Efficient space segment utilization in satellite data networks

A generalized approach to the efficient utilization of the space segment in multicarrier per transponder applications is presented. Based on the concept of normalized satellite link densities, the conditions required to fully utilize the available transponder resources (power and bandwidth) are derived. These conditions are applied to the design of satellite data networks comprising a large number of stations of various sizes. The design approach is based on the idea of determining the ground segment configuration that ensures that the satellite links to small earth stations (power-limited links) and those to large earth stations (bandwidth-limited links) are balanced in such a way, that both the transponder power and the bandwidth are fully utilized. An example of the design of a simple data network using this technique is shown.