High data rate applications of ACTS technology

The author discusses the existing broadband integrated services digital network (BISDN) service and delivery method as defined by the International Consultative Committee for Telephone and Telegraph (CCITT) and satellites´ role in provisioning those services. The NASA high-data-rate Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) experiment efforts are also summarized. The ACTS Program will conduct high-data-rate (HDR) experiments that will be applicable to the emerging broadband services of the telephony market. The deployment of the BISDN may require a period of time extending over one or more decades, as operators seek to find the most economic means of evolving current networks to the BISDN. Satellites will find a role in this evolutionary process as a transition service, alternate service, and service of choice. The extent of satellites´ role in the deployment of BISDN will depend on the development of standards, market use of the services, and the capability of satellite systems to provide the desired services