Securing Delay-Tolerant Networks with BPSec

2Network Design Considerations

More and more unique network architectures are being developed to extend data communications into increasingly remote areas on Earth, in near-Earth space, and throughout the solar system. Projects that seek to build computer networks in new environments representing new domains must rethink both architecture and design activities to uncover unique design constraints. This chapter discusses how constraints and network architectural patterns impact design activities and why new transport and security mechanisms might be needed in these new and exotic deployments.

After reading this chapter you will be able to:

• Summarize how constraints impact network design and implementation.
• Describe the security implications of a layered networking architecture.
• Distinguish between the roles of cryptography and network security.
• Compare different strategies for configuring cryptographic functions when used in a network.

2.1 Designing for Challenged Networks

Successful design requires both creative and precise thinking. Creativity determines how to achieve design goals outside of existing patterns or other pre-supposed solutions. Precision ensures designs meet their requirements within imposed constraints and assumptions about the operating environment. Yet, the design of any complex system cannot be optimal for every user in every circumstance. Good designers address competing needs by formulating joint optimizations across a variety of user needs and ...