SS/FDMA router for flexible satellite communications networks

The subchannel switched frequency-division multiple-access (SS/FDMA) system improve the routing flexibility of transponder banks in channelized multibeam satellites. This system can efficiently be utilised to construct a VSAT (very small aperture terminal) network and/or a business satellite communications network using small aperture terminals. The authors address the application of the SS/FDMA system to such networks. A proof-of-concept (POC) model of SS/FDMA onboard equipment called the SS/FDMA router is described in terms of its configuration and measured electrical performance. Results of transmission experiments using the POC model as well as computer simulations are presented. In addition, a redundant SS/FDMA router configuration is proposed, and its reliability is calculated for a 15-year satellite mission time. Finally, estimated values of volume, mass, and DC power consumption of the redundant SS/FDMA router are presented