An Open-Source Framework to Emulate Delay and Disruption Tolerant Networks for International Space Station Communication

TL;DR

This paper introduces an open-source, full-stack implementation of Delay and Disruption Tolerant Networks (DTN) for communication with the International Space Station, including security, fragmentation, and user interface features.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive, open-source framework for DTN communication with the ISS, combining security, reliability, and educational tools in one package.

Findings

Demonstrates a complete open-source DTN protocol stack for space communication.

Includes security features like HMAC-SHA256 and AES-256 encryption.

Offers an interactive web interface for education and testing.

Abstract

Delay and Disruption Tolerant Networks (DTN) are critical for reliable communications in challenged network environments, particularly for space systems where end-to-end connectivity cannot be guaranteed. We present an open-source, full-stack implementation of the Bundle protocol for communicating with the International Space Station (ISS), with complete security features including Bundle Authentication Block (BAB), Payload Integrity Block (PIB), and Payload Confidentiality Block (PCB) using HMAC-SHA256 and AES-256-CBC encryption. The system includes bundle fragmentation and reassembly, priority-based queuing, custody transfer with ACK/NAK mechanisms, and automatic retransmission. Our system also includes a frontend facilitated by a modern responsive web interface. We consider this work highly relevant in the context of computer networking because: i) it demonstrates a full stack, open-source, freely available implementation of this critical and reliable protocol; and ii) it offers an interactive educational and learning framework in the field of computer networks and communications.