CADENZA: the World´s first ATM switch in the sky

The system described makes possible the immediate deployment of a satellite-based ATM switch, offering full cell-by-cell connectivity for private networks or for complementing the terrestrial IBCN. By using a conventional transparent satellite, the system avoids the costs, risks and delays associated with new payload development; and with so little equipment in orbit to fail, and none to be superseded, it is inherently reliable and future safe. Nor is it committed to, or dependent upon, any particular satellite or satellite family. On the ground side, the standard interfaces and conventional configuration allow the reuse of standard hardware and software; this not only avoids the costs and risks of unilateral development, but also allows the exploitation of long term maintenance and evolutionary support provided with such products