Resource management and QoS architectures in DAMA satellite access networks

In recent years, the development of a multiservice network, using integrated multiplexing and switching strategies, has converged to an IP-based infrastructure, reducing the relevance of other network solutions, such as a B-ISDN based on ATM. However, to develop an IP-based commercial network, the issues related to quality of service (QoS) support must be addressed. These problems are particularly relevant when a satellite access solution is considered, since the network resources can be limited and expensive. At the same time, demand assignment multiple access (DAMA) protocols permit better exploitation of satellite resources by dynamically allocating system bandwidth in response to user requests. The paper discusses the application to a DAMA satellite access network of different QoS architectures proposed by the IETF and the scientific community. The main novelty of the paper consists in selecting from the alternatives the most suitable solution to be applied to a satellite access network. Furthermore, the advantages and the drawbacks of the proposed architectures are analyzed in detail; the interaction between the control plane of the MAC layer and the resource management at the IP layer is highlighted.