Study on the Applicability of Asynchronous Time Division (ATD) Techniques to Satellite Communications Systems, Executive Summary

摘要

The utilization of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) in satellite communication networks was assessed, using a user-based and a network-oriented scenario. The user scenario appears to be a good candidate for an immediate application while the situation of the network oriented scenario highly depends on agreements among the existing European network operators. Here the satellite promoters should follow very closely the process of standardization and implementation of ATM to be prepared for the right satellite at the right moment. Timeliness is also a significant factor in this field. In the case of DRS, application of ATM allows a very attractive system implementation by introducing demand oriented channel assignments providing a variety of services for the LEO and ground based users. Compatibility with the anticipated universal broad band network would eventually allow merging of the DRS network into the future universal public communication network. The hardware technologies which are already under development for the terrestrial applications create no special difficulties for the introduction of appropriate satellite payloads. Software, tools, and strategies are under development to improve their readability, writeability, and productivity.