Satellite communications with Internet Protocol (IP) efficiency

This paper presents an analysis of satellite communications (SATCOM) systems that use Internet protocol (IP) with quality of service (QoS) metrics, and addresses IP efficiency measures. Key contributing elements for the IP efficiency are network structure, provisional efficiency, and bandwidth-on-demand features. IP bandwidth gains will also depend on the network size, the level of hierarchy, and the user applications. Small networks with packet-based traffic would show high IP gains while larger networks tend to show less IP gains. Large networks factoring in statistical multiplexing effects aided by less variability of traffic flows can be self-tuned with right-sized link capacities. Bursty traffic behaviors and duty cycles would further influence the IP gains. Case studies also demonstrate the delays and overflow probabilities for IP packets with different priorities.