The paper describes some essential trends in the development of satellite communications and introduces promising future applications. Important developments are the set up of standards based on digital video broadcast (DVB) and the application of on-board switching taking into account quality of service (QoS). Other developments are the application of multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) to satellite networks and the usage of optical inter-satellite and inter-platform links. Seamless interworking with terrestrial wireless access networks and with terrestrial core networks is of paramount importance for the success of satellite networks. Future applications of satellite communications include aeronautical satellite communications, satellite-based air traffic management and personalised land mobile radio broadcasting.

Currently many efforts are undertaken to develop and install communication networks based on low Earth orbit (LEO) and intermediate circular orbit (ICO) satellites. However, many problems are to be solved before the final operation of such networks. This paper deals with basic design problems of LEO/ICO-based networks. The topology of the satellite network is considered and estimates for the number of satellites necessary, orbits and number of communication channels per satellite are derived. The features and consequences of intersatellite links are discussed. The number of communication channels per link is derived with a more elaborate model. This includes the radio links from the satellites to mobile users and to gateways, as well as intersatellite links and terrestrial lines. We introduce a formal model for LEO/ICO based networks and propose a method for the evaluation of the link capacities, given the network topology and the traffic requirements. As an example, two constellations are investigated in detail. One of these constellations is the Iridium system proposed by Motorola, the other is the LEONET concept developed in an ESA study. Finally, the influence of unequal traffic distribution is discussed.>

A hybrid simulation tool for real-time performance measurements of complete networks is presented. The simulation tool combines the advantages of software and hardware modules. Recorded channel data are included. They allow the reproduction of realistic situations in the laboratory. Synchronization problems and noise are considered. As an example, stabilized slotted ALOHA access protocols were implemented and investigated in land-mobile satellite environments. A slotted ALOHA-based modified channel access strategy for highly unreliable channels is proposed requiring all mobile stations to estimate the link quality before starting a transmission. The different strategies are analyzed by simulation as well as the analytical methods. Transmission parameters are determined and optimized using a combination of analysis and simulation. The results show the power of the simulation tool and the better performance of stabilized slotted ALOHA with link-quality estimation in city channels.>