Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation in SCPC-based satellite networks

Dynamic bandwidth allocation is used in many current VSAT networks as a means of efficiently allocating satellite bandwidth resources. In many time division multiple access (TDMA) based networks, rate-based allocation mechanisms are used in order to provide the best user experience within the delay environment of satellite communications. Rate-based dynamic allocations are also possible in single-carrier-per-channel (SCPC) based network architectures. Key advantages and limitations of SCPC- based implementations are discussed. Quantitative comparisons between dynamic SCPC and the DoD's Joint IP Modem TDMA architecture are provided, and it is shown that under realistic conditions, the dynamic SCPC approach reduces the required return link bandwidth by greater than 40% relative to that required by a Joint IP Modem based system.