Broadband Satellite Multimedia (BSM) Architectures - A Framework for Standards Activity in ETSI.

We describe recent progress in the development of functional architectures and their associated protocols. These architectures have been developed in the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) by the TC-SES/ BSM working group where they are now being used to provide a framework for the standardization of Broadband Satellite Multimedia Systems (BSMS). The basis for the BSM architectures is a clear separation between functions that are applicable to all satellite systems (satellite independent or SI) and the functions that are specific to a satellite technology (satellite dependent or SD). This clear separation benefits both operators and technology developers as the protocols and software developed at the SI layer can evolve without impacting expensive satellite technology. On the other hand satellite systems can also evolve without major rework of the large base of software necessary for satellite network operation. The architectures are now being used to develop a set of common IP interworking standards to ensure transparent interoperability between non satellite IP-based subnetworks and the BSMS. A first set of IP interworking standards have recently been published that address multicast group management and traffic classification and the netf phase of work will add standards for IP address resolution, IP traffic management (including quality of service) and security. In parallel the BSM working group is working on families of air interface specifications: the first of these has recently been published and three more families are expected to be completed soon. The work performed in the BSM working group benefits from recent developments in the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the European Union 1ST programs and European Space Agency projects as well as internal R&D from ETSI members. 2 R. Goodings, Ecotel Limited and MJ. Montpetit, Ph.D., MJMontpetit. com