Diversity Architectures for High Data Rate Ground-to-Satellite Optical and EHF Links

Architectural framework for next-generation satellite and ground terminal nodes using optical and EHF links will require diversity, redundancy, and network layer switchover designs to efficiently mitigate for signal losses due to atmospheric attenuation and scintillation. Our architecture leverages proven technologies, including Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM), linear programming optimization, and cost-effective IP/Ethernet packet processing within a unified network model. It is compatible with an agile and efficient control plane that is based on SDN OpenFlow (OF)-based link state measurements, centralized traffic route determination to address optical link fading, and standardized OF-based configuration of commodity hardware. Baseline and contingency traffic routing plans are used for rapid configuration of satellite payload, gateway and ground network nodes to leverage a make-before-break approach for dealing with high data rate link failures. This architectural framework is based on a linear algebraic traffic transport model with the following features: diversity gateway sites, proactive switchovers, optimal traffic routing, traffic engineering per traffic class, and optimized capital and operational costs. The next-generation systems with optical links can thus leverage cost-effective software and networking technologies, scalable cloud computing for optimal routing, and mature SDN protocols that can reduce the overall network implementation risks and costs.