Dynamic capacity allocation for quality-of-service support in IP-based satellite networks

In broadband satellite access networks, the efficient management of the return channel transmission capacity is key in reducing the service cost while satisfying the QoS requirements of IP-based multimedia applications. In this article a dynamic capacity allocation scheme based on combined free/demand assignment multiple access is proposed, allowing the return channel capacity to be efficiently shared among many user terminals. Simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme provides adequate DiffServ IP QoS support while maintaining high satellite bandwidth utility and reduced DCA signaling overhead.