The role of satellites in the ATM era: a study of two possible network architectures

Satellite networks, offering broad geographical coverage and fast deployment capabilities, appear an attractive option for the early stages of the implementation of the IBCN (Integrated Broadband Communications Network) and for the provision of access to remote users. We discuss two network architectures, based on our experience from the CATALYST (RACE II) project that demonstrated the interconnection of broadband islands via satellite. We study the performance of various client/server protocols supported by LANs with ATM interfaces linked via satellite. The use of VSATs for the provision of access to ATM/ISDN to remote users is also investigated. The need for optimisation of the capacity allocation scheme is discussed using a preliminary performance analysis for a dynamic reservation TDMA system taking advantage of the flexibility and the statistical multiplexing capabilities of ATM.