Satellite-based communication has become a major facet of the telecommunication industry for at least two major reasons. First, it provides a means of broadcasting information to a large number of people simultaneously. Thus, satellite communication systems are an important ingredient in the implementation of a global communication infrastructure. Second, satellite communication provides a means of reaching isolated places on earth, where terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure does not exist or teledensity is low. Applications of satellite communications include very small aperture terminals (VSATs) for business applications; fixed satellite service (FSS), which interconnects fixed points; mobile satellite (MSAT) service, which employs satellite to extend cellular network to mobile units; satellite radio, which continuously provide entertainment to listeners; and satellite-based Internet, which enables IP-over-satellite connectivity.

Chapter Contents:

• 15.1 Fundamentals
• 15.1.1 Types of Satellites - GEO, MEO, and LEO
• 15.1.2 Frequency Bands
• 15.1.3 Basic Satellite Components
• 15.2 Orbital Characteristics
• 15.3 Propagation Characteristics
• 15.4 Broadband Communications to Land and Sea Locations
• 15.4.1 Earth Station Engineering at High Frequencies
• 15.4.2 State of the Art in Broadband VSATs: Standardized Architecture and Capabilities
• 15.5 Broadband Airborne Mobile Satellite Communication
• 15.5.1 Customers and Installations
• 15.5.2 Services and Applications
• 15.5.3 L-, C-, Ku-, and Ka-Band Advantages and Disadvantages
• 15.5.4 Challenges of Aeronautical Broadband Satellite Communication
• 15.6 Applications
• 15.6.1 VSAT Networks
• 15.6.2 Fixed Satellite Service
• 15.6.3 Mobile Satellite Service
• 15.6.4 Satellite Radio
• 15.6.5 Satellite-Based Internet
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Problems

Inspec keywords: mobile satellite communication; cellular radio; satellite ground stations

Other keywords: MSAT; fixed satellite service; broadcasting information; satellite communication; mobile satellite service; satellite-based Internet; telecommunication industry; FSS; very small aperture terminal; VSAT; satellite radio; cellular network

Subjects: Satellite communication systems; Mobile radio systems