Performance analysis of an improved PRMA protocol for low earth orbit-mobile satellite systems

Future mobile communication systems will be characterized by the integratio n of several networks at the system level. Therefore, the satellite compone nt and the terrestrial one will use as far as possible the same protocols, Accordingly, this paper investigates the possibility of using the packet-re servation multiple-access (PRMA) technique as a medium access control proto col for low-Earth orbit-mobile satellite systems (LEO-MSS's). A modified ve rsion of the PRIMA protocol, named PRIMA with hindering states (PRMA-HS's), is also proposed in order to attain better performance.