The SkyplexNet, a new satellite network with traffic control and distributed network management

The SkyplexNet system, developed in the framework of an ARTES-3 line 1 ESA project, implements an innovative Ground Segment solution based on the 'Sky plex onboard multiplexer'. The networking aspects related with the Skyplex technology, the TDMA operation mode, the DVB compliance and finally the ban dwidth on-demand allocation scheme make SkyplexNet a cost effective satcom solution addressing properly the specific market. With reference to such fe atures, this paper presents the technological aspects of an innovative Grou nd Segment architecture based on the 'Skyplex on-board multiplexer'. The in trinsic capability of Skyplex to uplink several client stations operating i n SCPC or TDMA, implies the need to define a clear overall paradigm to coor dinate the access to the space resources as well as the control and managem ent of the Skyplex network. In this paper an overall description of the SkyplexNet system and of the ty pical service exploitation scenarios for broadband multimedia services is g iven. A specific analysis on the traffic control paradigm and distributed n etwork management architecture adopted in the satellite system is furtherly detailed.