The role of satellites in global IT: trends and implications

Handover schemes in satellite networks: state-of-the-art and future research directions

“…These satellite communication networks will provide a large array of services like video on demand, multimedia traffic, fast Internet access, interactive video and other existing Internet based applications along with voice services [1] [2]. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and its enterprises are aiming to build future space communication architecture based on LEO satellite systems [5].…”

“…A number of LEO satellite systems (like Iridium, Globalstar, SkyBridge) [2] have been proposed to overcome the disadvantages of GEO systems in high speed data and voice communications (Fig. 1).…”

“…In order to provide complete coverage to a diverse population, satellites will play an integral part of future global communication infrastructure [1] [2] [3]. First generation satellite based communication systems (like Iridium, Globalstar, Odyssey, ICO, Ellipso) were proposed in the early 90's, and were primarily intended to carry only voice and low speed data traffic [2]. However, due to the competition from terrestrial broadband, meshed and WIMAX networks [4], lack of real market incentives and some inconvenient LEO satellite characteristics (like price, size and complexity of terminals), most of these projects failed.…”

“…The trend in designing future global communication networks is to offer fast and integrated service to ubiquitous users on demand, any time [1] [2]. In order to provide complete coverage to a diverse population, satellites will play an integral part of future global communication infrastructure [1] [2] [3].…”

“…In general, satellite networks will extend the coverage area where terrestrial wireline and wireless systems are infeasible both economically and geographically. Satellite UMTS (S-UMTS) [8], USRAN (UMTS Satellite Radio Access Network) [2] and 3GPP [9] are good examples of standardization and organizational bodies which are integrating satellite and terrestrial networks for future global communications; the interest on these systems in the research community will increase in future [2]. Satellite based communication networks can be broadly classified into three categories depending on the type of the satellites used: Geostationary (GEO), Medium (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems [10], although mixed constellations (like Spaceway design contains both GEO and MEO satellites [1]) exists.…”