SATCOM: Creating End-to-End Efficiency for IP Trunking and IP Backbone Networks for 5G

By Andrew Aroh

• Efficiency and more throughput are at the core of emerging technologies for IP at the core of emerging technologies for IP Trunking and IP Backbone networks and applications to drive 5G.
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• The latest technology is based on DVB-S2 and S2 Extensions standards and combines a set of innovative technologies in order to fully optimize the Trunking and Backbone Links. These technologies are:
• Adaptive coding and modulation (ACM)
• Cross-layer Optimization
• Bandwidth cancellation
• Clean Channel Technology
• Automated Uplink Power Control (AUPC)
• Wideband in GBs

The Dedicated technologies enhance the data throughput up to record breaking speeds in a large set of IP point-to-point or point or point-to-Multipoint networks.

• Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM)
• The tranking business is a highly competitive market with continuous pressure on pricing and profitability.
• The implementation of ACM translates directly into new business opportunities for ISPs, satellite service Operators and Satellite Operators.
• ACM increases the customer base within the same bandwidth. At the same time it introduces ways to reduce OPEX costs and increase the profitability of one’s business. Resulting in a quick Return-on Investment.
• ACM combines DVB-S2 and S2 Extensions with different technologies to get as much data through the same satellite bandwidth as possible.
• ACM will auto-adaptively set modulation parameters to the optimal point and overcomes distortion, noise and variation in the satellite link.
• Through ACM the data rates between uplink and remote sites (for both point-to-point and point-to-mattip networks) can be doubled in the same bandwidth without the need to acquire extra satellite capacity. As such a quick Return-on-Investment can be achieved in a matter of months.
• Optimal Service Availability through ACM
• Communication lines over satellite need to be available at all time to exchange critical information and to keep customer satisfaction at a high level.
• However, fading conditions could seriously disturb the satellite transmission and lead to temporary link losses.
• Fading conditions could be due to different circumstances:
• The choice of satellite/frequency and (Geo, Leo, Meo/C-,X-,Ku-,Ka-,V-band)
• Environmental Conditions (rain, dust, etc.)
• Interference (between two adjacent Satellites)
• Due to the auto-adaptive technology incorporated inside ACM, these fading conditions will no longer interrupt the transmission between the hub and remote nor result in the loss of data.
• In fading conditions, ACM will switch to a more robust modulation and provide optimal availability.

As soon as fading conditions are over, ACM technology automatically switches back to maximum efficiency,

• Moreover, Service Priorities (e.g video, data, voice) and Quality-of-service policies can be auto-adapted on-the-fly depending on the bandwidth availability through cross-layer optimization technology.
• Network Traffic Optimization
• Network congestion reduces the customer experience and the overall throughput over the communications link
• In order to Enhance Speed and Save on bandwidth, Service Providers can easily add Network Optimization to their Trunking Links.
• Network Optimization Consists of the Latest TCP/IP Acceleration and Compression Technologies which increases the efficiency of the satellite link on top of technologies such as ACM.
• Network Optimization is available as option in the Hubs or can added as separate equipment or software.
• Network Optimization technology offers up to 35% bandwidth reduction for typical applications such as file download, web surfing and content streaming.
• The reduction of traffic in both Volume and Number of packets is up to 20% in the forward and up to 90% in the return.
• Network Optimization technology improves customer Experience and results in important bandwidth gains.
• Bandwidth Cancellation:
• Uses Bandwidth Canceller
• Return traffic uses the same bandwidth as the forward traffic
• Implements Superior Cancellation Performance
• Bandwidth gain up to 33%
• Flexible network scenarios are used (SCPC, MCPC)
• Best efficiency with ACM
• Automated Equalink
• Performs Pre-distortion to compensate for the effects of imperfections in the filters and amplifiers of the satellite
• Supports Linear & Non-Linear Links
• Supports Saturated Transponders
• Supports 16/32/64 APSK
• Bandwidth Gain up to 10% (or 2GB)
• Clean Channel Technology:
• As a result of drive for standards, key players in the satellite industry have called for a new satellite transmission standard (S2 Extensions) to expand the existing DVB-S2 standard, specifically for professional satellite links.
• Open Standards such as DVB-S2 and S2 Extensions allow for:
• Interoperability and avoid vendor lock-in
• Increase in the profitability of the industry by creating an economy of scale and reducing the cost of sitcom equipment
• Today S2 Extensions already provide gains up to 37% compared to DVB-S2 through implementation of clean Channel Technology. These gains exceed the results by proprietary systems in the market
• Clean Channel Technology involves 7 improvements in S2 Extensions:
• Smaller Roll-offs
• Advanced Filtering of Satellite Carriers
• Increased Granularity in MODCODs
• 64APSK support
• Linear and Non-linear MODCODs
• Better implementation of MODCODs
• Wideband Support (up to mbaud)
• Clean Channel Technology can be offered as a software field upgrade so that customers can immediately field upgrade so that customers can immediately benefit up to 15% gain compared to DVB-S2 through implementing a lower Roll-off factor (5/10/15%) and an advanced filtering technology.
• Best-of-Trade-Equipment
• Emerging Hubs and Modems support medium and high rate data communication based on the DVB-S2 and S2 Extensions
• Each Equipment embeds the latest innovative technologies to fully optimize IP Trunking and IP backbone networks over Integrated Satellite/Wireless/Fiber Solutions for 5G.
• No extra or new ground infrastructure (antenna or amplifier) needs to be acquired to enable higher efficiencies.
• Next to hubs and moderns, peripheral equipment such as redundancy Switches and Frequency Converters provide the Trunking and Backbone networks with extra stability and
• Hubs and Moderns are installed on each side of the link.
• Networks in Point-to-Point, Point-to-Multipoint (star) or Multipoint-to-point configuration are supported through Single-channel-per-Carrier (MCPC) technologies.
• Within the same Carrier different Services such as data, video, voice, voIP, Wifi, WiMAX, GPRS, 3G/4G can be aggregate using MAP.
• Through the multi-service hub, Service providers with their respective customers are connected with a common forward carrier.
• The return technology can be SCPC or MF-TDMA depending on the return rate, the size of the remote or the network configuration.
• By aggregating the data traffic in a common forward carrier and combing equipment in a single hub, important CAPEX and OPEX savings can be made.
• Extra bandwidth gains are achieved by implementing ACM, clean channel Technology and Cross-Layer-Optimization technologies on top of the Multi-Service network.
• The Multi-service network also allows the service provider to provider IP access service provider to provide IP access service on a direct way or an indirect way (Backhaul, Trunking) to the end user.
• The hub provides internal and interface (RF, IP power Supply)
• The internal redundancy is conceived as two fully redundant chains.
• When there is a failure an automatic switch over to the other chain is performed.
• Even during service windows there is limited downtime since upgrades can be performed on one of the chains with the other chain active in a previous version.
• A failure in the RF path is resolved by switching to the alternative RF interface.
• Multiservice Access Platform (MAP) is a scalable, integrated system that can provide a wide range of voice, video and data services in a single chassis.
• A MAP can be located at the customer premises, in the local Loop/ Last mile or at the carrier’s point of presence (POP).
• Efficient Carrier Grade Gateway and Consumer Terminal Concept
• A typical Broadband solution is based on the Sat3play platform
• The platform provides the means to establish an “always-on” two-way IP Connectivity.
• The basic IP connectivity between Hub and Modem is extended with Quality-of-Service (QoS) in forward and return allowing the deployment of different services.
• QoS is the capability to provide better service to selected network traffic over various technologies such as Ethernet, frame relay, ATM or IP.
• The gateway contains management functionalities to monitor, configure and control all worldwide remotes.
• The Gateway provides all necessary infrastructures to receive and transmit IP data from and to the terminals.
• The Gateway has redundancy on all layers (user, control, management) equipment; RF signal and mains supply inputs.
• Gateways are points of entrance and exist from a communication network.
• Viewed as a physical entity, a gateway is that node that translates between two otherwise incompatible networks or network segments.
• Gateway performs code and protocol conversion to facilitate traffic between data highways of differing architecture.
• A GATEKEEPER is a device that manages an IP network, supporting all gateways, and a gatekeeper e.g low average-to-peak ratios in the traffic Profile. This results in high broadband user experience.
• Unique Design:
• The design of the compact modem and the lightweight low power outdoor equipment; the cost and “Look and Feel” of the terminal is in line with the consumer market requirements
• Lowest Consumer Acquisition Cost:
• With the lowest terminal cost on the market and a unique Do-it-yourself installation, the total customer acquisition cost is not a deterrent factor for capturing new subscribers.
• Self-Installation at Zero:
• Value Added Logistics
• Terminal Customization
• New Business Models, Retail outlet Channels and e-commerce
• Zero CAPEX Internet Service Providers Satellite System
• The require satellite system is Operated as Single-Service-Provider Platform AND Multi-Service-Provider Platform
• On a multi-Service-Provider Platform, new ISPs can start with a Zero CAPEX and the ability to rollout services immediately
• Different Service Providers Share the same HARDWARE and CAPACITY while they are capable of managing their own Customer base and Service Configuration.
• Unlimited Scalability: the total number of users in the Satellite system scales without System limitation. The addition of capacity in order to accommodate more users or offer better QoS comes with an almost linear increase of investment result.

On the other hand, satellite capacity represents the largest cost element in the total cost of Ownership (CTO). Efficient usage of satellite capacity is therefore mandatory.

• The End-Customer is expectation for Satellite broadband offerings are:
• Monthly rate on par with terrestrial broadband services
• Volumes as needed
• True broadband experience-Implementing FUP which assures that all broadband customers enjoy the same experience and have access to quick and reliable service at all time.

Andrew Aroh is President of SSPI Nigeria