A new IETF WG has been formed in the Internet Area. For additional information, please contact the Area Directors or the WG Chair.
Taking IP To Other Planets (tiptop) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Current status: Proposed WG Chairs: Padma Pillay-Esnault <[email protected]> Assigned Area Director: Éric Vyncke <[email protected]> Internet Area Directors: Erik Kline <[email protected]> Éric Vyncke <[email protected]> Technical advisors: Marc Blanchet <[email protected]> Mailing list: Address: [email protected] To subscribe: https://mailman3.ietf.org/mailman3/lists/deepspace.ietf.org/ Archive: https://mailarchive.ietf.org/arch/browse/deepspace Group page: https://datatracker.ietf.org/group/tiptop/ Charter: https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/charter-ietf-tiptop/ Space communications involve long, variable delays (e.g., Earth to Mars is 4-20 minutes one-way) and intermittent end-to-end connectivity. Until now, space communications have relied on layer-2 point-to-point networking, sometimes involving relays, without establishing end-to-end IP networks adapted for these circumstances. Deploying IP networks on the surfaces of celestial bodies, such as the Moon or Mars, that connect to orbital equipment and further on to Earth creates the opportunity for in-space IP-based internetworking and the ability to support IP applications end-to-end. Given the delays and disruptions involved in space communications, protocols may have to be profiled or extended to operate efficiently in this environment. While lunar network deployments are the first target environment for consideration, designs should consider support for communication with Mars and other deep space targets. This working group will work on the following items: - Description of the key characteristics, use cases, and requirements that make the space environment unique. - Documentation of the necessary differences that apply to the IP architecture when considering space networking compared to terrestrial IP use. - List recommendations for the configuration and deployment of existing transport protocols and their associated security protocols that allow optimal operation in space, starting with QUIC. - Considerations for the deployment of DNS will be documented, given the often disconnected nature of space networks. The Bundle Protocol (BP) and the IP networking of Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) constellations are out of scope for this WG. Existing protocols must be used to implement the necessary functions wherever possible. If required by the use cases and requirements, any modifications of existing protocols will be carried out in the WGs responsible for them and in coordination with the TIPTOP WG. Alternatively, after agreement among the relevant WG chairs and Area Directors, such work may be done in the TIPTOP WG. The working group welcomes discussions with key stakeholders, such as the working groups of the LunaNet Interoperability Specification (LNIS), the Interagency Operations Advisory Group (IOAG), the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS), national/regional space agencies, and the private sector. Within the IETF, it will coordinate its work notably with TVR, QUIC, TLS, DNSOP, and DTN. The coordination will include copying these WGs in calls for adoption and WG last calls (when applicable), and avoiding time conflicts during IETF meetings. # Work Items - Key characteristics, use cases, and requirements, Informational - Applicability of the IP Architecture to space networking, Informational - Recommendations for the configuration and deployment of QUIC (and associated security protocols) for space networking, Informational - DNS considerations in space networks, Informational Milestones: Jul 2025 - Adopting an informational document about key characteristics, use cases, and requirements Nov 2025 - Adopting an informational document about the applicability of the IP Architecture to space networking Dec 2025 - Adopting an informational document listing recommendations for configuration and deployment of QUIC for space networking Mar 2026 - Adopting an informational document about DNS considerations in space networking _______________________________________________ IETF-Announce mailing list -- [email protected] To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected]
