网络有它们自己的专有协议而不采用TCP/IP协议.为了实现这些网络之间的互联,国际上提出了在端到端连接和节点资源都受限时的一种新型网络体系结构和应用接口,称为延迟容忍网络(简称容迟网络,DIN,Delay-Tolerant Networks).DTN作为网络互联时传输层上的覆盖网可用来满足随意的异步消息可靠转发.本文研究分析了容迟网络的应用背景、体系结构、关键技术和一些开放问题,并给出了未来的发展方向和应用前景.     

Evaluating performance of two-hop routing in DTN based on Home-MEG model

Performance analysis in delay tolerant networks (DTN) is often based on unrealistic mobility models. Recently, the Home-MEG model is proposed. This model is able to accurately reproduce the power law and exponential decay distribution of inter-contact times between mobile nodes which has been observed in many real motion traces. This letter proposes a theoretical framework to evaluate the performance of two-hop routing based on Home-MEG model for the first time. Simulation results show the accuracy of our theoretical model. Using the model, we explore the impact of some parameters (e.g. the number of relay nodes) on the routing performance.     

Security issues in hybrid networks with a satellite component

Satellites are expected to play an increasingly important role in providing broadband Internet services over long distances in an efficient manner. Most future networks will be hybrid in nature - having terrestrial nodes interconnected by satellite links. Security is an important concern in such networks, since the satellite segment is susceptible to a host of attacks, including eavesdropping, session hijacking and data corruption. In this article we address the issue of securing communication in satellite networks. We discuss various security attacks that are possible in hybrid satellite networks, and survey the different solutions proposed to secure data communications in these networks. We look at the performance problems arising in hybrid networks due to security additions like Internet security protocol (IPSec) or secure socket layer (SSL), and suggest solutions to performance-related problems. We also point out important drawbacks in the proposed solutions, and suggest a hierarchical key-management approach for adding data security to group communication in hybrid networks.     

Providing differentiated service to TCP flows over bandwidth on demand geostationary satellite networks

The elasticity of transmission control protocol (TCP) traffic complicates attempts to provide performance guarantees to TCP flows. The existence of different types of networks and environments on the connections' paths only aggravates this problem. In this paper, simulation is the primary means for investigating the specific problem in the context of bandwidth on demand (BoD) geostationary satellite networks. Proposed transport-layer options and mechanisms for TCP performance enhancement, studied in the single connection case or without taking into account the media access control (MAC)-shared nature of the satellite link, are evaluated within a BoD-aware satellite simulation environment. Available capabilities at MAC layer, enabling the provision of differentiated service to TCP flows, are demonstrated and the conditions under which they perform efficiently are investigated. The BoD scheduling algorithm and the policy regarding spare capacity distribution are two MAC-layer mechanisms that appear to be complementary in this context; the former is effective at high levels of traffic load, whereas the latter drives the differentiation at low traffic load. When coupled with transport layer mechanisms they can form distinct bearer services over the satellite network that increase the differentiation robustness against the TCP bias against connections with long round-trip times. We also explore the use of analytical, fixed-point methods to predict the performance at transport level and link level. The applicability of the approach is mainly limited by the lack of analytical models accounting for prioritization mechanisms at the MAC layer and the nonuniform distribution of traffic load among satellite terminals.     

一种卫星网络中基于Agent的可靠组播传输协议

IP 组播技术是一种可以把单个数据信息同时分发到不同的用户去的网络技术。卫星网络固有的广播信道特性使得它很适合组播应用。然而目前针对卫星网络的可靠组播服务研究很少,虽然已经有一些关于地面Internet组播协议建议,但他们并不适合于卫星网络。在卫星网络组播传输中的一个关键技术是传输协议设计。该文提出一种基于Agent的宽带卫星网络可靠组播传输协议(ASMTP)。该协议利用接收端Agent来实现卫星组播,采用分组级FEC和本地差错恢复纠正传播中的非相关错误和相关错误。在ASMTP中,还实现了流量控制和拥塞控制机制。仿真结果表明,在卫星网络环境中,ASMTP性能优于MFTP(Multicast File Transport Protocol),同时具有较好的网络可扩展性。     

面向混合DTN网络的新型传输架构 CAF

Delay-Tolerant Networks ( DTNs ) are wireless networks that often experience temporary, even long-duration partitioning. Current DTN researches mainly focus on pure delay-tolerant networks that are extreme environments within a limited application scope. It motivates the identification of a more reasonable and valuable DTN architecture, which can be applied in a wider range of environments to achieve interoperability between some networks suffering from frequent network partitioning, and other networks provided with stable and high speed Internet access. Such hybrid delay-tolerant networks have a lot of applications in real world. A novel and practical Cache-Assign-Forward (CAF) architecture is proposed as an appropriate approach to tie together such hybrid networks to achieve an efficient and flexible data communication. Based on CAF, we enhance the existing DTN routing protocols and apply them to complex hybrid delay-tolerant networks. Simulations show that CAF can improve DTN routing performance significantly in hybrid DTN environments.     

Evaluation of SCTP for space networks

The stream control transmission protocol has recently been standardized as a new transport layer protocol in the IP protocol suite. SCFP is based on the TCP protocol, but incorporates a number of advanced and unique features that are not available in TCP. Although the suitability of TCP over satellite networks has been widely studied, the suitability of SCTP over satellite networks remains to be evaluated. The objective of this article is to investigate the suitability of SCTP for data communications over satellite networks. We focus on the advanced features of SCTP that enhance its performance in satellite networks. Finally, we provide recommendations on the use of SCTP over satellite networks.     

Storage area network extension solutions and their performance assessment

Several solutions are proposed to extend storage area networking solutions over distances of hundreds to thousands of kilometers. Native fibre channel or end-to-end fibre channel-based solutions can be offered over long distances using SONET-based networks. Protocols such as Internet SCSI (iSCSI), Internet fibre channel protocol (iFCP) and fibre channel over TCP/IP (FCIP) are being proposed to enable storage area networking solutions over networks that use IP as their transport protocol. Performance analysis of these solutions in terms of application throughput under variable network conditions of packet loss, bandwidth availability, extension distance, and TCP implementations in the sender and receiver is presented based on analytical modeling of different solutions.     

Reducing the acknowledgement frequency in IETF QUIC

Satellite networks usually use in-network methods (such as Performance Enhancing Proxies for TCP) to adapt the transport to the characteristics of the forward and return paths. QUIC is a transport protocol that prevents the use of in–network methods. This paper explores the use of the recently–standardised IETF QUIC protocol with a focus on the implications on performance when using different acknowledgement policies to reduce the number of packets and volume of bytes sent on the return path. Our analysis evaluates a set of ACK policies for three IETF QUIC implementations, examining performance over cellular, terrestrial and satellite networks. It shows that QUIC performance can be maintained even when sending fewer acknowledgements, and recommends a new QUIC acknowledgement policy that adapts QUIC's ACK Delay value based on the path RTT to ensure timely feedback. The resulting policy is shown to reduce the volume/rate of traffic sent on the return path and associated processing costs in endpoints, without sacrificing throughput.     

Next-generation satellite networks: architectures andimplementations

A new generation of satellite networks is being developed to handle highly bursty Internet and multimedia traffic. In these networks, satellite links are used for interconnecting remote network segments as well as for providing direct network access to homes and businesses. In this environment, the satellite network must support not only circuit switched traffic, but also packet services with highly bursty traffic patterns. The traditional circuit switched approach based on the user or network signaling is inadequate to carry dynamically varying packet traffic efficiently, necessitating faster bandwidth allocation solutions. Standard interworking solutions and air interfaces are very important for interoperability leading to proliferation of satellite networks to potentially millions of home and business users. In this article we provide an overview of the standardization effort that has started at the TIA in the area of satellite ATM networks. Subsequently, a bandwidth-on-demand multiservice satellite network architecture implementation is described     

Transport protocols for data center networks: a survey of issues,solutions and challenges

In recent years, data centers play an important role in academia and industry for supporting various services and applications. Compared with other IP networks, data center networks have some special features such as many-to-one communication pattern with high bandwidth, low latency, auto-scaling, shallow buffered switches and multi-rooted tree topology. Owing to these special features of data center networks, traditional TCP suffers from severe performance degradation. For improving the performance of TCP in data center networks, various solutions have been proposed in recent years. This article presents a comprehensive survey of existing transport layer solutions proposed for mitigating the problems of TCP in data center networks. The objective of this article is threefold: to discuss about the issues of TCP in data center networks; to introduce various transport layer solutions and finally to compare and discuss the challenges of existing solutions proposed for improving the performance of TCP in data center networks.     

Deploying Internet Protocol Security in satellite networks using Transmission Control Protocol Performance Enhancing Proxies

Applications that use the reliable Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) have a significant degradation over satellite links. This degradation is mainly a consequence of the congestion control algorithm used by standard TCP, which is not suitable for overcoming the impairments of satellite networks. To alleviate this problem, two TCP Performance Enhancing Proxies (PEPs) can be deployed at the edges of the satellite segment. Then these PEPs can use different mechanisms such as snooping, spoofing and splitting to achieve a better TCP performance. In general, these mechanisms require the manipulation of the Internet Protocol (IP) and TCP headers that generates a problem when deploying the standard IP security (IPsec) protocol. The security services that IPsec offers (encryption and/or authentication) are based on the cryptographic protection of IP datagrams, including the corresponding IP and TCP headers. As a consequence, these cryptographic protections of IPsec conflict with the mechanisms that PEPs use to enhance the TCP performance in the satellite link. In this article, we detail the reasons that cause this conflict, and we propose three different approaches to deploy IPsec in a scenario with TCP PEPs. Our proposals provide different trade‐offs between security and TCP performance in some typical scenarios that use satellite networks. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The simulation modelling and performance analysis of low earth orbit satellite communication networks for personal communications

This paper extends previous research efforts related to the simulation performance modelling and analysis of satellite communication networks. Specifically, the use of low earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks for personal communications is examined. Six different satellite constellation configurations are investigated in a packet‐switched operating environment. Performance metrics examined are the end‐to‐end packet delay and the utilization of satellite channels in the dynamic environment. Realistic and accurate models of the physical satellite network and its terrestrial transmitters require that numerous operating characteristics and assumptions be specified. These are based on proposed design requirements of commercial systems, such as Iridium. Via the use of simulation, we show the relative delay and utilization performance of differing satellite network architectures. From these simulation models, mathematical metamodels are derived for the system delays. These innovative models are used to predict the delay performance of different network architectures not previously simulated. Comparison of these metamodels with simulation results show that metamodels provide an accurate means for performance prediction. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

容迟／容断网络传输技术研究

容迟／容断网络（DTN）是从星际网络、卫星网络、AdHoc网络、传感网络等现实网络中抽象出来的一种特殊的网络模型。分析了DTN网络的研究背景和体系结构,重点研究了DTN网络的保管传输技术;通过仿真结果表明,与端到端的传输方式相比,保管传输技术在网络平均吞吐量和数据传输总量方面性能优越,适用于DTN网络。     

Improving performance in delay/disruption tolerant networks through passive relay points

In this paper, we study the case of a limited number of mobile nodes trying to communicate in a large geographic area, forming a delay/disruption tolerant network (DTN). In such networks the mobile nodes are disconnected for significantly long periods of time. Traditional routing protocols proposed for mobile ad hoc networks or mesh networks, which assume at least one path between each source and destination, are ineffective in DTNs. One approach to improve communication is through gossip based protocols because these protocols do not rely on a fixed path. Another approach is to control the movement of the mobile nodes and/or use special mobile nodes called ferry nodes. Others try to employ a fixed infrastructure including stationary relay points. One scheme in stationary relay point approach is to use base stations as relay points which need their own power supply. In this paper, we study a passive approach where mobile nodes deposit/retrieve messages to/ from known stationary locations in the geographic region. Messages are delivered from a source by being deposited at one or more locations that are later visited by the destination. A proposed implementation of our approach using read/writable passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, one per point location, is considered in this work. Passive RFID technology is desirable because it operates wirelessly and without the need for attached power. Our simulation results indicate that our approach can achieve competitive message delay and delivery rates. We also demonstrate several techniques for optimizing the stationary relay node placement, namely relay pruning, probability based relay distribution and a genetic algorithm; the genetic algorithm is shown to provide the best solutions to this problem.