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Joint Transport and Routing Optimization for Adaptive Satellite Networks

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9453-12-M-0085
Agency Tracking Number: F11B-T12-0171
Amount: $99,936.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF11-BT12
Solicitation Number: 2011.B
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2012-07-25
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
11150 W. Olympic Blvd. Suite 680
Los Angeles, CA -
United States
DUNS: 112136572
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Alain Teil
 Networking Engineer
 (310) 473-1500
 alain@utopiacompression.com
Business Contact
 Joseph Yadegar
Title: EVP of R&D
Phone: (310) 473-1500
Email: joseph@utopiacompression.com
Research Institution
 UCLA
 Mario Gerla
 
3732-F Boelter Hall
Los Angeles, CA 90095-0095
United States

 (310) 825-4367
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

ABSTRACT: Efficient routing strategies combined with robust transport protocols are paramount in new generations of satellite networks which encompass diverse constellations located at different orbits. Compared to older bent pipe satellite systems with no onboard IP routing and processing schemes, the newer generations offer a lot more flexibility. Accordingly, the impact of cross-layer approaches and joint optimization of routing and transport protocols need to be investigated for heterogeneous GEOstationary (GEO) + Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks. To respond to this challenge, we propose Joint Transport and Routing Optimization for Adaptive Satellite Networks (JTRO-ASN). This powerful framework intends to boost network usage and to improve end to end performances over satellite channels. JTRO-ASN sense and exploit network and transport parameters, using adaptive schemes to enable the protocol stack to maximize system efficiency. The aforementioned cooperative mechanism, by bypassing the strict OSI layer boundaries facilitates dynamic information distribution and exploitation where it is needed. JTRO-ASN can handle diverse aggressive space channel conditions employing adaptive protocols customized for satellite networks applications. A cross-layer technique grants the stack layers to share relevant information to facilitate exploitation of the data. JTRO-ASN improves overall network throughput and latency. For a given domain, additional flows are supported simultaneously over several links. Furthermore, JTRO-ASN delivers enhanced reliability, robustness, and scalability in dynamic network situations. The JTRO-ASN methodology is an ideal choice to provide the most favorable route, the finest transport protocol tuning, and the best possible link management in harsh space conditions. BENEFIT: In order to meet the modern military mission critical operation requirements, secure, high bandwidth for a large number of heterogeneous war-fighting users is required. UC"s proposed IP-based satellite network architecture will greatly benefit the Air Force"s satellite communication programs by enabling the linkage of user preferences and network conditions, and significantly reducing both latency between network nodes, and transmission failures, among other identified objectives. UC"s technologies will greatly enhance communications at the tactical edges, increasing mission efficiency and effectiveness and enhancing Air Force program objectives overall. Moreover, an enhanced and effective broadband satellite communications system is a critical component of the DoD"s force transformation to a network centric state. Defense: Key Structural changes outlined in the U.S. DoD"s FY 2011 budget will increase demand for secure, broadband satellite communications through increases in targeted personnel such as Special Forces, as well transformation of Army Multi-functional and Functional Support (MFF) brigades to a modular design [K11]. Enhanced satellite capabilities will, under the future paradigm, be driven down through the brigade to the company level. The growth rate of the military satellite communications sector is projected at 5.6 percent annual growth over the next ten years, dependent on the advent of critical enabling technologies like what UC proposes here [F10]. Current DoD programs which would benefit from UC"s enabling satellite communications technologies include numerous ISR programs which will require significantly increased and reliable communications capabilities to deliver performance projections, as well as the UAVs which carry the ISR payloads and communicate with other mobile machines. Specific programs include the Global Hawk vehicles and the upgraded Predator drone, Gray Eagle. Transition opportunities for the proposed technologies exist within the Wideband Global SATCOM Deployment (currently consisting of 6 satellites, $182 million was recently authorized to start work on a seventh satellite, with as many as 12 WGS satellites in the projected pipeline). UC is determined to demonstrate success with the Air Force as its initial customer and then expand its product offering to other service branches and agencies. To ensure a successful transition of the technology, UC"s strategy includes partnering with Lockheed Martin Space Systems during Phases I and Phase II to facilitate efficient development and transition of the technology into their ongoing programs. UC will also pursue contacts within Cisco Systems Inc. and Intelsat General Corp. to follow up on their capabilities demonstrations and evaluate collaboration opportunities. Commercial Applications: The commercial potential for the proposed technology is significant and slated to grow substantially. Satellites worth a total of $250 billion should be launched over the course of the next 15 years, with 1,600 satellites by 2025 [NSR11]. Drivers for this growth include GEO ComSat replacement, government contracts, Science and Navigation missions, and the Ka-band/HTS"me too"syndrome [NSR11]. UC"s proposed routing technologies will be critical enabling components in support of this growth. UC"s proposed technologies will also provide critical capabilities to the commercial Mobile Satellite Services market, which relies on reliable connection between heterogeneous, mobile devices. The global MSS market will grow to $10.2 billion in 2020, more than doubling from today"s volume [NS11]. The world Satellite Machine-to-Machine communications sector of MSS supports applications used for logistical tracking, telemetry, remote monitoring, geo fencing, security, and scientific monitoring, providing various benefits for industries ranging from agriculture to retail. This sector is strongly dominated by the United States which holds 62 percent market share and its revenue is estimated to reach $1.9 billion by 2016 [D10]. UC will analyze optimal transition plans and entry points within this value chain over the course of Phases I and II to effectively maximize the commercial potential of the proposed technology. Commercial Transition: During Phase I, UC will conduct research to identify optimal product insertion points and will address key market questions to establish the commercial viability of the proposed technology and establish the right relationships to develop the technology for the commercial markets. UC will identify additional potential vendors and partners and engage in discussions with them and their key suppliers and partners to ensure timely and cost-effective distribution of the proposed technology. UC will establish an ongoing dialogue with program managers of divisions through which transition of the technology is anticipated and contracting partners to identify user requirements and facilitate a seamless technical and commercial transition in Phase II and beyond. UC will also leverage its existing relationships with Program Managers within the Air Force and Lockheed Martin to gather user requirements and establish testing protocols early, facilitating a more efficient transition into the marketplace. UC intends to market the technology developed in Phases I & II in one or more of the following ways: 1) Partnering. Under this approach, UC will partner with hardware manufacturers and system integrators to develop and market UC"s routing technologies as components of satellite payloads and communication hardware systems with expanded functionality. Of primary interest to UC are prime contractors and major providers of communications technology to Defense such as partner Lockheed Martin, with whom UC has a long-term partnering relationship. 2) Direct licensing. UC"s technologies will also be directly licensed to satellite services providers and satellite mobile devices interested in integrating them into their communication hardware, systems or platforms. 3) Services. In conjunction with the above approaches, UC will offer customized services to develop solutions tailored to customer needs in particular industries or research areas based on UC"s superior understanding of the routing architectures and related components and algorithms.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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