ATM services for small satellite terminals

ATM has been adopted as the preferred transfer mode for the integrated broadband communications network (ICBN). In advance of a universal terrestrial infrastructure, a satellite network with its broad geographical coverage and fast deployment capabilities could perform two functions: connection between broadband ATM islands using large terminals; and access capability to a broadband network for individual users or a small community of users using small or very small aperture terminals (VSATs). This paper pursues the VSAT access approach, by giving a top-down overview of an ATM VSAT system. Firstly, the requirements of such a system (such as remote network management) are described from a network operator viewpoint, secondly the way in which ATM can fulfil these requirements is considered, and thirdly the requirements on VSATs and multiple access techniques are discussed. Finally, a European collaborative project called VANTAGE (VSAT ATM Network Trials for Applications Groups across Europe) is described. The aim of VANTAGE is to demonstrate ATM in a managed access network at user data rates of 2 to 34 Mbit/s by building a trials infrastructure and running a program of trials.