DVB-RCS systems in the NGN convergence framework

The convergence between fixed and mobile network is the new paradigm in the world wide telecommunications network. Satellites are striving to become an important actor in the Next Generation Networks (NGN) by offering seamless integration with the terrestrial networks. Satellite systems can also provide the right complement in the convergence as one more access network that can cover vast regions and sparsely populates areas, or in areas where terrestrial systems have been destroyed by a recent disaster. DVB-RCS (Digital Video Broadcast - Return Channel Satellite) broadband satellite multimedia systems have a great potential, particularly in this direction, primarily due to the many possible solutions aimed at increasing the efficiency of bandwidth usage and SLA adaptations.