Providing IP QoS over GEO satellite systems using MPLS

Multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) is a promising technology that is quickly gathering momentum as a solution for delivering quality of service (QoS) on IP-based terrestrial networks. It is then appropriate to wonder how this technology could affect the next generation satellite networks (from at least an interoperability standpoint) and if satellite network designers should implement MPLS on their space segment (and if yes, how?). These are the main questions that this paper is addressing. We will show how MPLS can be used on top of any layer 2 technology on the space segment, to provide IP QoS. In particular we will discuss MPLS over ATM over satellite where MPLS is essentially used to control and manage an on-board ATM switch fabric. Problems with MPLS and solutions will be presented. As the digital video broadcast (DVB) standard is becoming popular to be used on both the forward and return link, the different methods to carry IP over DVB will also be discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

[1]  Joel M. Halpern,et al.  Classical IP and ARP over ATM , 1998, RFC.

[2]  Daniel O. Awduche,et al.  Requirements for Traffic Engineering Over MPLS , 1999, RFC.

[3]  Scott Shenker,et al.  Integrated Services in the Internet Architecture : an Overview Status of this Memo , 1994 .

[4]  Xipeng Xiao,et al.  Internet QoS: a big picture , 1999, IEEE Netw..

[5]  George Pavlou,et al.  Supporting differentiated services in MPLS networks , 1999, 1999 Seventh International Workshop on Quality of Service. IWQoS'99. (Cat. No.98EX354).

[6]  Ram Dantu,et al.  Constraint-Based LSP Setup using LDP , 2002, RFC.

[7]  Gábor Fehér,et al.  Boomerang-A Simple Protocol for Resource Reservation in IP Networks , 1999 .

[8]  David L. Black,et al.  Definition of the Differentiated Services Field (DS Field) in the IPv4 and IPv6 Headers , 1998, RFC.

[9]  Scott Shenker,et al.  Specification of Guaranteed Quality of Service , 1997, RFC.

[10]  David L. Black,et al.  An Architecture for Differentiated Service , 1998 .

[11]  R. Braden,et al.  Resource Reservation Protocol (rsvp) , 1995 .

[12]  John Wroclawski,et al.  Specification of the Controlled-Load Network Element Service , 1997, RFC.

[13]  John Wroclawski,et al.  The Use of RSVP with IETF Integrated Services , 1997, RFC.

[14]  Mark Laubach,et al.  Classical IP and ARP over ATM , 1994, RFC.

[15]  Walid Dabbous,et al.  IP routing issues in satellite constellation networks , 2001, Int. J. Satell. Commun. Netw..

[16]  John Wroclawski,et al.  Integrated Service Mappings for Differentiated Services Networks , 2001 .

[17]  Henning Schulzrinne,et al.  YESSIR: a simple reservation mechanism for the Internet , 1999, CCRV.

[18]  D. Awduche,et al.  Multiprotocol lambda switching: combining MPLS traffic engineering control with optical crossconnects , 2001, IEEE Commun. Mag..