arm@AQUA.WHOI.EDU (12/30/89)
I am interested in forming an NSFnet style mid-level (regional) network connecting oceanographic research vessels. Members would include both U.S. and international oceanographic research organizations. Ships connected to the network would have high speed, direct access to NSFnet, worldwide ARPA Internet sites, and other research vessels. I am considering the use of a modified PODA protocol over a single satellite frequency band. It is the use of a single satellite channel that makes this concept affordable. Most large research vessels currently have INMARSAT satellite earth stations installed onboard for voice/telex/fax communications. The earth stations can be upgraded for data support. I have been talking to Steve Storch at BB&N about their previous implementations of PODA for the SATNET, MATNET, and Wide Area Network. The technology seems to be a good fit. It might work equally well for remote earth science research in places such as the Arctic and Antarctic. I am talking to OMNET about providing user services for the network. There is still a lot of work to do to make sure all pieces fit. I am looking for people who can provide information on: 1) the use of PODA or other satellite protocols designed for use with the TCP/IP protocol suite. We might consider support for DECNET, OSI, and other protocols at a later time. 2) specific oceanographic shipboard applications which would benefit from the network described above. 3) articles describing how satellites have been used successfully for ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore data communications, paying particular attention to the communications protocols employed. I would appreciate help with any of these areas. If you do respond, please indicate whether you wish to be included in a future "shipnet" mailing list. Thanks! Andrew Maffei / Network Manager / Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution INTERNET: arm@aqua.whoi.edu SPAN: AQUA::ARM OMNET: A.MAFFEI/OMNET
Mills@UDEL.EDU (12/31/89)
Andrew, You may wish to talk with Bob Kahn of NRI, Estil Hoversten and of Linkabit West (now Hughes), Dick Binder of MITRE and others of us who worked the DARPA SATNET program some years back. When I worked this at COMSAT on SATNET I swhacked my head on a bunch of laINTELSAT and COMSAT lawyers to investigate whether CPODA would be appropan appropriate service to bring up on MARISAT and found their chief objection to be how to refund customers for loast packets (I kid you not). MATNET as you know is a spinoff technology adapted to shipboard use, but it seems to have been mired in cryptographic ooze. Meanwhile, rack up your shipboard TNC and have a bang with SLIP at 1200 bps over an ordinary boice cicircuitvoice circuit anusing amateur radio packet-radio technology. If you can oafford the calls. Dave