Satellite TCP/IP: Technical Challenges

Abstract

In the previous chapter, we discussed the design challenges at the networks are directed towards multimedia services with new infrastructures including satellite, wireless, and optical technologies. Due to the simplicity and universality of IP, the network architectures will be based on IP or IP over DWDM. However, the provisioning of user level QoS and performance guarantees is a critical issue to be solved. The IETF proposed QoS mechanisms for terrestrial networks must be extended for satellite networks. In this chapter, we provide traffic management to deliver negotiated QoS to applications, congestion control followed by a discussion on QoS mechanisms subsequently identifying issues with Voice over IP over satellite. Other significant issues of IP Security, multicast over satellite, and forward and return protocol architectures for interactive IP satellite networks are discussed.