SDN will be launched into space: why is it necessary
Software-defined networks will be “ sent to space” to control spacecraft. Under the cut, we will tell who does this and what tasks the SDN will perform.
/ US National Archives / PD
Loon is developing a project that aims to deliver high-speed Internet to remote locations around the globe using aerostats. They fly at a height of twenty kilometers from the surface of the Earth and represent a kind of "point" of the wireless network.
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The flight parameters of each balloon is controlled by an autonomous navigation system. It takes into account the direction and strength of the wind, as well as weather conditions. But intelligent algorithms can not always keep the balls in one place. Balloons move in space and periodically lose touch with each other, which leads to instability of the Internet connection.
To solve this problem, Loon teamed up with Canadian satellite communications operator Telesat. Together, companies have developed an SDN system that solves the problem of packet routing, taking into account the constantly changing network topology. The system is called Temporospatial SDN.
Typically, protocols like OSPF or ISIS are used to route packets in networks. But these protocols have a “reactive nature” and rebuild routes after changes in the network. This approach can lead to delays or packet loss. To solve the problem Temporospatial SDN uses predictive analytics.
Such a work scheme allows you to track topology changes and potential route breaks before they occur. At the same time, in the Temporospatial SDN, network nodes do not exchange data on the connection status and its properties, as in OSPF. Only low-bandwidth messages are transmitted, which increases the speed of connection establishment. Also Temporospatial SDN builds a “ busy frequencies map”. It is necessary not to interfere with other spacecraft. The connection with the Earth is established only through the allowed channels, which excludes unnecessary noise.
Tempon SDN company Loon will test in Kenya. Telesat will join the trials. The provider will use the system to control the new generation of geostationary satellites.
The developers hope that in the long term Temporospatial SDN will help build a space network and open access to the Internet from anywhere in the world. But while the implementation of this solution is expensive, and to work with it requires special skills.
To remedy the situation, the developers plan to implement a controller interface in Java. They will be based on a platform based on the open network operating system ONOS and the technology for modeling the Systems Tool Kit .
In addition to Loon and Telesat, such companies as LinkSure , OneWeb , Swamp Technologies , as well as LeoSat and Starlink operate on the market of “space” Internet.
/ PICRYL / PD
In the LeoSat project, satellites will be launched into near-earth orbit. They will exchange data with each other using lasers, which will allow broadcasting packets at a speed of 1.6 Gbps. It is expected that by 2020, 76 spacecraft will rotate around the planet. The company's clients will be stock exchanges, banks and other financial organizations.
The Starlink authors have a bigger goal - to launch twelve thousand satellites into space. In February last year, the first two devices were sent into orbit. For communication between themselves and with earth stations, they use Ku- and Ka-band radio waves. The first tests with a pair of satellites were successful. However, managing thousands of spacecraft will be more difficult. The solution would be Temporospatial SDN. In Loon, they believe that the implementation of software-defined networks in space will help build a single ecosystem for spacecraft and prevent collisions in orbit.
According to experts, satellite Internet technology can already be considered a new “arms race”. But before it becomes clear how such systems are suitable for solving real problems, it will take at least 5–10 years.
PS Additional materials from the corporate blog VAS Experts:
PPS Publications on the topic from our blog on Habré:
/ US National Archives / PD
Why do we need SDN in space
Loon is developing a project that aims to deliver high-speed Internet to remote locations around the globe using aerostats. They fly at a height of twenty kilometers from the surface of the Earth and represent a kind of "point" of the wireless network.
')
The flight parameters of each balloon is controlled by an autonomous navigation system. It takes into account the direction and strength of the wind, as well as weather conditions. But intelligent algorithms can not always keep the balls in one place. Balloons move in space and periodically lose touch with each other, which leads to instability of the Internet connection.
To solve this problem, Loon teamed up with Canadian satellite communications operator Telesat. Together, companies have developed an SDN system that solves the problem of packet routing, taking into account the constantly changing network topology. The system is called Temporospatial SDN.
What tasks does SDN perform in space?
Typically, protocols like OSPF or ISIS are used to route packets in networks. But these protocols have a “reactive nature” and rebuild routes after changes in the network. This approach can lead to delays or packet loss. To solve the problem Temporospatial SDN uses predictive analytics.
The system takes into account the current coordinates of aerostats, ground stations and weather conditions: atmospheric density, thermal and cosmic noise . Based on these data, a virtual model is formed, which determines the position of the spacecraft at fixed intervals.
Such a work scheme allows you to track topology changes and potential route breaks before they occur. At the same time, in the Temporospatial SDN, network nodes do not exchange data on the connection status and its properties, as in OSPF. Only low-bandwidth messages are transmitted, which increases the speed of connection establishment. Also Temporospatial SDN builds a “ busy frequencies map”. It is necessary not to interfere with other spacecraft. The connection with the Earth is established only through the allowed channels, which excludes unnecessary noise.
Tempon SDN company Loon will test in Kenya. Telesat will join the trials. The provider will use the system to control the new generation of geostationary satellites.
The developers hope that in the long term Temporospatial SDN will help build a space network and open access to the Internet from anywhere in the world. But while the implementation of this solution is expensive, and to work with it requires special skills.
To remedy the situation, the developers plan to implement a controller interface in Java. They will be based on a platform based on the open network operating system ONOS and the technology for modeling the Systems Tool Kit .
Network technology in space
In addition to Loon and Telesat, such companies as LinkSure , OneWeb , Swamp Technologies , as well as LeoSat and Starlink operate on the market of “space” Internet.
/ PICRYL / PD
In the LeoSat project, satellites will be launched into near-earth orbit. They will exchange data with each other using lasers, which will allow broadcasting packets at a speed of 1.6 Gbps. It is expected that by 2020, 76 spacecraft will rotate around the planet. The company's clients will be stock exchanges, banks and other financial organizations.
The Starlink authors have a bigger goal - to launch twelve thousand satellites into space. In February last year, the first two devices were sent into orbit. For communication between themselves and with earth stations, they use Ku- and Ka-band radio waves. The first tests with a pair of satellites were successful. However, managing thousands of spacecraft will be more difficult. The solution would be Temporospatial SDN. In Loon, they believe that the implementation of software-defined networks in space will help build a single ecosystem for spacecraft and prevent collisions in orbit.
According to experts, satellite Internet technology can already be considered a new “arms race”. But before it becomes clear how such systems are suitable for solving real problems, it will take at least 5–10 years.
PS Additional materials from the corporate blog VAS Experts:
- Why the Internet is going up: the opinion of telecom operators
- Thicker “pipe” - more problems, or how 5G networks and DDoS are connected
- The future of carrier services: what does the client need?
PPS Publications on the topic from our blog on Habré:
Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/441530/
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