As its name partly indicates, the Delay-Tolerant Networking (DTN) Bundle Protocol is a protocol for delay-tolerant transmission of data via communication networks. This protocol was conceived as a result of studies of how to adapt Internet protocols so that Internet-like services could be provided across interplanetary distances in support of deep-space exploration. The protocol, and software to implement the protocol, is being developed in collaboration among experts at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and other institutions. No current Internet protocols can accommodate long transmission delay times or intermittent link connectivity. The DTN Bundle Protocol represents a departure from the standard Internet assumption that a continuous path is available from a host computer to a client computer: It provides for routing of data through networks that may be disjointed and may be characterized by long transmission delays. In addition to networks that include deep-space communication links, examples of such networks include terrestrial ones within which branches are temporarily disconnected. The protocol is based partly on the definition of a message-based overlay above the transport layers of the networks on which it is hosted.
This work was done by Jordan Torgerson, Adrian Hooke, Scott Burleigh, and Kevin Fall of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Software category.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Don Hart of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-3425. Refer to NPO-35169.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Protocol for a Delay-Toloerant Data-Communication Network
(reference NPO35169) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document outlines the Delay-Tolerant Networking (DTN) Bundle Protocol, developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to address the challenges of data transmission in environments characterized by long delays and intermittent connectivity, such as deep-space exploration. Traditional Internet protocols assume a continuous connection between host and client, which is not feasible in scenarios where communication links may be temporarily disconnected or have significant latency.
The DTN Bundle Protocol represents a significant advancement in networking technology, allowing for the routing of data through disjoint networks. This capability is crucial for space missions, where communication can be disrupted due to the vast distances involved. The protocol is designed to provide Internet-like services across these challenging environments, ensuring that data can be transmitted effectively even when traditional methods fail.
The development of the DTN Bundle Protocol is a collaborative effort involving experts from JPL and other institutions, and it is part of a broader initiative funded by NASA to create communication standards for space missions. The protocol is based on a message-based overlay that operates above the transport layers of the networks it utilizes, enabling it to handle the unique requirements of delay-tolerant communication.
The document also highlights the novelty of the DTN Bundle Protocol, emphasizing its improvements over prior art in networking. It addresses the specific problems that led to its creation, particularly the inadequacy of existing Internet protocols for long transmission delays and intermittent connectivity. The solution provided by the DTN Bundle Protocol is a robust framework that automatically routes data, making it suitable for both space and terrestrial networks that experience similar connectivity issues.
Additionally, the document mentions that the software implementing the DTN Bundle Protocol is available for commercial licensing, indicating its potential for broader applications beyond space exploration. Interested parties are directed to contact a representative at Caltech for licensing inquiries.
Overall, the DTN Bundle Protocol is a groundbreaking development in the field of networking, with significant implications for future space missions and other applications requiring reliable data transmission in challenging conditions.
