Global Networks

The tremendous success of the Internet and the new applications have resulted in significantly higher data rates requirement. One of the key requirements for the emerging “global network” which is a “network of networks” is rich connectivity among fixed as well as mobile users. Advances in switching and transport technologies have made increase in transmission bandwidth and switching speeds possible, and still more dramatic increases are achievable via optical switching.

The future generation of communications networks provides “multimedia services”, “wireless (cellular and satellite) access to broadband networks” and “seamless roaming among different systems”. Global communication network scenario providing connectivity among corporate networks, Internet, and the ISPs.

The networking technologies can vary between ATM, Frame Relay, IP and optical backbones. The access technologies options can be dial up, cable, DSL, and satellite. Mobile communications are supported by second generation, digital cellular (Global Satellite for Mobile Communications, GSM) and, data service by Generic Packet Radio Services (GPRS).

Third generation systems such as IMT-2000 can provide 2 Mbps and 144 Kbps indoor and vehicular environments. Even fourth and fifth generation systems are being studied to provide data rates 2-20 Mbps and 20-100 Mbps respectively. Several broadband satellite networks at Ka-band are planned and being developed to provide such global connectivity for both Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) and Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) using Geosynchronous (GSO) and Non-Geosynchronous (NGSO) satellites.

Currently GSO satellite networks with Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) at Ku-bands are being used for several credit card verifications, rental cars, banking applications. Satellite networks such as StarBand, DIRECTWAY, and WildBlue are being developed for high speed Internet access.