The quality challenge...now and for the future [satellite communication]

Addressing the fact that a quality revolution is taking place within the contemporary network operators' community, this paper demonstrates by example that the immediate future is teeming with new applications, services, and network trends demanding a much higher level of quality from satellite links than is now being provided by many satellites. Discussion focuses on how satellite resource providers are responding to customers' needs with a multi-pronged strategy incorporating advanced ground segment and spacecraft technology; participation in development of new, internationally recognized performance standards; demonstration of the feasibility of satellites for new digital network services; and development of satellite-friendly protocol specifications for end-to-end open networks. The conclusion emphasizes that through these ongoing substantial and tangible efforts, today's space segment resource providers, working with their customers to meet the quality challenge, will secure a major role for satellites in tomorrow's seamless networks of multimedia data exchange