Communication Issues In Satellite Links: A Comprehensive Survey

In next generation global communication networks, satellite networks are expected to complement terrestrial networks where they best serve communication needs of users. Weight and power constraints place severe limitations on satellite on-board resources which includes the number of transponders that a satellite can carry and on-board processing capabilities. Moreover, to develop a satellite network, establishing effective communication links between multiple satellites also requires hefty exploration of field of networking. This paper explores certain issues in transponder design, power allocation strategies to beams so as to meet user requirements satisfactorily, payload architectures suitable for broadband communication and implementation of routing policies. The focus is on developments in multiple spot beams by transponders along with power allocation strategies and implementation of routing protocols in satellite networks with fully processed payload architectures.