scope:

The implementation of efficient techniques that utilize multiaccess, packet-based Internet Protocol (IP) services over transponded satellite channels will increase capabilities in the near term and provide an evolutionary path for the transition from current satellite communications (SATCOM) systems to the Transformational Communications capabilities in the future. This document provides the minimum set of functional capabilities that ensure interoperability among modems supporting IP services required to achieve this goal. Functional capabilities are described for IP modems to support the following network topologies:

1. mesh

2. hub-spoke

3. point-to-point.

A particular IP modem implementation needs to support only the subset of these topologies and transmission modes that are needed for its intended application. However, the intent is to define these capabilities synergistically so that a single IP modem design could support all of the network topologies and transmission modes (burst or continuous). The functional capabilities pertain to the standardization of a set of air interfaces and supporting waveforms, a set of terrestrial network interfaces, logical channel structures, control and management interfaces, and protocols.