Cooperative Clustering Techniques For Space Network ScalabilityRouting in the space internet must face many unique challenges - from unplanned disconnections and interruptions to predictable intermittent connectivity due to high network mobility and long propagation delays. NASA’s current approach to such routing is Contact Graph Routing (CGR), using a graph formed of prescheduled communication contacts to compute routes through the network. While this approach manages to tackle issues of connectivity and propagation delays, it is a global approach that requires continuous knowledge of the entire network. In a potential future Solar Space Internet (SSI) such an approach on its own cannot scale to large networks with thousands of members. In this paper we propose clustering as a solution to CGR scalability. Clustering has been used in many networking problems as a way to subdivide the network and allow for localized routing and better scalability. Using techniques from graph theory and game theory, we explore various existing clustering algorithms and adapt them to the Contact Graph Routing setting. We propose a way to combine multiple algorithms to create a Delay Tolerant Clustering Protocol (DTCP). In addition, we explore the underlying networking mechanisms such as multicast, neighbor discovery, and software defined networking that may be used to enable DTCP.
Document ID
20230008118
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Yael Kirkpatrick (Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States)
Rachel Dudukovich (Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Prash Choksi (University of Houston - Clear Lake Houston, Texas, United States)
Dominick Ta (University of Washington Seattle, Washington, United States)
Date Acquired
May 24, 2023
Subject Category
Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command and Tracking
Meeting Information
Meeting: IEEE Cognitive Communications for Aerospace Applications Workshop
Location: Cleveland, OH
Country: US
Start Date: June 20, 2023
End Date: June 22, 2023
Sponsors: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Funding Number(s)
WBS: 553323.04.01.03
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
Technical Review
Single Expert
Keywords
Delay Tolerant NetworkingCooperative NetworksGame TheoryClusteringContact Graph RoutingSoftware Defined NetworkingController Placement