Design considerations of satellite-based vehicular broadband networks

Convergence between wireless networks is the main trend in current and future wireless communications. The distinct advantage of satellite and terrestrial network integration is the possibility to provide ubiquitous multimedia services in vehicles at any location. The key design considerations of mobile broadband satellite access technologies are given in this article. After presenting the conceptual models of a system and services, the design issues of satellite network synchronization and burst demodulation are described. The design considerations of medium access control, resource management, capacity, and buffer controls for internetworking are given. Also, the active antenna issues are provided along with a sample design.