Network evaluation and protocol deployment for complex deep-space networks based on DTN

Previous research on deep-space networks based on delay-tolerant networking (DTN) has mainly focused on the performance of DTN protocols in simple networks; hence, research on complex networks is lacking. In this paper, we focus on network evaluation and protocol deployment for complex DTN-based deep-space networks and apply the results to a novel complex deep-space network based on the Universal Interplanetary Communication Network (UNICON-CDSN) proposed by the National Space Science Center (NSSC) for simulation and verification. A network evaluation method based on network capacity and memory analysis is proposed. Based on a performance comparison between the Licklider Transmission Protocol (LTP) and the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) with the Bundle Protocol (BP) in various communication scenarios, a transport protocol configuration proposal is developed and used to construct an LTP deployment scheme for UNICON-CDSN. For the LTP deployment scheme, a theoretical model of file delivery time over complex deep-space networks is built. A network evaluation with the method proposed in this paper proves that UNICON-CDSN satisfies the requirements for the 2020 Mars exploration mission Curiosity. Moreover, simulation results from a universal space communication network testbed (USCNT) designed by us show that the LTP deployment scheme is suitable for UNICON-CDSN.