The Remote Asynchronous Message Service (RAMS) gateway is a special-purpose AMS application node that enables exchange of AMS messages between nodes residing in different AMS “continua,” notionally in different geographical locations. JPL’s implementation of RAMS gateway functionality is integrated with the ION (Interplanetary Overlay Network) implementation of the DTN (Delay-Tolerant Networking) bundle protocol, and with JPL’s implementation of AMS itself. RAMS protocol data units are encapsulated in ION bundles and are forwarded to the neighboring RAMS gateways identified in the source gateway’s AMS management information base.
Each RAMS gateway has interfaces in two communication environments: the AMS message space it serves, and the RAMS network — the grid or tree of mutually aware RAMS gateways — that enables AMS messages produced in one message space to be forwarded to other message spaces of the same venture. Each gateway opens persistent, private RAMS network communication channels to the RAMS gateways of other message spaces for the same venture, in other continua. The interconnected RAMS gateways use these communication channels to forward message petition assertions and cancellations among themselves. Each RAMS gateway subscribes locally to all subjects that are of interest in any of the linked message spaces. On receiving its copy of a message on any of these subjects, the RAMS gateway node uses the RAMS network to forward the message to every other RAMS gateway whose message space contains at least one node that has subscribed to messages on that subject. On receiving a message via the RAMS network from some other RAMS gateway, the RAMS gateway node forwards the message to all subscribers in its own message space.
In this way, the RAMS protocol enables the free flow of published application messages across arbitrarily long, deep space links while protecting efficient use of those links: only a single copy of any message is ever transmitted on any RAMS network communication channel, no matter how many subscribers will receive copies when the message reaches its destination message space.
Note that the nature of the RAMS network communication channels depends on the implementation of the RAMS network. In order to communicate over the RAMS network for a given venture, each RAMS gateway must know the RAMS network location — an endpoint in the protocol used to implement the RAMS network (e.g., the DTN bundle protocol) — at which every other RAMS gateway for that venture receives RAMS network traffic. Again, this extension of the publish/subscribe model to interplanetary communications is invisible to application nodes. Application functionality is unaffected by these details of network configuration, and the only effects on behavior are those that are intrinsic to variability in message propagation latency.
This work was done by Shin-Ywan Wang of Caltech and Scott C. Burleigh of SBAR for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
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This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Remote Asynchronous Message Service Gateway
(reference NPO-44048) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package for the Remote Asynchronous Message Service (RAMS) Gateway, developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). It outlines the RAMS protocol, which facilitates the efficient exchange of application messages across various communication environments, particularly in deep space contexts.
The RAMS protocol is designed to enable the flow of messages between nodes in different Asynchronous Message Service (AMS) continua, utilizing specialized nodes known as RAMS gateways. These gateways connect to both the AMS message space and the RAMS network, allowing for the forwarding of messages across different message spaces. Each RAMS gateway establishes persistent communication channels with other gateways, enabling the distribution of messages to all relevant subscribers in its network.
A key feature of the RAMS protocol is its ability to handle asynchronous messaging, which allows nodes to operate concurrently without waiting for responses. This design minimizes the impact of signal propagation delays, making it suitable for environments with variable latency, such as interplanetary communications. The protocol ensures that only a single copy of any message is transmitted over the RAMS network, regardless of the number of subscribers, optimizing bandwidth usage.
The document also highlights the integration of RAMS gateway functionality with the Interplanetary Overlay Network (ION) and the Delay-Tolerant Networking (DTN) bundle protocol. This integration allows for seamless communication across long distances in space, where traditional networking methods may fail due to latency and connectivity issues.
In summary, the RAMS Gateway represents a significant advancement in communication technology for space exploration, enabling reliable and efficient message exchange in challenging environments. The document serves as a resource for understanding the technical aspects of the RAMS protocol and its implementation, emphasizing its potential applications in aerospace and beyond. For further information, the document provides contact details for JPL's Innovative Technology Assets Management team, encouraging collaboration and exploration of the technology's broader implications.
