IP over DVB

Abstract: A method, a system and an end-user terminal for providing a handover between a digital unidirectional data communication domain and a digital bi-directional data communication domain is disclosed. Exemplary domains can be a broadcast network such as IP over DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) network, or a broadcast mode, in further examples IP over DVB-T (Terrestrial DVB) or alternatively referred to as IPDC (IP Datacast), the 3G (The Third Generation for Mobile Communication) network, in further examples UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Node). The embodiments apply measurement signalling structure of the Inter-system handover of ULMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone System) to control the handover. The measurements of the cell is extended to contain digital unidirectiona communications domain cells such as IP over DVB cells, as well as apply these cells to perform the handover. The fact that one of the network is principally delivering one (unidirectional) leads to a partial handover where the downlink data of the bi-directional network is applied in the handover. The unidirectional communications domain is already in a downlink transmission which knits the handover with the downlink of the bi-directional domain.

Abstract: The second-generation specification for Digital Video Broadcast over Satellite, DVB-S2, defines an improved and adaptive physical layer. A new framing structure at the link layer, known as the generic stream (GS), is introduced offering an alternative to the well-known MPEG transport stream (TS). This paper presents the requirements for and the design of an encapsulation protocol to transport IPv4 and IPv6 datagrams and other network protocol packets directly over DVB-S2 using this GS profile. The resulting generic stream encapsulation (GSE) is a novel method that provides flexible encapsulation with support for fragmentation. A flexible extension header format allows GSE to carry additional header information, suitable for enhanced features, such as link layer encryption and IP header compression. The paper assesses GSE performance by simulation using realistic traffic profiles and attenuation fading. This demonstrates considerable improvement in efficiency compared with the MPE/MPEG-2 TS, especially when used with adaptive coding and modulation (ACM). Although designed for DVB-S2 systems, the new encapsulation is suitable for other second-generation physical layer standards. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract: Multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) is a promising technology that is quickly gathering momentum as a solution for delivering quality of service (QoS) on IP-based terrestrial networks. It is then appropriate to wonder how this technology could affect the next generation satellite networks (from at least an interoperability standpoint) and if satellite network designers should implement MPLS on their space segment (and if yes, how?). These are the main questions that this paper is addressing. We will show how MPLS can be used on top of any layer 2 technology on the space segment, to provide IP QoS. In particular we will discuss MPLS over ATM over satellite where MPLS is essentially used to control and manage an on-board ATM switch fabric. Problems with MPLS and solutions will be presented. As the digital video broadcast (DVB) standard is becoming popular to be used on both the forward and return link, the different methods to carry IP over DVB will also be discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.