Design and validation of a novel space–earth integrated network management protocol and its simulation

Space–earth integrated network (SEIN) consists of the space infrastructure that is composed of multiplex functions and various satellite systems and the ground infrastructure that is composed of many heterogeneous networks connected to each other. Because of the high complexity, heterogeneity, and integrity of SEIN, the traditional ground network management and the current satellite network management architecture are both unsuitable for SEIN. A new SEIN network management protocol is given in this paper, the logical correctness of the protocol is verified using Petri net, and five management primitives are designed in the protocol. This protocol can also be compatible to traditional network protocols with its gateway. The simulation of the protocol shows the merit of a short‐length PDU (Protocol Data Unit) and speedy response time, which is good to the high delay and limited bandwidth of the SEIN. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.