IT-Review

BT Triples Satellite Communication Links Capacity

BT has developed new technology that can triple the capacity of existing satellite communication links. The technology only has to be deployed in the ground stations, hence upgrading existing systems is both straightforward and efficient.

BT Triples Satellite Communication Links Capacity

Satellite communication now accounts for around 10 per cent of global telecommunications revenues and global demand for satellite-based Internet circuits is predicted to approximately double between 2005 to 2010 therefore the technology is poised to enable significant cost reductions in this fast-growing global market.

Development of the system was prompted by the relative high costs involved in leasing satellite bandwidth capacity. This is an issue affecting any organisation that delivers data over a satellite link. By putting more data over the same amount of bandwidth, the new modulation technique invented ensures a two to three times greater efficiency, thus enabling more information to be delivered at the same cost.

The new modulation scheme draws on similar principles to those used in the signal transmitted by GSM phones - which delivers data over a modulation scheme consisting of two states - this new method uses multiple states, combined with partial response signalling. Its unique innovation lies in the design of the detection mechanism in the demodulator, which is based on symbol pattern recognition.

The system has been designed for use over large-scale satellite links operating from earth stations, which typically carry high bandwidth data. These include ISP backbone connections, satellite newsgathering, video links and corporate use, military satellite communications and international trunk traffic being transmitted across continents.

Further development of the technology for delivering data to 'small dish' services, such as home-based satellite TV is under consideration.

Source: press release

See also: