Hybrid Network Architectures: A Framework for Comparative Analysis

The Global Information Infrastructure of the future will include a great variety of heterogeneous, seamlessly interconnected networks. There are strong variety of heterogeneous, seamlessly interconnected networks. There are strong technical and economic reasons predicating the emergence of these hybrid networks which will include many diverse terrestrial (tethered or wireless) and satellite networks in an interoperating configuration. This paper critically analyzes the basis for these new architectures and examines the various possibilities that will emerge in various phases in the future. A summary view is presented for these emerging hybrid architectures, the alternative components and subsystems available and the trade-offs that must be considered. The role of satellites is carefully analyzed and several conclusions are drawn. This paper will present a summary of the work and views of the Center for Satellite and Hybrid Communication Networks to date, in this important area. Specific design and performance evaluation tools being developed will also be described.