The RCS network return link performance using the JIPM over WGS1, 2, 3

The Wideband Global System is currently operational on WGS1 (175E), WGS2 (60E) and will shortly be operational on WGS3 (12W). The RCS Network is supported today on WGS2 using the Digital Video Broadcast by Satellite (DVB-S) in the forward direction and the DVB-Return Channel by Satellite (DVB-RCS) in the return direction (VSAT-to-Teleport/hub). There are plans to replace the current Modems with the Joint Internet Protocol Modem (JIPM). The remote JIPM Modem has two DVB-S2 receivers and has inherent two-way capability using DVB-RCS. A prime motivation to transition to the JIPM is that it has imbedded TRANSEC. In addition there are plans for two-way GBS operation using similar size terminals as in the RCS Network. Only the Constant Coding and Modulation (CCM) case will be considered in this paper. This paper will address the performance of RCS Network terminals using the JIPM over WGS1 (175E), WGS2 (60E) and WGS3 (12W) when used in the return direction at Ka-band. First, reference links will be defined using the RCS Network two-way antennas for operation over WGS at Ka-band. The reference links will be used to determine supportable propagation losses for several user rates of operational interest using WGS spot beams. This will be analyzed using the current Advantech Modem as well as the JIPM Modem. These point designs will be expanded globally by moving on a global grid and calculating the new grid availabilities as the propagation conditions and free space losses change. WGS and JIPM measurements will be used in the link analysis. The performance of the current (Advantech) and JIPM Modems will be compared.