Description
On Delegation Request (formerly called Priority 2)
Objective: The objectives of the activity are to develop the waveform elements necessary to enable dual Ka-Q band user links, to develop resource allocation schemes able to maximize the efficiency of such links by opportunistically exploiting the propagation conditions in each band and to develop seamless handover mechanisms. A software demonstrator implementing the dual Ka-Q band user links will be developed and tested.
Targeted Improvements: Increase of throughput of broadband systems by at least 30%.
Description: The classical Direct-to-Home (DTH) services are challenged by the advent of Over-the-Top (OTT) video services. Demand is shifting towards such delivery mechanisms to the detriment of traditional broadcasting. Satellite solutions need to adapt to the evolving requirements of the consumers. A promising direction is to provide a combination of broadcast, multicast and interactive services in an efficient manner. Dual Ka-Q forward user links may be the mechanism to deliver such combination of services efficiently. Nonetheless, for this to happen a number of technical challenges at different layers have to be addressed. For example, the availability of Q band links is intrinsically lower as the propagation impairments worsen with frequency. However, in a system where resources are shared between Ka and Q band links, the latter can still be used for the opportunistic delivery of data. Moreover, the Q band consumer electronics to be used in the user terminals would introduce further impairments, which may render current waveforms unsuitable. Finally, when resources need to be shared between Ka and Q band links an optimal allocation mechanism needs to be developed.
This activity will address the technical challenges involved with the exploitation of Q-band in the forward user links of broadband systems. Architectural and technology aspects will be considered together with a thorough assessment of the link performance taking into account all the expected channel imperfections. Recommendations for possible waveform adaptation will also be drawn. In addition, all the issues concerning the optimum combination of the Ka and Q-band signals and services will be analysed and solution proposed. System, technology and resource allocation issues both at user and space segment level will be addressed in this respect. A software demonstrator will be developed including the payload and ground key components together witha channel model. The simulator will be used to validate the Quality of Service (QoS) performance.
Footnote: On Delegation Request (formerly called Priority 2) activities will only be initiated on the explicit request of at least one National Delegation.