The goal of IPN technologies is to enable data networking in the constrained environment of interplanetary space.
The Internet we all use everyday rests upon assumptions that are no longer valid at interplanetary distances. These assumptions include:
- End-to-end connectivity exists between sending and receiving nodes
- Very fast Round Trip Times (RTT) exist between sending and receiving nodes
- Data transmissions are subject to low Bit-Loss Errors
- Data transmission rates between sending and receiving nodes is relatively symmetrical in both directions
Quick Hits about DTN
Follow the links below to learn more about DTN.
- Constraints upon networking in interplanetary space
- Mars Rover program as an example of a “Store & Forward” network
- DTN is a critical NASA program (contains link to other NASA DTN articles)
- DTN on the International Space Station (ISS) today
- Looking ahead: Space agencies moving towards DTN as a standard
- Looking further ahead: DTN & the 100 Year Starship Program