A Framework for an Intelligent Internet Protocol for a Space-Based Internet

Abstract

An intelligent mobile agent is an autonomous decision maker that moves from node to node, gathering information, and then takes actions based on the gathered information to achieve its purpose. The agent uses the knowledge it acquires to determine future actions. This paper describes a framework for an IP-based protocol that allows intelligent mobile agents to function within the network layer. This framework will provide an autonomous, flexible system with the ability to seamlessly handle space-based Internet routing; a volatile, sometimes unpredictable environment. We extend the capabilities of the Internet Protocol (IP) to allow and facilitate the existence of intelligent mobile agents within the network layer, creating what we term Intelligent Internet Protocol (IIP). A. Space-based Networking There are numerous difficulties in dealing with space-based networking 15. Spacecraft can communicate with one another only when they are in Line of Sight, so communication links are constantly severed and re-established due to the nature of orbits. Unexpected events such as solar flares and poor weather on earth can further hamper groundto-space communication. Currently, satellites do not communicate using IP, but instead use a blend of customized protocols. This communications infrastructure requires custom-built hardware and software to test and integrate the communication systems for each spacecraft. A standardized infrastructure would facilitate easier deployment, greater extensibility, and lower costs. Full support for IP-based space communication would benefit NASA because IP is an industrystandard communication protocol. Further, since IP is used in the Internet, it is continually being tested, researched, and developed worldwide. Therefore, NASA has developed a serious interest in applying IP to space communication networks 2,3,7,16 .

Analysis of the Difficulties of the Earth Integrated Information Network

“…The satellite constellation system, which constituted by multiple satellites, need to establish the communication link among the satellites, put the switching on the satellites, or to establish a gateway for the exchanging and processing capabilities [7]. Due to the differences in architecture and network protocol of different platforms, such as satellites, aircraft, terminal facilities on the ground, and so on, the complexity to achieving the space-based information network is increased [8]. A satellite and a variety of spacecraft continue to emerge, a variety of aviation, spacecraft orbital parameters and the operation mode are not the same and have different functions.…”

Improving the Performance of Asynchronous Communication in Long-Distance Delay-Sensitive Networks through the Development of Context-Aware Architectures

“…This context-aware layer builds on an idea presented in [20], which includes an Intelligent Internet Protocol (IIP) in the network layer. A context-aware layer has numerous applications in deep space communication.…”

“…The construction of the application layer builds on ideas presented in [18] [19] [20]. In [18], the applications are considered in terms of being delaysensitive or delay-insensitive.…”

Human & Robotics Technology Space Exploration Communication Scenarios: Characteristics, Challenges & Scenarios for Developing Intelligent Internet Protocols

“…Intelligent Internet Protocol (IIP) provides revolutionary and unique functionalities that distinguish it from other protocols [8]. The following are the six functionalities specifically designed to accommodate limitations and constrains encountered in space networks.…”