Hybrid Satellite & Terrestrial Mobile Network for 4G : Candidate Architecture and Space Segment Dimensioning

The great effort that is devoted to the definition of the '4G' highlights the need for the MSS ecosystem to explore the opportunity to include satellite into the paradigm of '4G' networks of networks. Satellites may appear as a way to 'fill the holes' of the terrestrial coverage thus offering global mobility to end user. We consider here two missions to be delivered over Europe : an interactive broadcast mission and a two-way broadband mission, both targeting handset, vehicular and nomadic terminals. Firstly a general discussion and a candidate hybrid satellite and terrestrial network architecture is proposed for low- frequency bands under CGC (Complementary Ground Component) license. Secondly the dimensioning of the space segment for both missions is presented. The paper stresses the demand for satellites with large antennas and high amplified power. It also briefly touches on the required adaptation of the 4G air interfaces to the satellite constraints. In addition it shows that the system capacity is mainly driven by the spectrum resource.