VSAT NETWORKS IN THE INTELSAT SYSTEM

This paper describes how VSAT networks currently operate in the INTELS AT system. Four classes of VSAT networks (data transaction; circuit-sw itched; data distribution; microterminals) are identified, and it is v erified that all of them can operate with INTELSAT satellites. Most VS AT networks in operation on INTELSAT today operate in fractional trans ponder leases. Fractional transponder capacity estimates are presented for a wide range of scenarios and different INTELSAT satellite series . These estimates clearly show increasing bandwidth utilization effici encies for newer generations of INTELSAT satellites. Provided that VSA T and hub sizes are appropriately selected, efficiencies are already s ignificant with existing satellites. Two possible ways of increasing t he utilization of satellite resources are examined in the paper: deman d assignment multiple access (DAMA) and multiple channel-per-carrier ( MCPC) techniques. The impact of using DAMA in circuit-switched VSAT ne tworks is quantified.