Simulating a proactive ad-hoc network protocol for Federated Satellite Systems

Abstract

Novel distributed space mission concepts such as fractionation and federation promise to transform the design and operations approach of future missions. These paradigms require robust communications networking among other technologies. For the first time this paper explores the specifics of communications network protocols to enable Federated Satellite Systems using an opportunistic resource exchange frame open to all kinds of missions. Within satellite federations, participant spacecraft trade resources on a voluntary basis open to collaborative and/or commercial returns. The heterogeneous, mobile, flexible and scalable environment of satellite federations requires networking technologies capable of handling autonomous node discovery and frequent link disruptions. This work leverages existing Mobile Ad-Hoc Networking techniques to propose an FSS network protocol concept making use of OSLR neighbor sensing and store-carry-and-forward BATMAN routing concepts combined with link availability assessments and predictive topology routing. The performance of this protocol is tested through a dedicated network simulator and the FSS simulation toolkit. Results show the benefits of using FSS under this protocol. For a LEO-based scenario, average content delivery latency is improved from 41 minutes to 3.7 minutes by full usage of federated network benefits. Intermediate scenarios, such as 50% time network usage, present an average latency of 18 minutes. The paper ends by highlighting conclusions and next steps for the development of space communications protocols suitable for FSS.

Sealed‐Bid Reverse Auction Pricing Mechanisms for Federated Satellite Systems

“…The figure highlights the peculiarity of the auction scheme proposed, that is, the proactiveness . The propagation of information in the federated network is simulated using a proactive ad hoc network protocol for FSS, that has been developed in previous research [Lluch et al., ] (referred hereto as “the model”). In the model, nodes send signals (“hello” messages) containing information about their availability to supply and the updated bid (i.e., a potential service price).…”

“…In sharing economy systems, the dissemination of information inside the network, on the properties and availability of participating systems, is a key feature. This paper assumes a gossiping information‐sharing mechanism [Huang et al., ], where agents send messages to other agents in unslotted randomized time intervals [Lluch et al., ].…”

“…FSS, that is the case study of this paper, represent an example of MANETs in space. The time latency–based protocol developed for FSS [Lluch and Golkar, ] envisions a proactive ad hoc network protocol that is based on network discovery and discovery of link availability, as it is common in MANETs [Huang et al., ; Delosières and Nadjm‐Tehrani, ]. Resource allocation within an MANET can be modeled using game theory.…”

Architecting federations of systems: A framework for capturing synergy

“…FSS has been proposed as a voluntary and/or commercial resource exchange among heterogeneous space missions belonging to multiple stakeholders. Such resource exchange, that includes bandwidth and processing capabilities, is supported by a communications network among satellites . Each federated party offers and makes use of resources of others in a dynamic fashion according to their needs and operational constraints.…”

Architecting Information Security Services for Federated Satellite Systems

“…On the other hand, security QoS can also be introduced as an important factor in the routing mechanisms for the FSS network. In that sense, optimal routes will not only be related to classical measures such as number of hops or latency [35], but also to the ability of an interaction to easily satisfy the security requirements of an information stream. For instance, routes requiring fewer interaction promotions should be favored as they maximize the eciency of the system and therefore increase its overall capacity.…”