Study of the Integration of Advanced Communications Satellite Systems and Terrestrial Networks, Executive Summary

摘要

Two levels of integration of satellite and terrestrial communication networks were examined: level 1 where 1 earth station is installed at each of the existing or planned 48 international switching centers in Europe; and level 2 where earth stations are installed at the first significant hierarchical level (850 nodes) of the future network of the European countries. Both levels are technically feasible. The main source of economies lies in the ability of the satellite system to derive Erlang advantages by the aggregation of relatively low density international traffic streams, which would otherwise flow via numerous terrestrial routes, through a single transmission facility. An implementation plan based on EUTELSAT 2 and 3 is suggested.