Middleware Services over Satellite Networks: A Survey of Issues

Middleware promises seamless integration of heterogeneous networks and computing/telecommunications environments by providing distributed services to user applications. With Low Earth Orbit satellite networks being deployed as communications infrastructure, it is important that middleware can operate efficiently over these networks. For applications to have good performance, efficient and robust communications between middleware objects is mandatory. Many protocols have been proposed to provide mobility, and to improve data transport over the restrictions imposed by satellite links. This paper provides a survey of the issues and potential solutions, with the aim of stimulating further research in this developing area.