VSAT networks in the intelsat system

Abstract

This paper describes how VSAT networks currently operate in the INTELSAT system. Four classes of VSAT networks (data transaction; circuit‐switched; data distribution; microterminals) are identified, and it is verified that all of them can operate with INTELSAT satellites. Most VSAT networks in operation on INTELSAT today operate in fractional transponder leases. Fractional transponder capacity estimates are presented for a wide range of scenarios and different INTELSAT satellite series. These estimates clearly show increasing bandwidth utilization efficiencies for newer generations of INTELSAT satellites. Provided that VSAT and hub sizes are appropriately selected, efficiencies are already significant with existing satellites. Two possible ways of increasing the utilization of satellite resources are examined in the paper: demand assignment multiple access (DAMA) and multiple channel‐per‐carrier (MCPC) techniques. The impact of using DAMA in circuit‐switched VSAT networks is quantified.

Satellite rural communications: telephony and narrowband networks

“…Although the VISTA network was technically good at the time and did fulfil its goal, it was an expensive and limited solution for most countries. Nevertheless, the old VISTA concept has still been an important service at INTELSAT and rural telephone satellite systems have been improving thanks to lower cost, better satellite and earth station technology [8]. Countries such as the US (Alaska), Canada, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, India and Indonesia The technology used in each case has been mainly through small earth stations with telephone interfaces that allow interconnection to the PSTN over a typical GEO satellite at either C or Ku band.…”