SUMMARY
This paper surveys the most popular random access (RA), demand assignment (DA), and hybrids schemes for satellite broadband access networks. In addition, we present some recent research results that we obtained when a reliable transmission control protocol, that is, TCP, is coupled with the most promising RA methods foreseen in the second generation of Digital Video Broadcasting–Return Channel via Satellite standard. In fact, the necessity to support a wider range of IP‐based traffic, as in the case of either Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition systems or Machine‐to‐Machine communications, fosters the introduction of RA schemes for information transport able to cope with large network sizes and low duty cycle bursty traffic with frequent inactivity periods on the return link. As an indication of future research aspects, we also offer, in the Conclusions section, a list of items to be investigated so that the satellite can become an integral part of the Future Internet. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.