Design Considerations for Data Networks via Satellite Systems

The goal of this paper is to provide a tutorial overview of a number of the significant issues that are involved in the design of a satellite data communication system. The discussion in this paper will be limited to the use of digital techniques, but it will include a consideration of both digital voice and video as well as normal data. Given the current trends toward integrated services, which are driven by both economic considerations and application requirements, this more integrated view of satellite data networks seems appropriate.