A modified PRMA protocol for voice and data transmissions in low Earth orbit mobile satellite systems

Future mobile communication systems will provide multimedia services to users in every environment through uniform access procedures. In this scenario, it is essential to define efficient medium access control (IMAC) protocols that are suitable for both terrestrial and satellite systems (integrated networks). This paper envisages packet reservation multiple access (PRMA) for supporting voice and data transmissions in low Earth orbit (LEO) mobile satellite systems. In particular, a modified PRMA (MPRMA) protocol is proposed and analyzed. Simulation results are also presented in order to validate the analytical approach. A parameter optimization has been carried out to improve the protocol performance. Finally, a comparison with PRMA has permitted to highlight the advantages of the new MPRMA scheme.