Joint Internet Protocol (IP) architectures for the future

Department of Defense (DoD) satellite systems and the networks they provide access to, have evolved over the years to support the “net-centric” vision of a joint and interoperable end-to-end communications solution for the deployed tactical satellite communications (SATCOM) user. Although great strides have been made in reaching the net-centric goal, full DoD SATCOM Internet Protocol (IP) convergence between the user community, the DoD SATCOM Gateways and the Defense Information Service Network [DISN] has been challenging from both a technical and Information Assurance (IA) standpoint. An additionally significant contributing factor is the exponential increase in user SATCOM capacity requirements resulting in the need for expanded Gateway capabilities. Until a full IP convergence approach is implemented throughout the DoD SATCOM Gateway enterprise, more and more legacy Time Division Multiplexed (TDM) equipment will be required at these Gateways to satisfy emerging/future user SATCOM requirements. Physical limitations exist at all the DoD Gateway sites. This paper is a result of an analysis that was sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (OASD)/Network and Information Integration (NII) with a goal to analyze technical options that would decrease the ever growing equipment footprint at the DoD Enterprise Satellite Gateway sites by migrating traditional circuit switched equipment to an all IP, joint and interoperable system while also promoting full IP convergence and interoperability between the tactical SATCOM users and the DISN.