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At least 91 records · Page 5

The critical satellite technical issues of future pervasive broadband low-cost communication networks

The critical technical issues of signal waveform design, projected spacecraft technology, satellite launch options, and satellite cost are discussed for future pervasive broadband communication networks. With DPCM video signal encoding, 32 Mb/s user-to-user data rate per channel, 10% overhead, two orthogonal polarizations, and crosstalk loss limited to 1 dB, TFM permits about 75 channels/GHz of frequency allocation. The BOM (beginning of mission) weight and power of a baseline 400-channel multibeam satellite is about 1800 kg and 5000 W. Each 35 Mb/s channel can support 1 to 10 video channels. The weight and power estimates assume hardened digital logic, composite materials for a multibeam antenna structure, high-efficiency solar cells, batteries, and amplifiers. Based on a cost model for large communication satellites, the total space segment cost of two active satellites and one spare would be about $485 M.

Harvey, R. L.↗

An Evaluation of optional timing/synchronization features to support selection of an optimum design for the DCS digital communication network

The task was to evaluate the ability of a set of timing/synchronization subsystem features to provide a set of desirable characteristics for the evolving Defense Communications System digital communications network. The set of features related to the approaches by which timing/synchronization information could be disseminated throughout the network and the manner in which this information could be utilized to provide a synchronized network. These features, which could be utilized in a large number of different combinations, included mutual control, directed control, double ended reference links, independence of clock error measurement and correction, phase reference combining, and self organizing.

Bradley, D. B.↗

Considerations on communications network protocols in deep space

Communications supporting deep space missions impose numerous unique constraints that impact the architectural choices made for cost-effectiveness. We are entering the era where networks that exist in deep space are needed to support planetary exploration. Cost-effective performance will require a balanced integration of applicable widely used standard protocols with new and innovative designs.

network protocols deep space wireless networks↗

Integrating Space Communication Network Capabilities via Web Portal Technologies

We have developed a service portal prototype as part of an investigation into the feasibility of using Java portlet technology as a means of providing integrated access to NASA communications network services. Portal servers provide an attractive platform for this role due to the various built-in collaboration applications they can provide, combined with the possibility to develop custom inter-operating portlets to extent their functionality while preserving common presentation and behavior. This paper describes various options for integration of network services related to planning and scheduling, and results based on use of a popular open-source portal framework. Plans are underway to develop an operational SCaN Service Portal, building on the experiences reported here.

web services↗

Topology design and performance analysis of an integrated communication network

A research study on the topology design and performance analysis for the Space Station Information System (SSIS) network is conducted. It is begun with a survey of existing research efforts in network topology design. Then a new approach for topology design is presented. It uses an efficient algorithm to generate candidate network designs (consisting of subsets of the set of all network components) in increasing order of their total costs, and checks each design to see if it forms an acceptable network. This technique gives the true cost-optimal network, and is particularly useful when the network has many constraints and not too many components. The algorithm for generating subsets is described in detail, and various aspects of the overall design procedure are discussed. Two more efficient versions of this algorithm (applicable in specific situations) are also given. Next, two important aspects of network performance analysis: network reliability and message delays are discussed. A new model is introduced to study the reliability of a network with dependent failures. For message delays, a collection of formulas from existing research results is given to compute or estimate the delays of messages in a communication network without making the independence assumption. The design algorithm coded in PASCAL is included as an appendix.

Li, V. O. K.↗

A time reference distribution concept for a time division communication network

Starting with an assumed ideal network having perfect clocks at every node and known fixed transmission delays between nodes, the effects of adding tolerances to both transmission delays and nodal clocks is described. The advantages of controlling tolerances on time rather than frequency are discussed. Then a concept is presented for maintaining these tolerances on time throughout the network. This concept, called time reference distribution, is a systematic technique for distributing time reference to all nodes of the network. It is reliable, survivable and possesses many other desirable characteristics. Some of its features such as an excellent self monitoring capability will be pointed out. Some preliminary estimates of the accuracy that might be expected are developed and there is a brief discussion of the impact upon communication system costs. Time reference distribution is a concept that appears very attractive. It has not had experimental evaluation and has not yet been endorsed for use in any communication network.

Stover, H. A.↗

High-Speed Optical Wide-Area Data-Communication Network

Proposed fiber-optic wide-area network (WAN) for digital communication balances input and output flows of data with its internal capacity by routing traffic via dynamically interconnected routing planes. Data transmitted optically through network by wavelength-division multiplexing in synchronous or asynchronous packets. WAN implemented with currently available technology. Network is multiple-ring cyclic shuffle exchange network ensuring traffic reaches its destination with minimum number of hops.

Monacos, Steve P.↗

Future DCS objectives in communication network timing and synchronization

The Defense Communication System will be moving rapidly toward providing switched digital service to it's users within the next ten years. The principal driving force in the transition to a digital system is the requirement for high performance secure voice service. Additionally, the anticipated data requirements in this time frame can be handled most effectively by a digital network. The characteristics of a switched digital network which impose timing and synchronization requirements on the system design are presented. Several alternative approaches to implementing a timing subsystem suitable for a switched digital communications system have been considered. These include pulse stuffing, independent stable clocks, and clock correction techniques. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed relative to both the strategic and tactical communication system requirements.

Mensch, J. R.↗

Time-Critical Coordination of UAS with Non-Ideal Autopilots under Lossy Communication Networks

In this presentation we will explore several distributed consensus algorithms developed to maintain coordination among a fleet of heterogeneous UAS subject to external disturbances. An overview of the network assumptions and autopilot performance bounds required to meet the coordination objective will be provided. In particular, we will leverage passivity-based stability conditions for bidirectional networks that require the communication graph to be connected in an integral sense, but may fail to connect pointwise in time during the entire mission. Non-ideal autopilots that can only track a desired speed profile with a prescribed precision induce an error in vehicle coordination. The autopilot performance bounds will be propagated through the coordination dynamics to understand the limits introduced by autopilots.

conensus↗

Power, Avionics and Software Communication Network Architecture

This document describes the communication architecture for the Power, Avionics and Software (PAS) 2.0 subsystem for the Advanced Extravehicular Mobile Unit (AEMU). The following systems are described in detail: Caution Warn- ing and Control System, Informatics, Storage, Video, Audio, Communication, and Monitoring Test and Validation. This document also provides some background as well as the purpose and goals of the PAS project at Glenn Research Center (GRC).

Avionics↗

Overview of the Space Station communications networks

Within the Space Station Freedom program, the communications and data-processing capabilities that will be used to handle the operational and scientific information needs will be provided by a Space Station information and communications system. This system will be composed of a variety of elements, networks, and subnetworks. The networks and how they are interconnected are described. The discussion covers communications system elements and services, elements of the onboard systems, wide-area transport network elements, and command and control elements.

Smith, Joseph F.↗

Learning Based Edge Computing in Air-to-Air Communication Network

This paper studies learning-based edge computing and communication in a dynamic Air-to-Air Ad-hoc Network (AAAN). Due to spectrum scarcity, we assume the number of Air-to-Air (A2A) communication links is greater than that of the available frequency channels, such that some communication links have to share the same channel, causing co-channel interference. We formulate the joint channel selection and power control optimization problem to maximize the aggregate spectrum utilization efficiency under resource and fairness constraints. A distributed deep Q learning-based edge computing and communication algorithm is proposed to find the optimal solution. In particular, we design two different neural network structures and each communication link can converge to the optimal operation by exploiting only the local information from its neighbors, making it scalable to large networks. Finally, experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution in various AAAN scenarios.

Zhe Wang↗

A Communications Network for Cislunar Operations

Reliable and efficient communications will be critical to the success of commercial flight operations in cislunar space. The Internet is not well-suited to meeting this requirement. But the Delay-Tolerant Networking (DTN) architecture is. The DTN protocols are well-documented and implementations are mature. We think DTN will be ready to support low-cost, low-risk cislunar networking by the time the vehicles are in place.

network↗

CLAIRE: Enabling Heterogeneous Communication Network Optimization for Robust and Resilient Operations

In this paper, we present the capabilities of the CLAIRE System which provides resilient communications for NASA in presence of interference and congestion for a heterogeneous multi-vendor network. CLAIRE increases mission science data return to improve resource efficiencies and ensures resilience in the unpredictable space environment for NASA missions and communication networks. CLAIRE provides technology / waveform agnostic cognitive control plane that is instantiated at the Application Layer (APP) so that it can ride on NASA’s HDTN bundle protocol or any other protocol stack that is used by the network. The cognitive control plane is instantiated using Heartbeats (HTBTs). CLAIRE is assisted by Wideband UHF-Ka Band RF Sensing that leverages advances in the Direct Digital Transceiver (DDTRX) technology. The Wideband RF Sensing is driven by statistical signal processing and machine learning algorithms. Interference is mitigated using Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA). Finally, CLAIRE addresses congestion using spectrum aware packet forwarding algorithm. CLAIRE provides an extensible protocol that allows passing of RF spectrum situational awareness, cross-layer sensing, delay tolerant networking and dynamic spectrum access information that can help with network optimization. Cross-Layer Sensing (CLS) and CLAIRE Decision Engine (CDE) enable spectrum and delay aware packet forwarding and Dynamic Spectrum Access during cases of severe interference.

cognitive communications↗

Deep Space Network and Lunar Network Communication Coverage of the Moon

In this article, we describe the communication coverage analysis for the lunar network and the Earth ground stations. The first part of this article focuses on the direct communication coverage of the Moon from the Earth's ground stations. In particular, we assess the coverage performance of the Moon based on the existing Deep Space Network (DSN) antennas and the complimentary coverage of other potential stations at Hartebeesthoek, South Africa and at Santiago, Chile. We also address the coverage sensitivity based on different DSN antenna scenarios and their capability to provide single and redundant coverage of the Moon. The second part of this article focuses on the framework of the constrained optimization scheme to seek a stable constellation six relay satellites in two planes that not only can provide continuous communication coverage to any users on the Moon surface, but can also deliver data throughput in a highly efficient manner.

lunar network↗

Modelling high data rate communication network access protocol

Modeling of high data rate communication systems is different from the low data rate systems. Three simulations were built during the development phase of Carrier Sensed Multiple Access/Ring Network (CSMA/RN) modeling. The first was a model using SIMCRIPT based upon the determination and processing of each event at each node. The second simulation was developed in C based upon isolating the distinct object that can be identified as the ring, the message, the node, and the set of critical events. The third model further identified the basic network functionality by creating a single object, the node which includes the set of critical events which occur at the node. The ring structure is implicit in the node structure. This model was also built in C. Each model is discussed and their features compared. It should be stated that the language used was mainly selected by the model developer because of his past familiarity. Further the models were not built with the intent to compare either structure or language but because the complexity of the problem and initial results contained obvious errors, so alternative models were built to isolate, determine, and correct programming and modeling errors. The CSMA/RN protocol is discussed in sufficient detail to understand modeling complexities. Each model is described along with its features and problems. The models are compared and concluding observations and remarks are presented.

Khanna, S.↗

Wireless Network Communications Overview for Space Mission Operations

The mission of the On-Board Wireless Working Group (WWG) is to serve as a general CCSDS focus group for intra-vehicle wireless technologies. The WWG investigates and makes recommendations pursuant to standardization of applicable wireless network protocols, ensuring the interoperability of independently developed wireless communication assets. This document presents technical background information concerning uses and applicability of wireless networking technologies for space missions. Agency-relevant driving scenarios, for which wireless network communications will provide a significant return-on-investment benefiting the participating international agencies, are used to focus the scope of the enclosed technical information.

Fink, Patrick W.↗