A Satellite Network Emulation Platform for Implementation and Testing of TCP/IP Applications

In order to assess the performance of TCP/IP based applications and protocols for communication over heterogeneous networks, simulation and emulation activities are of great importance. In particular, real time emulation provides the opportunity to reproduce realistic environment thanks to the implementation in laboratory of real architectures and protocols, avoiding utilizing real networks and in a controlled environment. We developed a broadband satellite real-time emulation platform called SNEP, designed to match the DVB-RCS European standards. The SNEP reproduces with great details the architecture and behavior of a real satellite broadband network, where it is possible to attach end-user PCs and use real protocols and applications. In this way, real network applications can be benchmarked in laboratory as in the real scenario of broadband satellite communications, at the same time proposing alternative solutions and optimizations. Furthermore with the SNEP the integration of satellite platforms with further terrestrial networks is also possible, both real and simulated/emulated, in order to extend the scope for testing.