The Satellite System as an Integrated Telecommunications Switching Center

Telecommunication satellites were first used as a means for establishing alternative transoceanic routes in competition with existing submarine cables. The use of advanced techniques in conjunction with the multitime-zone coverage makes it possible for transoceanic satellite systems to compete favorably with conventional intercontinental transmission means. This paper concerns itself with methods for economically applying satellite techniques to European conditions in competition with a finely meshed land-based relatively cheap coaxial cable system. Under these conditions every effort must be made to obtain the highest possible efficiency. The national gateways to the international telecommunication network are to see the satellite system as an equivalent trafficcarrying means capable of handling 30-70 percent of the total interEuropean traffic. It is therefore necessary to regard the satellite system, consisting of earth stations and satellite, as if it were a supranational switching center for international traffic. An essential ingredient in such a solution is a system global control. This global control is proposed to be implemented by computer means intercorrelated by means of common signaling channel methods. Principles and means of implementation of the principles are outlined.