Data transmission, such as software update, large file broadcasting and video on demand, can take advantage of the wide coverage and the broadcasting features of the satellite networks. The multicast technologies provide the support for these applications by efficiently using the expensive satellite bandwidth. One of them is the File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport (FLUTE) protocol [1] that is ideally for bulk of data reliable transmission over the satellite. However, FLUTE does not address any congestion control and security mechanisms. This paper is analyzing the advantages and drawbacks for security over different layers in a satellite network and presenting security considerations for the FLUTE over satellite networks by analyzing the threats and trying to provide security approaches at the Reliable Multicast Transport (RMT) layer for it. The work presented in this paper also analyzes the logical key hierarchy (LHK) for FLUTE protocol and gives the recommendation on the hierarchy structure for efficient re-key.

Multicast research has explored the security challenges faced in group communications. Multicast transport and multicast security need to work in close collaboration to realise a multicast service. However, there has been comparatively little work to combine the two technologies. In this paper the authors is presenting an example of partially integrating Timed Efficient Stream Loss-Tolerant Authentication (TESLA) protocol and the File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport (FLUTE) protocol. The security concern raised by the proposed algorithm is analysed for satellite network. The proposed algorithm was implemented on a testbed with multicast tunnel between University of Surrey and University of Aberdeen and the results are presented in this paper.

Multicast research has explored the security challenges faced in group communications. Multicast transport and multicast security need to work in close collaboration to realise a multicast service. However, there has been comparatively little work to combine the two technologies. In this paper the authors, presenting an example of partially integrating Timed Efficient Stream Loss-Tolerant Authentication (TESLA) protocol and the File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport (FLUTE) protocol. TESLA provides source authorization and data integrity for multicast groups. This paper proposes a loose synchronization mechanism for a unidirectional transmission environment, suited to satellite networks. It also analyses the effects on Forward Error Control (FEC) and the congestion control building blocks of FLUTE when used with TESLA.