Extension of ATM networks with SHF DAMA SATCOM

This paper investigates techniques for integrating asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) signaling protocols with the super high frequency (SHF) demand assigned multiple access (DAMA) standard for better resource allocation and overall network performance. ATM has emerged as a promising technology capable of supporting integrated traffic transmission. Advantages for the use of ATM include the fact that it provides a migration path to a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) baseband interface for military communications. SHF satellite communication (SATCOM) is an important military communications resource because of its global coverage and its potential for substantial data rates. The capability of the DAMA system for flexible resource allocation of SATCOM resources is of great importance in the efficient use of transponding satellite assets. The merging of ATM and DAMA promises to provide better satellite resource utilization and overall network performance by providing statistical multiplexing advantages on two different and complementary time scales