Mobile Satellite Communications - Principles and Trends

Demand for Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) is on the increase, with a huge surge of interest in mobile communications in recent years and high-paced advancements in the supporting system architectures, devices and applications. This thoroughly revised and updated book provides a comprehensive guide to the MSS technologies and emerging trends. It takes a system level approach, giving in-depth treatment of technical and business related issues. The author, a leading professional in the area, draws on his extensive experience in industry and research, to provide the reader with a sound and informed understanding of the technology.
 
Mobile Satellite Communications includes introductory material for the reader new to the field, in addition to exploring prevalent system concepts, architecture, practices and trends for the more experienced. An in-depth review of scientific principles merged with business models and regulatory considerations presents a balanced perspective of commercial mobile satellite systems.
 
This book will be of interest to practicing engineers in mobile satellite communications and mobile broadcasting, research and development professionals working in these areas, mobile satellite service providers and operators. Academics and students studying satellite systems/technology, specialists in other classes of satellite systems, technical and marketing managers, strategists and planners of telecommunication systems: individuals interested in mobile communications, satellite and telecommunications/broadcasting technology will also find this book insightful.
 
Key Features:
* Comprehensive treatment of mobile satellite communications topics, including radio link aspects, satellite constellations, architectural and operational aspects, as well as business planning models, MSS radio interface standards, spectrum forecast methodologies and system examples.
* Addresses related themes such as mobile broadcasting, mobile VSATs, search and rescue, and navigation systems.
* Introduces emerging technologies such as mobile broadband, television broadcasting to handheld units, advanced capacity enhancement techniques, hybrid system architecture concepts, including a rich sample of research topics such as multiple input multiple output, satellite-based ad-hoc networks, and highlights initiatives in the use of Q/V frequency bands.
* Includes revision questions at the end of each chapter.
* An accompanying website for interaction (www.satellitesandyou.com).

List of contents

Preface xv
 
About the Author xvii
 
Acknowledgements xix
 
1 Introduction 1
 
1.1 Scope and Organization 1
 
1.2 Evolution of Mobile Telecommunications 5
 
1.2.1 Terrestrial Systems 5
 
1.2.2 Satellite Systems 8
 
1.3 Satellite System Architecture 13
 
1.3.1 Radio Frequency Environment 15
 
1.3.2 Orbit 18
 
1.3.3 Tolerable Delay in Data Delivery 20
 
1.3.4 Handover 20
 
1.3.5 Mobility Management 20
 
1.3.6 Physical Environment 21
 
1.3.7 Satellite Access 21
 
1.3.8 Spectrum Management 22
 
1.3.9 Radio Link Reliability 23
 
1.4 Business Plan 23
 
1.5 Regulatory Considerations 23
 
1.6 Operational Considerations 24
 
1.7 Mobile Systems - A Comparison 26
 
1.8 Example Applications 27
 
1.9 Practical Limitations 27
 
1.10 Related Satellite Systems 29
 
1.10.1 M-VSAT Systems 29
 
1.10.2 Satellite Navigation Systems 30
 
1.10.3 Direct Broadcasts to Individuals and Mobiles 30
 
1.11 Trends 31
 
1.11.1 General 31
 
1.11.2 Market 32
 
1.11.3 System Architecture 32
 
1.11.4 Spectrum 33
 
1.11.5 Technology 33
 
Revision 34
 
References 35
 
2 Satellite Constellations 37
 
2.1 Introduction 37
 
2.2 Satellite Orbits 38
 
2.2.1 Orbital Mechanics Basics 38
 
2.2.2 Satellite Coverage 56
 
2.2.3 Space Environment 57
 
2.2.4 Eclipse on Satellites 58
 
2.2.5 The Sun's Interference 61
 
2.2.6 Doppler Effect 61
 
2.2.7 Orbital Debris 61
 
2.2.8 Summary of Orbital Characteristics 68
 
2.3 Satellite Constellations 69
 
2.3.1 Considerations in Constellation Design 72
 
2.3.2 Polar Constellations 73
 
2.3.3 Inclined Orbit Constellations 75
 
2.3.4 Hybrid Constellations 79
 
2.3.5 Regional Coverage 79
 
2.3.6 Constellations for Non-Real-Time Systems 80
 
2.3.7 Use of Spot Beams 80
 
2.3.8 Availability Considerations for Non-Geostationary Satellites 80
 
Revision 85
 
References 86
 
3 Radio Link 89
 
3.1 Introduction 89
 
3.2 Spectrum Issues 89
 
3.2.1 Spectrum Sharing Methods 92
 
3.2.2 Spectrum Forecast Methodology 98
 
3.3 Propagation Characteristics 100
 
3.3.1 General Propagation Characteristics 101
 
3.3.2 Land Mobile Channel 111
 
3.3.3 Maritime Channel 146
 
3.3.4 Aeronautical Channel 153
 
3.3.5 System Implications 158
 
3.4 Radio Link Analysis 162
 
Revision 170
 
References 171
 
4 Modulation, Coding and Multiple Access 175
 
4.1 Introduction 175
 
4.2 Modulation 175
 
4.2.1 MSS Requirements 175
 
4.2.2 Preferences 177
 
4.2.3 PSK Schemes 179
 
4.2.4 Performance Comparison of Conventional Digital Modulation Schemes 183
 
4.2.5 Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (COFDM) Modulation Systems 191
 
4.2.6 Spread Spectrum Modulation 194
 
4.3 Coding 197
 
4.3.1 Trellis-Coded Modulation (TCM) 204
 
4.3.2 Modulation and Coding Trends and Issues 205
 
4.3.3 Automatic Repeat Request 207
 
4.4 Multiple Access Schemes 208
 
4.4.1 Comparison of Multiple Access Schemes 212
 
4.4.2 Comparison of Spectral and Power Efficiency 214
 
Revision 222
 
References 223
 
5 Fixed Earth Stations and User Terminals 227
 
5.1 Introduction 227
 
5.2 Gateways 228

About the author

Madhavendra Richharia is a practising professional for well over three decades, with experience in diverse areas such as design and development of earth station products, satellite system design and operation, system planning, academics and research. He is currently a senior consultant and director of Knowledge Space Ltd, UK, prior to which he held a senior technical position at Inmarsat for over 15 years. Earlier, he was a faculty member at the University of Surrey. He has also contributed to satellite communication programmes of ISRO as an engineering scientist. He has published a number of technical papers on a variety of satellite communications topic, authored a book on satellite system design and co-authored a book covering concepts and technologies applicable to satellite systems for personal applications. The first edition of this book was well-received and continues to be recommended for many university courses. He obtained his PhD degree from the University of Birmingham UK and Bachelor and Masters from BHU. He is a member of the IEEE and the IET.

Summary

Demand for Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) is on the increase, with a huge surge of interest in mobile communications in recent years and high-paced advancements in the supporting system architectures, devices and applications. This thoroughly revised and updated book provides a comprehensive guide to the MSS technologies and emerging trends.

Product details

• Authors: M Richharia, M. Richharia, Madhavendra Richharia, Madhavendra (Consultant Satellite Commu Richharia, Richharia Madhavendra
• Publisher: Wiley, John and Sons Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 28.04.2014
• EAN: 9781119998860
• ISBN: 978-1-119-99886-0
• No. of pages: 752
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Technology > Electronics, electrical engineering, communications engineering; kommunikationstechnik, drahtlose kommunikation, Mobile & Wireless Communications, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Elektrotechnik u. Elektronik, Communication Technology, Satellitenkommunikation, Satellite Communications