Introduction of mobility aspects for DVB-S2/RCS broadband systems

Abstract

In this paper we address the emerging application of mobility to DVB-S2/DVB-RCS systems, sometimes also referred to as Satellite-On-The Move (SOTM) communications. Satellite communications have great commercial success in digital audio and video broadcasting as they exploit the inherent wide area coverage for distribution content. It was a natural consequence to extend its use to multimedia applications; DVB-S2/DVB-RCS standards offer a commercially proven solution for fixed terminals in that sense. In addition, communication on the move is becoming a key market sector. Therefore broadband mobile communications represent an additional market for the satellite, addressing primarily transport operators (planes, ships, trains) but also end-users in cars. To ensure economies of scale and fast development and deployment of equipments, the adaptation of current satellite broadcast and interactive broadband standards is foreseen. This paper presents possible techniques applicable to different market segments for both the forward and the return links of the system, with associated performance and impact on the standards.