The Interplanetary Overlay Network (ION) system’s BP package, an implementation of the Delay-Tolerant Networking (DTN) Bundle Protocol (BP) and supporting services, has been specifically designed to be suitable for use on deep-space robotic vehicles. Although the ION BP implementation is unique in its use of zero-copy objects for high performance, and in its use of resource-sensitive rate control, it is fully interoperable with other implementations of the BP specification (Internet RFC 5050).
The ION BP implementation is built using the same software infrastructure that underlies the implementation of the CCSDS (Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems) File Delivery Protocol (CFDP) built into the flight software of Deep Impact. It is designed to minimize resource consumption, while maximizing operational robustness. For example, no dynamic allocation of system memory is required. Like all the other ION packages, ION’s BP implementation is designed to port readily between Linux and Solaris (for easy development and for ground system operations) and VxWorks (for flight systems operations). The exact same source code is exercised in both environments.
Initially included in the ION BP implementations are the following: libraries of functions used in constructing bundle forwarders and convergencelayer (CL) input and output adapters; a simple prototype bundle forwarder and associated CL adapters designed to run over an IP-based local area network; administrative tools for managing a simple DTN infrastructure built from these components; a background daemon process that silently destroys bundles whose time-to-live intervals have expired; a library of functions exposed to applications, enabling them to issue and receive data encapsulated in DTN bundles; and some simple applications that can be used for system checkout and benchmarking.
This work was done by Scott C. Burleigh of ARCO for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Daniel Broderick of the California Institute of Technology at
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Interplanetary Overlay Network Bundle Protocol Implementation
(reference NPO-41628) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The Technical Support Package for the Interplanetary Overlay Network (ION) Bundle Protocol Implementation, identified as NPO-41628, is a comprehensive document produced by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). It serves as a resource for understanding the technical aspects and operational details of the ION system, which is designed to facilitate communication in interplanetary environments.
The document outlines the architecture and functionalities of the ION, emphasizing its role in managing data transmission across vast distances in space. It includes an overview of various components such as the Interplanetary Communication Infrastructure (ICI), the Bundle Protocol (BP), the Licklider Transmission Protocol (LTP), and the Asynchronous Message Service (AMS). Each of these components plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable and efficient communication between nodes in a network that may experience intermittent connectivity and long delays.
Key topics covered in the document include the design principles that guide the development of the ION, such as shared memory, zero-copy procedures, and highly distributed processing. These principles are essential for optimizing performance and ensuring that the system can handle the unique challenges posed by interplanetary communication.
The document also discusses operational concepts like contact plans, which are critical for managing the timing and effectiveness of information exchange. It highlights the importance of pre-placed information at network nodes, which is tagged with effective dates to ensure that data remains relevant and actionable.
Additionally, the document provides insights into network operation concepts, including fragmentation and reassembly of data, bandwidth management, route computation, and delivery assurance. These concepts are vital for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of data transmission in a dynamic and often unpredictable environment.
For those seeking further information, the document includes contact details for the Innovative Technology Assets Management office at JPL, encouraging collaboration and inquiries related to aerospace technology and research.
Overall, this Technical Support Package serves as a foundational resource for understanding the ION Bundle Protocol and its applications in interplanetary communication, showcasing NASA's commitment to advancing technology for space exploration.
