D3-CONNECT

Democratized Direct-to-Device Satellite Communication Networks

A joint initiative between Inria Lyon and UC Berkeley to build open and inclusive Direct-to-Device satellite networks.

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About

D3-CONNECT is a 2025–2027 Associate Team between Inria Agora (France) and UC Berkeley (USA), focused on revolutionizing satellite communication networks.

Our mission is to democratize direct-to-device satellite communications by developing inclusive architectures that enable both large and small space actors to participate in the emerging D2D ecosystem. We aim to break down barriers to entry and create a more equitable space communication infrastructure.

Objectives

Democratize Access

Empower small satellite operators and IoT providers by creating accessible communication protocols that don't require massive infrastructure investments.

Innovate Architectures

Combine space and terrestrial network designs to create hybrid systems that leverage the strengths of both approaches for optimal performance.

Model & Simulate

Develop comprehensive tools to evaluate multi-tenant D2D systems, enabling accurate performance predictions and optimization.

Collaborate Globally

Connect research excellence from Inria and Berkeley to create solutions that address global connectivity challenges with local relevance.

Partners

Inria Lyon – Agora Team

France

Experts in satellite-terrestrial IoT and delay-tolerant networking, with extensive experience in designing communication protocols for challenging environments.

UC Berkeley – NetSys Group

USA

Pioneers in decentralized mobile architectures (CellBricks), bringing cutting-edge research in network systems and distributed computing.

Key Investigators

Dr. Juan Fraire

Dr. Juan Fraire

Inria Lyon – Agora Team

Prof. Sylvia Ratnasamy

Prof. Sylvia Ratnasamy

UC Berkeley – NetSys Group

Prof. Scott Shenker

Prof. Scott Shenker

UC Berkeley – NetSys Group

Work Plan

2025

Phase 1: Foundation

Use case definition, architecture design, and initial modeling tools development. Establishing collaboration frameworks between teams.

2026

Phase 2: Development

Simulation and performance evaluation of proposed architectures. Iterative refinement based on real-world testing scenarios.

2027

Phase 3: Integration

System integration and dissemination of results. Preparation for technology transfer and implementation planning.

Impact

D3-CONNECT fosters open collaboration, expands global connectivity, and reduces barriers to entry in space networking. Our work has the potential to transform how satellite communications are deployed and managed worldwide.

Global IoT

Enable seamless IoT connectivity across remote areas without terrestrial infrastructure, supporting agriculture, environmental monitoring, and logistics.

Emergency Response

Provide reliable communication during disasters when terrestrial networks are compromised, saving lives through better coordination.

Maritime Connectivity

Bridge communication gaps for ships at sea, improving safety, navigation, and operational efficiency for maritime industries.

Contact

Inria Lyon – Agora Team

Website: https://team.inria.fr/agora

Principal Investigator: Dr. Juan Fraire