Quality of Interaction: an Alternative Model for QoS in Interplanetary and Deep-Space Communication Networks

摘要

The postal communication form and the message-oriented communications within Interplanetary Networks (IPNs) and Deep-Space Communication Networks (DSCNs) leads to converting the communication process to a pure signaling process executed through exchanging messages between the communication parties. Based on that, the definition of the term "Service" takes a new dimension, namely, the interaction efficiency and effecthity achieved under these conditions. Therefore, it is more efficient to describe the service quality based on the interaction quality of related communication session(s). In that respect, the QoS model used in terrestrial communication networks will not be sufficient for describing message-oriented and time-delayed communication networks. Therefore, we introduce the Quality of Interaction (Qol) concept as an alternative model to QoS as well as a basic model for describing the efficiency and effectivity of communications in IPNs and DSCNs. For this purpose, the message-oriented communication characteristics are firstly addressed and accordingly the Qol model is developed, where low-level and high-level Qol are suggested. This paper deals with the low level Qol and discusses the main parameters required to estimate the Qol of a communication process. Moreover, the proposed Qol concept can also be used as a basis for resource management in future IPNs and DSCNs. Finally, although Qol is designed for high-delay communication networks like IPNs and DSCNs; nevertheless, it can also be used as a basis for improving the networking efficiency in conventional networks and terrestrial Internet.