SPSCGR generates a contact graph suitable for use by the ION (Interplanetary Overlay Network) DTN (Delay/Disruption Tolerant Network) implementation from data provided by the JPL SPS (Service Preparation System) Portal. Prior to SPSCGR, there was no way for a mission or other entity to route DTN traffic across the DSN without manually constructing a contact graph. SPSCGR automates this process of contact graph construction.
The tool generates a syntactically correct DTN contact graph from antenna scheduling information from the DSN SPS Web portal. The DTN contact graph is a data structure used by the JPL-developed ION implementation of the internationally standardized DTN specification to make efficient data routing decisions.
SPSCGR runs on a variety of platforms with a minimum of dependencies.
This work was done by Philip C. Tsao of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Dan Broderick at
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
SPSCGR
(reference NPO48907) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package for SPSCGR (NPO-48907) developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at the California Institute of Technology, funded by NASA. It addresses the challenges faced by traditional Internet protocols in environments with large round trip delays and intermittent connectivity, such as interplanetary distances and mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs).
To overcome these limitations, Delay/Disruption Tolerant Network (DTN) technology has been introduced. DTN employs relay nodes that take custody of data blocks on a hop-by-hop basis, allowing for the retransmission of data during expected or unexpected link outages. This approach ensures that data can be efficiently routed even in scenarios where traditional protocols would fail. The document emphasizes the importance of configuring bundle lifetimes to accommodate long round trip light times, which is crucial for effective communication in space and remote areas.
A significant feature of the document is the Automated Contact Graph, which provides a visual representation of the current and future configurations of the DTN network. This graph includes details such as the start and end times of contacts, the source and destination nodes, data rates, and light time delays. The contact graph is essential for optimizing the routing of data bundles, ensuring that they reach their intended destinations despite the inherent challenges of the network.
The document also acknowledges the contributions of various individuals involved in the research and development of this technology, highlighting the collaborative effort at JPL. It serves as a resource for understanding the advancements in DTN technology and its applications in aerospace and other fields.
Overall, the Technical Support Package for SPSCGR provides a comprehensive overview of the innovative solutions being developed to enhance communication in challenging environments, showcasing the potential of DTN technology to revolutionize data transmission in scenarios where traditional methods fall short. The insights presented in this document are valuable for researchers, engineers, and organizations interested in the future of communication technology in aerospace and beyond.
