Land mobile satellite systems and terrestrial private networks-an integrated approach

The European Space Agency is developing a new concept for mobile communications, based on providing private mobile radio networks via satellite. The basis of this system is the single private network called Mobile Satellite Business Network (MSBN), wherein a fixed user has direct access to its `fleet´ of mobiles through the satellite. In an MSBN, the mobile user can communicate with other fixed users of the same private group and vice versa, but in general no access is grated to the public network. The authors have investigated the possibility of integrating a mobile satellite system aimed at private applications, with other private communications domains. In this respect, two approaches are considered. The first consists of the integration of an MSBN with a PABX network. Alternatively, An MSBN can be integrated in a `virtual´ private domain based on public network capabilities. The authors address the network architecture issues relevant to the aforesaid possible alternatives for the integration of an MSBN in private network domains