AmerHis: Triple play by Satellite
- Paper number
IAC-06-B3.4.02
- Author
Mrs. Ana Yun, Thales Alenia Space, Spain
- Coauthor
Mr. Josep Prat, Thales Alenia Space, Spain
- Coauthor
Ms Elisa Callejo, Spain
- Year
2006
- Abstract
For many years, satellite communication has played a major role in the development of telecommunication networks, overcoming some of the limitations of terrestrial solutions, such as the lost of installation in low density areas and long deployment times. Nowadays a new generation of satellites has lead the way to a revolution on satellite communication. The key issue of these satellites is an On Board Processor (OBP) that facilitates, not only the extension of broadband access into rural access, but the support of broadband real time and multimedia services. OBP based satellites support multiple spot beams and a greater optimization of the satellite resources. Even more, the OBP technology combined with the consolidation of open standards based on the suite DVB-S/DVB-RCS, has paved the way to mesh DVB-RCS regenerative systems. These systems provide bidirectional broadband satellite telecommunications based on end-to-end connectivity between users though a single satellite hop, even if located in different satellite spots. AmerHis is the first regenerative DVB-RCS satellite platform designed as a response to cover the growing demand in multimedia broadband services and the adaptation of real time services to the satellite world. The core of this multimedia system is an On Board Processor (OBP), the Alcatel A9343, able to combine the DVB-S and DVB-RCS worlds. It is boarded in the Amazonas satellite launched by Hispasat the 4th of August of 2004. AmerHis arquitecture is composed by the OBP, a fleet of standard RCS (Return Channel Satellite) Terminals, a MS (Management Station) acting as Network Control Center, several RSGWs (Gateways) for interconnection with terrestrial networks and a group of VSPs (Video Service Providers) for the transmission of video. The payload used by AmerHis represents a major breakthrough in the satellite world allowing for the first time bidirectional broadband DVB-RCS mesh connections through the satellite and between different beams. It also allows data replication on board improving the efficiency of multicast applications. AmerHis supports IP-based as well as native MPEG-based services. “TRIPLE PLAY for ALL” (voice, video and data) is supported as a complement of other existing technologies (e.g. ADSL) and as an alternative where no other options are available (e.g. rural areas). VOICE Thanks to the OBP technology voice communications are possible, as there is always only one satellite hop between two endpoints: - In the satellite network using the one-hop mesh connectivity and VoIP (H.323 or SIP). - With the PSTN/ISDN networks using the interconnection capabilities of the RSGW - With Internet users using VoIP and the data connectivity. VIDEO Low cost platforms (based on RCSTs) are included to perform micro-broadcaster contributions of video using codecs as MPEG2 or H.264 embedded in a standard MPEG2 TS. A central multiplexer is not needed to concentrate the different flows and the platforms can be independent between them. Video on Demand will also be supported through the IP layer connectivity. DATA A DVB-RCS terminal can transmit up to 4 Mbps and receive up to 8 Mbps allowing the deployment of any IP application (e.g. Internet/Intranet Access and Virtual Private Networks between terminals) and being interoperable with the terrestrial networks. The architecture of the system is based on different dynamic QoS classes to differentiate the traffic and to be able to offer different SLAs to customers. Multicast is also supported and therefore E-learning and Multi-conference applications are integrated as part of the end to end system. AmerHis commercial services are due to start at first quarter of 2006, with Hispasat and Hispamar in charge of system exploitation in Europe, North and South America. A series of field trials have already proven the capabilities of the system in terms of availability and efficient bandwidth use have been demonstrated for applications such as telemedicine, LAN interconnection between remote subscribers, VPN services, video conferencing and VoIP. Amerhis is the start up of a new generation of communications by satellite. Future releases will continue to enlarge the concept of “Broadband for all”, allowing more end to end services as “Quadruple play” based in WiMAX and UMTS integration or support of TVoIP.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
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