Hybrid digital networks using high-speed optical fiber and advanced satellite systems

The Global Grid will be a hybrid, digital network with transmission provided by a combination of fiber-optic cables and radio links, many of which will be geosynchronous satellite links. This hybrid network will be an extremely complex environment that must be transparent to users. The technology for achieving this transparent interoperation has become identified as satellite/terrestrial network interface technology. The authors expand the discussion (begun at MILCOM ´92) of important issues that pertain to transparent interoperation of the satellite and fiber-optic components. In particular, perspective to the concept of a hybrid network is presented by discussing infrastructure penetration and communications capacity for each transmission technology. Then, discussion of the diversity that exists in defining digital network hierarchies is presented. Finally, there is discussion of the protocols (and standards) that control how the many services offered by these networks are provided and may be utilized