Satellite Communications Systems

Under contract by European Space Agency the Institute studies and develops advanced satellite communications systems based on a versatile software-radio platform. It provides fully meshed interconnectivity between a large number of sites at data rates of at least 4 Msymb. per second. It has been optimised for IP traffic and guaratees quality of service for a variety of traffic classes (Voice over IP, video over IP, Internet-based services). To provide optimum use of the satellite capacity a novel demand-assignment multiple access system is implemented. Adaptive coding and modulation is supported as an efficient means of fade mitigation. Patents on efficient Turbo coding and synchronisation methods to optimise the operational point of the modem have been filed. Applications of the system will be in the area of tele-medicine, tele-education, emergency communications and integration of business locations via satellite.