Hybrid Satellite-Terrestrial Architecture for Control Systems Education

In this paper, the modules for the conceptual design of an innovative e-learning platform using satellite communications for teaching control systems theory courses are presented. All necessary tools and mechanisms are provided enabling real time text, and audio/video based communication between tutors and learners. The end-user driven services include: virtual classroom, offline operation, sharing of applications, private/ public chatting, audio/video streaming. A concise description of the pilot architecture which depends on the DVB-RCS standard is presented justifying further the choice of the proposed platform. Simulation results concerning the teaching of fundamental issues in Networked Control Theory within the proposed architecture are provided. Connections with hybrid configurations such as wireless terrestrial broad-band technologies (DVB-RCS/WiMAX, DVB-RCS/Wi-Fi) are further justified.