Satellite and next generation networks: Proposal for QoS architectures

Broadband satellite systems will need specific functions and interfaces in order to fit seamlessly into an end-to-end Next Generation Network (NGN) Quality of Service (QoS) architecture. This paper will define NGN overall architecture, showing how the coupling between Application/session layers and Network/transport layers can achieve end-to-end QoS support. Possible integration scenarios of satellite access into such architectures will be depicted, with a special emphasis on transparent and regenerative satellite architectures based on DVB-RCS [ETSI EN 301 790 v1.1.2 (2003)] type of access.

Detailed architectures proposed by two recent research projects, IST Satellite Broadband Multimedia System for IPv6 (SATIP6) [http://satip6.tilab.com] and ESA Integrated Resources and QoS Management in DVB-RCS networks (QoSforRCS) [22nd AIAA Int. Communications Satellite Systems Conference; http://telecom.estec.esa.nl], will be presented. On the one hand, we will develop a “QoS assured” architecture proposed in the frame of QoSforRCS that provides dynamic Service Level Agreement (SLA) management and strict QoS control. The Admission Control (AC) function is located in the satellite Hub which allows fine control and billing by the Service Providers. On the other hand, a “QoS enabled” architecture proposed in the frame of SATIP6 is presented: it allows simple QoS differentiation between applications based on configuration by the end user or the subscriber's network administrator. This architecture may include AC function and is designed for Virtual Private Network (VPN) deployment.