Space Packet Network Architectures Trade Space and Potential Solutions

This presentation describes the considerations in designing the architecture of a space-based packet network. It addresses the various protocols and mechanisms that define such networks and the ways in which choices affect overall network properties. There are a few dominant architectures that support a wide variety of uses; however, there is no single answer for network design. In most cases, an architectures is defined by the links that interconnect its nodes and whether it supports edge or backbone (cross-network) traffic. Network endpoints and internetwork connections should use the Internet Protocol (IP), enabling ubiquitous information exchange, but an individual network domain can and should use the architecture that matches its link properties best.