Session
Session VIII: Advanced Technologies—Section 2
Abstract
Internet Protocol (IP) enables a session-based communication paradigm that is transaction-oriented rather than data stream-centric. This is a paradigm that is prevalent in ground systems (and arguably a significant factor in the success of the Internet), but is uncommon in space systems – even ones that have used IP. IP allows multiple, simultaneous, independent sessions over the same channel. This allows software that uses the space link to be written in a more modular and easily testable manner. It also allows commercial IP-based technology to be used independently of the application-specific software. For instance, a telnet session to the spacecraft could be active while an FTP transfer is taking place and at the same time the spacecraft health telemetry is being sent via UDP packets – all working independently of each other although sharing the same communication channel. This paper discusses the implications of the IP session-based communication paradigm on spacecraft system design, software design, implementation, and testing, and operations.
Presentation Slides
Implications of Internet Protocol on LEO Micro-Satellite Communication Links
Internet Protocol (IP) enables a session-based communication paradigm that is transaction-oriented rather than data stream-centric. This is a paradigm that is prevalent in ground systems (and arguably a significant factor in the success of the Internet), but is uncommon in space systems – even ones that have used IP. IP allows multiple, simultaneous, independent sessions over the same channel. This allows software that uses the space link to be written in a more modular and easily testable manner. It also allows commercial IP-based technology to be used independently of the application-specific software. For instance, a telnet session to the spacecraft could be active while an FTP transfer is taking place and at the same time the spacecraft health telemetry is being sent via UDP packets – all working independently of each other although sharing the same communication channel. This paper discusses the implications of the IP session-based communication paradigm on spacecraft system design, software design, implementation, and testing, and operations.
