An Optimum Traffic Loading to Intersatellite Links

An algorithm has been developed to evaluate the benefits of intersatellite links (ISL´s) quantitatively in satellite communications networks. The developed algorithm derives the minimum satellite capacity, under the condition that the same type of satellites are located onto the geostationary orbit, by assigning traffic among earth stations to the satellites effectively. Some example calculations are presented, based on a current INTELSAT database. The calculated results indicate that the benefits of ISL depend strongly on the distribution pattern of traffic in the network. They demonstrate, furthermore, that ISL´s over long distances have significant potential advantages in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean regions for accommodating a large volume of traffic, and enabling the effective utilization of satellite resources at high elevation angles.