Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation in SCPC-based satellite networks

Dynamic bandwidth allocation is used in many current VSAT networks as a means of efficiently allocating satellite bandwidth resources. In many time division multiple access (TDMA) based networks, rate-based allocation mechanisms are used in order to provide the best user experience within the delay environment of satellite communications. Rate-based dynamic allocations are also possible in single-carrier-per-channel (SCPC) based network architectures. Key advantages and limitations of SCPC- based implementations are discussed. Quantitative comparisons between dynamic SCPC and the DoD´s Joint IP Modem TDMA architecture are provided, and it is shown that under realistic conditions, the dynamic SCPC approach reduces the required return link bandwidth by greater than 40% relative to that required by a Joint IP Modem based system.