Architectural framework for next-generation satellite and ground terminal nodes using optical and EHF links will require diversity, redundancy, and network layer switchover designs to efficiently mitigate for signal losses due to atmospheric attenuation and scintillation. Our architecture leverages proven technologies, including Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM), linear programming optimization, and cost-effective IP/Ethernet packet processing within a unified network model. It is compatible with an agile and efficient control plane that is based on SDN OpenFlow (OF)-based link state measurements, centralized traffic route determination to address optical link fading, and standardized OF-based configuration of commodity hardware. Baseline and contingency traffic routing plans are used for rapid configuration of satellite payload, gateway and ground network nodes to leverage a make-before-break approach for dealing with high data rate link failures. This architectural framework is based on a linear algebraic traffic transport model with the following features: diversity gateway sites, proactive switchovers, optimal traffic routing, traffic engineering per traffic class, and optimized capital and operational costs. The next-generation systems with optical links can thus leverage cost-effective software and networking technologies, scalable cloud computing for optimal routing, and mature SDN protocols that can reduce the overall network implementation risks and costs.

Inspec keywords: optical links; telecommunication traffic; network servers; software defined networking; computer network reliability; routing protocols; internetworking; satellite links

Other keywords: contingency traffic routing plans; OF-based link state measurements; SDN protocols; ground terminal nodes; scintillation; optical link fading; make-before-break approach; diversity gateway sites; optical EHF links; linear programming optimization; optimal traffic routing; atmospheric attenuation; optical links; wavelength division multiplexing; proactive switchovers; software-defined networking; centralized traffic route determination; network layer switchover designs; ground network nodes; WDM; traffic engineering; commodity hardware; next-generation satellite; high data rate link failures; high data rate ground-to-satellite; optimized capital; network implementation risks; satellite payload; IP-Ethernet packet processing; SDN OpenFlow-based link state measurements; next-generation systems; linear algebraic traffic transport model

Subjects: Computer communications; Protocols; Reliability; Satellite communication systems; Communication network design, planning and routing; Protocols; Computer network performance; Free-space optical links; Computer networks and techniques