Title :
Optical satellite networks
Author :
Chan, Vincent W S
Author_Institution :
Lab. for Inf. & Decision Syst., MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
Abstract :
With high-speed space optical crosslink being a reality, the construction of an optical satellite network as part of a larger integrated space-terrestrial network is now feasible. This paper explores the architecture implications of the invention of such a radical technology building block. Not only can the satellite network performance and cost undergo quantum-leap improvements but also such a network can have profound transforming effects on space system architectures and data network user applications.
Keywords :
multi-access systems; optical links; satellite links; transport protocols; LEO constellations; backbone network nodes; communication subsystem; high-rate optical crosslinks; high-speed space optical crosslink; integrated space-terrestrial network; optical multiple access; optical satellite communications; optical satellite networks; optical space communications; physical layer; spacecraft-LAN; spatial acquisition geometry; Application software; Atmosphere; High speed optical techniques; Integrated optics; LAN interconnection; Low earth orbit satellites; Optical fiber networks; Optical sensors; Space exploration; Space technology;
Journal_Title :
Lightwave Technology, Journal of
DOI :
10.1109/JLT.2003.819534
