The space network is a great complement to the ground network in terms of coverage and mobile access, and applications of Internet, mobile communication network and space network are gradually integrating with each other. Building a space and earth integrated network with global coverage by using the same network architecture is becoming more and more popular. This is not only a technological trend but also the core of the competition among Internet giants. In this paper, we analyze and conclude the development trend and research progress on space network structure and protocol architecture, with the satellite communication system as its representative. Furthermore, the research challenges and development trends of space and earth integrated network including network architecture, routing, end to end transmission, security and so on are discussed. In the end, we give further research directions and network design suggestions.

space and earth integrated network  /  network architecture  /  network structure  /  routing  /  end to end transmission  /  security control