PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
Go through the definition and technology phase of a multi-operator multi-tenant platform for the next-gen satellite network operators. Goal is to accelerate the introduction of a new generation of LEO based satellite communication services.
In the definition phase the functional requirements of both suppliers and customers of LEO services will be matched against the available infrastructure and management technology, defining the technical requirements of the platform.
In the technology phase the requirements will be translated into architecture and prototypes.
The platform will enable satellite system integrators and channel partners, against reasonable costs, to define, provision, manage and control services from GEO, MEO and LEO operators (Satellite Network Operators, SNO;s) using a single service.
Challenges
The key challenge for the NaaS project is matching the fast-developing NaaS core IP, provisioning and data layer technology with SNO and Channel Partner requirements.
SNO requirements are not only varied, with different network typologies and methodologies, but their requirements are still under development, with their current focus on the space segment technology and their commercial models still in an early stage.
The SNO channel partner requirements are based on the type of object (vessel/aeroplane/truck) and their service requirements (coverage/business criticality/bandwidth, latency). Channel partners also have different requirements for provisioning, traffic management, billing, and BI and assurance.
System Architecture
The NAAS consist of 3 layers:
- An underlay layer consisting of a core IP network that routes and transports IP traffic between regional Points of Presence (“PoPs”):
This layer provides basic (IP-based) connectivity services and optionally IP routing Value Added services. - A global SNO provisioning layer that provides end-user terminals with the desired airtime packages and their SLAs from the relevant SNO, and provides the IP network configuration, as well as the desired Value-Added Services.
- A data analytics layer for gathering, correlating, and analysing network traffic metrics and terminal metrics per data user flow in order to provide insight into the user experience. The overlay data layer also enables value added services like monitoring, network management, traffic orchestration and ancillary -cloud- services around security and billing.
Plan
Current Status
The project Kick Off was in May 2024, however interviews with both SNOs and Channel Partners have started in February 2024.
Current focus is on collecting information on new NaaS technology and SNO and CP requirements as the basis for the system design.
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