Optimizing satellite communications access with simulation

Most communications systems in use today employ some type of transmission medium-sharing among users. A major motivation for such sharing is the cost savings realized from minimizing transmission equipment outlays. Medium-sharing also can be a necessity, as in the case of wireless communications such as cellular telephone, packet radio, and satellite links. One such medium-sharing technique being applied to satellite communication channels is demand assigned multiple access (DAMA). Discrete-event modeling and simulation are the ideal means for selecting the control schemes and decision logic to make the evolving DAMA protocol as efficient as possible. This paper examines the benefits, objectives, and key aspects of 25-kHz DAMA simulation model development. Representative results from this ongoing effort are also presented.