InterPlanetary Internet

The objective of the Interplanetary Internet project is to define the architecture and protocols necessary to permit interoperation of the Internet resident on Earth with other remotely located internets resident on other planets or spacecraft in transit.




This document describes the Interplanetary Internet: a communication system to provide Internet-like services across interplanetary distances in support of deep space exploration.



Approaches of Interplanetary Internet, which we refer to as bundling, builds a store-and-forward overlay network above the transport layers of underlying networks. Bundling uses many of the techniques of electronic mail, but is directed toward interprocess communication, and is designed to operate in environments that have very long speed-of-light delays. The Interplanetary Internet must be robust enough to withstand delays, disruptions and disconnections in space.







Fundamental architecture of the Interplanetary Internet is to picture a network of internets. Ordinary internets (many being wireless in nature) are placed on the surface of moons and planets as well as in free-flying spacecraft. These remotely deployed internets run ordinary Internet protocols. A system of Interplanetary Gateways connected by deep-space

Transmission links form a backbone communication infrastructure that provides connectivity for each of the deployed internets. New long haul protocols, some confined to the backbone network and some operating end-to-end, allow the deployed internets to communicate with each other.



There are mainly five areas in the Interplanetary Internet architecture:



• The communication conducted between independent internets

(Termed "Inter-internet dialogs")



• The architecture and functions of the unique nodes of the

Interplanetary Internet



• A security architecture for meeting anticipated data and Infrastructure protection needs



• The issues in developing a stable backbone network for the Interplanetary Internet



• The issues in deploying internets on remote planets, asteroids, and spacecraft



Application of InterPlanetary Internet:

• Delay Dependent Networks

• Sensor Networks

• Military Tactical Networks

• National Emergency Communication Infrastructure

• 24/7 Health Monitoring of Remotely Located Patients

• Mobile Medical Networks