Network integration via MEO/LEO satellites-The COST 253 Action

The provision of interactive multi-media services via satellite is becoming an increasingly important issue. Satellites are indispensable in areas with inadequate ground infrastructure. The feasibility of network integration, voice, video and data communications via GEO satellites was successfully demonstrated in the previous COST 226 Action. A disadvantage of geostationary satellites, namely the long transmission delay, can be overcome with lower orbiting satellites. The new COST 253 Action studies problems of the ground and multi-satellite space segment, transmission, access and protocol as well as applications aspects. ATM via satellite is an important area in this context. The studies are supported by software and hardware simulations. This paper presents the background of the project and the current status. The paper has applications to LAN interconnection in particular