Dynamic resource allocation based on a TCP-MAC cross-layer approach for DVB-RCS satellite networks

Satellite communication networks can provide multimedia broadband services to fixed and mobile users in several scenarios where terrestrial networks are not present or where they need to be complemented. Moreover, satellite links can be useful to bypass crowded terrestrial networks, thus helping in reducing congestion. In such a scenario, characterized by a high propagation delay and a radio channel affected by losses, standard bandwidth allocation schemes prove to be inefficient when Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is running. Hence, we propose a novel resource allocation scheme based on the cross-layer interaction between TCP and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers. The interest is here in achieving an efficient transfer of files by means of the FTP application protocol. Our scheme permits to avoid network congestion, to reduce the average file transfer time and to achieve a fair sharing of resources among competing flows. The allocation technique has been applied to an Interactive Satellite Network (ISN) based on the DVB-RCS standard with a group of fixed satellite terminals, which communicate with a Netivork Control Center (NCC) through a geostationary bent-pipe satellite, according to a classical star topology. Results are obtained through a network simulator. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.