Impact Analysis - Satellite Transmission Standards

Frost & Sullivan, June 2007, Pages: 70

The Frost & Sullivan research service titled Impact Analysis- Satellite Transmission Standards provides an insight into the impact of standards based on the two-way satellite broadband VSAT systems. The aim is to identify the need, evaluate the benefits, and analyze the current and future trends as well as key development activities carried out by institutes, universities, and organizations across the globe in the field of satellite broadband VSAT systems. This research services extensively describes technologies such as S-DOCSIS, DVB-RCS, and IPoS, which are aiming to be standards in this industry. In addition, the adoption factors for the satellite broadband communications industry are discussed.

The following technologies are covered in this research:

- Digital Video Broadcasting-return Channel via Satellite (DVB-RCS): DVB-RCS is an open standard for two-way satellite broadband VSAT systems that was designed by DVB project in order to cater to the high demand in the provisioning of broadband wireless access. This standard is published by European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) as EN 301 790. The main purpose of DVB-RCS is establishing a cost-effective VSAT solution and opening an opportunity for network provider to embark on large-scale deployment by avoiding proprietary standards being controlled by a single vendor.
- Internet Protocol over Satellite (IPoS): IPoS is ratified as TIA-1008 by the Telecommunication Industry Association (TIA) in December 2003. IPoS was created by Hughes Network Systems (HNS), Maryland, U.S to deliver an ‘always on’ IP services target at residential, SOHO, and enterprise markets. It is projected as an industry standard optimized for delivery of IP broadband services over two-way satellite channels by HNS. The main objectives of developing IPoS were to create an industry standard satellite system and spur the growth of satellite services.
- Satellite-data over Cable Service Interface Specifications (S-DOCSIS): S-DOCSIS, a modified version of DOCSIS for the physical layer attributes of satellite transmission, was introduced upon the beginning of contract with WildBlue. It operates in Ka-band spectrum. Compared to DOCSIS, S-DOCSIS implements more advanced modulation and coding such as turbo coding and MF-TDMA. Turbo coding is combined with advanced dynamic fade mitigation techniques to enhance the system performance. S-DOCSIS also incorporates moving Picture Expert group (MPEG) and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) encapsulation standard.
- Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT): VSAT is a small fixed earth station, which is widely used for satellite-based communication networking. It consists of two units--outdoor and indoor. The outdoor unit (ODU) comprises an antenna and a radio frequency transceiver, and an indoor unit (IDU) serves as a modem connecting end-user device. The VSAT antenna includes a reflector, a feedhorn, and a mount and its size is usually in the range of 0.8 m to 3.8 m in diameter. The ODU of the VSAT could be wall mounted or fixed on the ground while the IDU could be fixed close to the end-user terminals that suits the user’s convenience.

1. Executive Summary
-1. Executive Summary
--1. Research Overview
--2. Research Findings
-2. Scope and Methodology
--1. Scope
--2. Methodology

2. Satellite Transmission Protocols and Application Areas
-1. Satellite Broadband VSAT Systems--A Snapshot
--1. Satellite Broadband Communications
--2. VSAT Systems--A Primer
--3. Potential Application Areas
-2. Satellite Broadband VSAT Transmission Protocols--An Overview
--1. DVB-RCS
--2. IPoS
--3. S-DOCSIS

3. Strategic Evaluation of the Competitive Environment
-1. Protocol Analysis
--1. Protocol Analysis--Overview
--2. DVB-RCS
--3. IPoS
--4. S-DOCSIS
-2. AHP Model - Assessment of Standard and Non-Standard Based Protocols
--1. Protocol Selection--A Discussion on Criteria and Alternatives
--2. Protocol Selection--AHP Process and Computation

4. Strategic Evaluation of the Industry Environment
-1. Drivers and Challenges
--1. Overview
--2. Key Factors Driving Satellite Broadband Communications
--3. Key Factors Holding Back the Growth of Satellite Broadband Communications
-2. Industry Trends
--1. Scenario Analysis and Regional Trends
--2. Future Trends--DVB-RCS
--3. Analyst Insights

5. Key Developments Across the Globe
-1. Corporate
--1. DVB-RCS-Based Interactive Broadband Satellite Communication
--2. SatLabs Group Propelling the Progress of DVB-RCS
--3. VSAT System-Based upon the DVB-RCS
--4. A Novel DVB S2/ACM Platform
-2. University
--1. A Novel Hybrid Network Solution
--2. Interface of Network Layer and Physical Layer of DVB-S2
--3. Extension of DVB-RCS for Supporting Mobile devices

6. Key Patents; Glossary; and Key Participant's Details
-1. Key Patents
--1. Key Patents Issued
--2. Key Patents Applied
-2. Key Participant's Details and Glossary
--1. Key Participant's Details
--2. Glossary

7. Decision Support Database
-1. Decision Support Database Tables
--1. Internet Penetration--World (2002 to 2012)
--2. Total Broadband Penetration--World (2002 to 2012)
--3. Total Broadband Subscribers--World (2002 to 2012)

The satellite broadband services industry is seen to have enormous growth potential, especially considering the large number of consumers that still lack access to wireline broadband services. Such consumers are ideal targets for satellite Internet through very small aperture terminal (VSAT) technologies and a number of governments across the world are initiating their use to bridge the void created by the lack of access to terrestrial broadband networks. What is more, VSAT technologies also enable the provision of rural telephony, telemedicine, and e-distance learning, further augmenting the demand for implementing VSAT terminals to address the lack of access to broadband service.

Coming to standards, unlike other communications industries, in which solutions are primarily based on open standards, the two-way satellite broadband VSAT systems industry is ruled by proprietary technologies. However, the emergence of standard-based technologies has given rise to a lot of debate on technology selection. "It is estimated that standard-based solution could break the domination of the proprietary technologies if the demand for interoperable equipment and product increases," notes the analyst of this research service. "Furthermore, a standard-based solution is likely to bring down the price of such equipment and products." Digital video broadcast-return channel via satellite (DVB-RCS), satellite-data over cable service interface specification(S-DOCSIS), and Internet protocol over satellite(IPoS) are the three technologies competing to become the VSAT-based satellite broadband transmission standard.

Growing Support for DVB-RCS

With regard to the emerging protocols, there seems to be a growing support for DVB-RCS to be labeled the open standard for two-way satellite broadband VSAT industry. The main purpose of DVB-RCS is establishing a cost-effective VSAT solution and opening opportunities for network providers to embark on large-scale deployment by avoiding proprietary standards being controlled by a single vendor. Europe is currently leading the way in R&D and commercialization with the European Space Agency (ESA) and European Union backing the DVB-RCS guideline. As of April 2007, there are more than 100 DVR-RCS deployments worldwide, but there are other competitors that could challenge its growth. One of the challenges arises from the large deployment of terminals based on S-DOCSIS-based solution of ViaSat.

"Overall, the impact of open standards on the satellite broadband industry seems to be minimal at this point of time, particularly as product performance and price are seen to be more essential," says the analyst. "Having said that, there exists a growing notion within this industry that the presence of a truly open standard solution would help to achieve low-cost, high-performance solutions, thereby driving the demand and growth of two-way satellite broadband communication systems."

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