DTN Research Challenges

1
DTN Research Challenges

• Vint Cerf
• MCI
• March 1, 2005

2
Basics

• Overcoming delay and disruption in hostile
  tactical environments
• Building resilience into communication protocols
  and system architecture
• Avoiding brittleness in the above
• Operating with efficiency comparable to todays
  protocols in benign environments

3
Architecture

• Layering design and functionality
• Overlaying TCP/IP networks
• Role of IPv6 deployment, mixed mode operation
• Non-IP network integration (sensor networks, et
  al)
• Bundle functionality and interfaces
• Convergence layer designs
• Definition of Regions

4
Self-Organization

• Neighbor discovery
• Region discovery
• Secure authentication
• Topology management
• CF mobility
• Anecdote (packet radio, velocity, connectivity
  detection, radiation)

5
Mobility

• Critical requirements
• Flexible joining with the network(s)
• Strong authentication
• Multipath routing when available
• Power awareness (AGC, efficient power
  utilization, pt-pt vs omni, multiple antennas,
  phased arrays)
• Naming and addressing conventions, late binding
  mechanisms

6
Security

• Strong authentication
• Playback, virus, worm resistance
• Confidentiality
• Key management (rekeying!)
• Application to DNS, routing, endpoint
  communication, custody transfers and
  anti-spoofing
• Multilayer implementation
• Dealing with Overrun Situation

7
Persistence

• Persistent process operation in the face of
  operating system reboots
• Persistent sessions or associations in the
  presence of disruption
• Presence maintenance

8
Time Keeping

• Reliable and accurate time keeping for
• Position location
• Scheduling of transmissions
• Spread spectrum sequencing (hopping, direct
  spread chipping, signal acquisition) and other
  spectrum sharing methods
• Time on Target and other tactical maneuvers
• Fire control, Fire/Forget, Standoff weapons

9
Efficiency

• Header compression
• Exploitation of broadcasts, flooding
• Region and Administrative naming conventions
• Cacheing (when is cache invalidated?)
• Real-time applications (RPV, conferencing, sensor
  networks,)

10
Flow and Congestion Control

• Resilience in the face of high delay variance
• Prioritization and Custody Control
• Distinguishing congestion from delay
• Multipath forwarding, efficient elimination of
  duplicates

11
Routing

• Dealing with variably aged connectivity data
• Multipath forwarding (How many? Which?)
• Authentication of routing information
• Scheduled and opportunistic link detection

12
Simulation and Testing

• Mathematical and operational modeling
• Integration of real systems with simulated
  environments
• Interoperability testing
• Field testing (on maneuvers)
• Air, land, sea, satellite

13
Maintenance and Operation

• Fault detection, isolation and repair
• Operational data reporting
• Network Management (configuration control,
  congestion response, prioritization)
• Security! Overrun resistance!

14
Deployment

• Use of existing communication systems (EPLRS,
  JTIDS, newer systems)
• Pre-configuration and fixed points vs
  self-organization
• Interworking with older systems
• Phasing of deployment (where, when, how)