On-The-Move Broadband Satellite
Communications, July 14 - 16 2008 at UCLA Extension, Westwood, CA.
This course is being updated to focus on broadband satellite systems that serve
all forms of moving platforms. These include vehicles, vessels and aircraft.
The growing demand for communications bandwidth over all wireless media is a
powerful motivator for the introduction of new satellite systems that exploit
the frequency spectrum above 10 GHz. Broadband satellite networks can address
the two primary telecommunications segments – access services to provide
high-speed connectivity from various locations, and backbone services to expand
the national, regional and global infrastructure. This course provides a
comprehensive understanding of how such systems and networks can be developed
and introduced to the full range of applications in commercial, government and
international arenas. Building upon the fundamentals of satellite communications
technology and systems, the specific approaches for designing a modern satellite
network using Ku, Ka and higher frequencies are covered in sufficient detail so
attendees can configure the major elements (space and ground), evaluate sources
of equipment, and select the most appropriate satellite architecture and
bandwidth.
Applications in the
commercial, government and international areas are detailed. New among this is
the delivery of broadband communications to aeronautical platforms, including
various aircraft
and Unmanned Aeronautical Vehicles (UAVs).
Among the principles to be reviewed in detail include:
·
Design of microwave,
millimeter-wave and optical satellite links, including radio wave
propagation (influenced heavily by rain attenuation) and system level
approaches for dealing with it.
·
Architecture of the space
segment, applying multi-beam antenna systems, wideband transponder
channels, medium and high power electronics, and application of on-board
processing and switching technology.
·
Definition and design of Ku and
Ka-band access applications that may compete with broadband services
such as DSL and cable modems.
·
Evaluation of wide area telecommunications for regional and
international services to augment the fiber optic links already dominant
in developed regions of the world.
·
Special
characteristics of mobile platforms on commercial aircraft, ships and vehicles
·
Configuration of the ground
segment using Ku, Ka and higher frequencies, taking into account the
unique aspects of these bands and likely requirements for broadband
services.
Broadband
Satellite Course Description
Mobile Satellite Communications.
With nearly 30 years of experience, mobile satellite service (MSS) has
become a facet of the international telecommunications scene. The
applications range from the first uses in maritime and aeronautical, to
the development of a strong following on land.
This course builds on the early foundation and extends beyond the systems
introduced prior to 2000. One must understand how we got here and what
works before delving into what the new generation of MSS systems must
look like. We review all of the applications, technology and operational
issues in MSS, considering geostationary earth orbit (GEO) and non-GEO
concepts and systems alike. The orbit strategy is only part of the
equation – the course examines the elements of the overall architecture
so that attendees will understand just what constitutes a working MSS
network. This considers the all important air interface, the systems for
processing and completing telephone and data calls across a wide region
or the globe, and the regulatory issues that hamper the creation of a
viable business.
In four days, we go in depth into the major aspects of a state-of-the-are
MSS network – no important area is left uncovered. From this basic
foundation, the course will identify how a new system can conceive and
direct itself toward a success strategy; consideration of how any of the
existing systems might expand their application base is also given. At
all times, attendees are encouraged to ask questions and offer their own
views and ideas throughout the course.
Download
description of Mobile Satellite Communications
Satellite Communications VSAT Networks -
Planning and Implementation. This is a new course intended
for network engineers and planners who need cutting-edge information on
how to plan and implement a satellite communications VSAT network. It
provides the fundamentals and planning tools for a successful project.
Included in the program is a full one-day workshop that would produce a
workable project plan.
Download description of VSAT
Networks course
Satellite and Terrestrial Communications - Achieving an Integrated
Network.
Satellite
communications networks offer many possibilities and opportunities in
bridging the digital divide and extending broadband services to remote
sites. This course takes the next step in the process by defining,
describing, and resolving critical issues related to making data and
multimedia applications work through the geostationary satellite
environment. Each day is dedicated to an important area of investigation
and set of solutions to current-day and evolving problems that hamper the
integration of satellite and terrestrial networks. Technical and
operational aspects of interfacing application data from the user to the
satellite network are detailed. How to properly employ key standards also
is reviewed, such as TCP/IP, Gigabit Ethernet, Digital Video Broadcast,
Asynchronous Transfer Mode, and IP Sec.
Detailed
brochure for Satellite and Terrestrial Communications course
Satellite
Communications Payload Design and System Architecture.
Current and planned
satellite systems for fixed and mobile use now demand an array of
advanced design/analysis techniques and architecture strategies.
Developed for communications engineers, satellite designers and systems
architects, this popular course provides a practical understanding of
how modern satellite payloads (repeater and antennas) and end-to-end
systems are designed and assembled to meet the most demanding service
requirements of the private and government sectors. Design objectives
and principles for both analog “bent-pipe” and digital on-board
processing repeaters are investigated. This is extended to the overall
system regarding its architecture, conceptual design, and ground segment
engineering. With a focus on digital narrowband and broadband
applications, the course considers operations in all of the current
frequency allocations: UHF, L, S, C, X, Ku, and Ka bands. The lectures
are broken down into major areas of investigation that allow
participants to focus on elements of a communications satellite payload,
satellite constellation and ground segment, and how they combine into
the overall system.
The course
begins from a systems engineering standpoint by identifying the requirements for
the satellite payload, constellation and end-to-end system using current
applications in digital video and broadband media, the Internet protocols and
services, optimized voice communication, and mobile services to land, sea, and
airborne platforms. Requirements of the satellite payload are derived and
specifications reviewed at the input/output and subsystem level. Performance of
all major building blocks is assessed: the repeater and its components, and the
antenna system. Design principles and performance budgets are reviewed for each
element, such as receivers, multiplexers, power amplifiers, analog and digital
processors, reflector and feeds, and phased-array antennas. Critical analysis
concepts, such as loss budgeting, group delay, intermodulation distortion,
digital impairments, cross-polarization, adjacent satellite, and adjacent
channel interference, are covered for the subsystem and system designer. Also
presented are strategies to compile requirements and pursue the spectrum/orbit
resource needed for success.
This
course helps participants to:
·
Understand how
system requirements are transformed into design elements and specifications for
the satellite communications payload
·
Acquire design
skills for configuring a bent-pipe repeater subsystem and the associated shaped
beam antenna
·
Understand the
specific capabilities of different repeater components—low-noise amplifiers,
filters, channel and power amplifiers, and power combiners—that are critical to
meeting overall payload performance requirements
·
Gain familiarity
with the capabilities of digital on-board processing repeaters and the
applications to which they are best suited
·
Understand
overall system architecture and the capabilities of ground segment
elements—earth stations and user terminals—to integrate with the communications
payload on an end-to-end system basis
·
Be able to
describe an overall system that addresses the service requirements and can be
developed using currently available components in space and on the ground
·
Create and pursue
an effective spectrum/orbit acquisition strategy
In
addition to a thorough review of the satellite payload design process, the
ground segment and overall system are investigated, including requirements for
major earth stations and user terminals to deliver one-way receive services,
such as digital Direct-to-Home (DTH) TV, Digital Audio Radio Service via
Satellite (DARS), and data broadcasting or two-way interactive services using
VSAT and mobile communications technologies. Design tools for link budgets and
end-to-end performance assessment are presented and demonstrated. The course
concludes by considering a practical methodology for evaluating and optimizing
the performance of the overall system. Throughout the course, emphasis is on
design principles using classical mathematical techniques, along with modern
software tools for personal computers. Examples are used extensively and
participants are encouraged to bring along their particular design problems for
consideration in class.
Detailed information about Payload Design and System Architecture course
Ground Segment and Earth Station
Engineering for Satellite Communications.
This course presents a comprehensive, up-to-date development of ground
segment engineering principles and techniques for satellite communications
engineers, earth station developers and operators, and providers of the
wide array of voice, data, video, and Internet services with GEO and
non-GEO satellites. Instruction addresses earth station design, user
terminal configuration and production, and facility design and operation,
providing a detailed and integrated understanding of how to proceed with
large complex projects as well as small tasks to upgrade facilities or add
remote sites. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on the latest
technologies and techniques, particularly in the areas of digital
communications, RF and wireless design through modern procedures, and
production of a workable ground-based facility that meets both current
needs and that can be adapted to future requirements. A detailed tour of a
working earth station under our lead provides attendees with a view of the
practical implementation and operation of this type of facility. (A copy
of The Satellite Communication Ground Segment and Earth Station
Handbook, by Bruce Elbert, is distributed to each attendee along with
course notes.)
Description of Ground Segment course
Satellite Link Budget Training using SatMaster
Pro/Plus software for the personal computer, to be scheduled in 2008, at UCLA Extension,
Westwood, CA.
This acclaimed course consists of guidelines
and intensive hands-on training in the preparation and
evaluation of satellite link budgets using the popular PC software tool, SatMaster
Pro (available from Arrowe Technical Services of the UK at nominal cost). Engineers
and technical managers who are
already familiar with satellite communications principles can profit from
this two day hands-on program which explains the use of the software tool, its
strengths and multiplicity of built in features. Attendees with learn to perform link budget analyses for one way (broadcast) and two
way (interactive) communications applications in L, S, C, Ku and Ka bands.
Features of the most recent version of SatMaster Pro will be covered as
well as the latest software module, MultiLink, which facilitates link
budget preparation for large tables of locations.
The
first day covers the technical details within the link budget (modulation
and coding properties, propagation for fixed links at microwave frequencies,
relevant RF design principles, and the functionality of SatMaster Pro).
The second day allows attendees to gain hands-on experience performing
link budgets in the UCLA computer laboratory according to instructor-led
exercises. Amongst the examples are link budgets for digital video using
the DVB-S transmission standard, bi-directional VSAT services based on
TDMA, point-to-point high data rate services, and mobile satellite
communications. Attendees will gain proficiency with both the process of
preparing link budgets and the most effective use of this powerful but
inexpensive software tool.
Detailed brochure
for SatMaster course
ATSI can provide on-site training in
SatMaster Pro and other software offered by Arrowe Technical Services. Courses last from 2 to 4 days, based on the
particular needs of the client. As part of the program, we can provide
the latest version of SatMaster Pro for use in the class and subsequently
by the student on the job. Training is priced based on the amount of time
spent in the classroom and computer lab.
Please indicate your interest in an on-site
course by completing the input form
at the bottom of this page.
Satellite
Communications Networks and Applications: Creating Next-Generation
Systems in Commercial and Government Environments,
to be scheduled in 2008, UCLA in Westwood, CA.
This course provides an
intensive state-of-the-art review of satellite communications networks
and applications from a system development perspective. Intended for
technical, operations, and business professionals as well as newcomers
to satellite technology, the course details the fundamentals,
architecture, and development of modern satellite networks, with
emphasis on cutting-edge broadcast, interactive, and mobile
applications. Topics include satellite and ground station principles,
digital image and full-motion video for broadcast distribution using the
MPEG 2 and 4, DVB-S and S2 standards, and IP Video; Internet Protocol
(IP)-based data networks using Ku- and Ka-band Very Small Aperture
Terminals (VSATs) applied to fixed networks as well as those having
location flexibility; L- and S-band mobile satellite services and
propagation (GEO and non-GEO); mobile broadcasting using Digital Audio
Radio Service (DARS) systems; and advanced broadband capabilities of
Ka-band satellite systems currently under development. Emphasis is
placed on the proper selection of requirements, technologies and their
providers (space and ground), and on the most effective ways to
architect the associated satellite networks.
Led by
satellite industry expert Bruce Elbert, the course provides background in the
fundamentals of, a detailed review of current applications and implementations
for, and a unique approach to the selection and development of advanced
satellite networks for use in commercial and government environments. It is
appropriate for engineers and managers new to the field as well as experienced
professionals wishing to update and round out their understanding of current
systems and solutions.
(A copy of The Satellite Communication
Application Handbook, 2nd edition (2004) by Bruce Elbert, is distributed to
each attendee along with course notes).
Course description
SATCOM Networks - Broadband, mobility and
innovation for government services. Washington D.C. - To be scheduled in
2008.
Bruce Elbert, President ASTI, Instructor and
Coordinator, and Andrew C. Oak, Chief Engineer, Communications and
Network Systems Engineering Group, The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics
Laboratory, Invited Expert.
Satellite networks are a core
telecommunications resource for military forces and homeland security
teams that must
locate anywhere and anytime. Because of greater needs for bandwidth and
portability, the large fixed earth stations of the past no longer meet
demanding requirements of critical units as they deploy throughout the
US and worldwide. This course reviews the current framework for using
modern communications satellites and looks to the coming years regarding
the potential for even more innovation. The approach to the course is at
a system level and delves into sufficient technical detail to
demonstrate what is feasible and likely to be applied in practice. A
fundamental requirement is that broadband services be delivered to end
points of demand, and that the service is up and running reliably when
and where needed. Accomplishing this, while not trivial, is much easier
today than ever before because there are more satellites and more
options for ground-based systems that can be architected to meet many of
these requirements.
The course reviews
critical issues concerning cutting-edge SATCOM technology and services.
Principle among these is the selection of the appropriate space segment
in terms of the orbit and constellation, satellite architecture, and
owner/provider. In achieving broadband access and mobility, the
different frequency bands and supporting systems are compared – X, SHF,
UHF and Optical wavelengths on the government side, and L, S, C and Ku
on the commercial side. Applying satellite technology also requires that
the potential user consider the security aspects of interception and
harmful interference, both unintentional and intentional.
The enabling and
emerging SATCOM technologies that we review assure that points of
presence are served regardless of their location whether fixed,
temporary or mobile. In the case of the latter, we address portable
(including manpack) systems, vehicular mounted terminals, which may
offer broadband access on the move, Blue Force asset tracking, and
aeronautical platforms that can be either manned or unmanned (i.e., UAVs).
These platforms must match the particular application, and the
satellites involved with providing domestic coverage for homeland
security or internationally for operations in a far-flung theatre.
Currently, SATCOM is
the domain of the geostationary earth orbit (GEO) which contains more
than 250 operating satellites. With most of these capable of broadband
services, it is the primary focus of both users in general and this
course in particular. Programs to be reviewed include the Wideband
Global SATCOM (WGS), Global Broadcast System (GBS), Mobile User
Objective System (MUOS), and the Transformational Satellite
Communications System (TSAT). TSAT is particularly interesting as it has
as its goal the exploitation of the optical spectrum for use in various
defense scenarios.
Also reviewed are
purchase of bulk commercial satellite capacity by the US government,
notably the GSA Satcom II program and various efforts of the Defense
Information Systems Administration (DISA). So that we cover all
possibilities, a topic to be addressed is the potential for small, low
cost satellites in a variety of orbits which could offer value on the
battlefield and home-front of the future.
We discuss three areas
that are likely to be very important for broadband SATCOM acceptance
throughout commercial and government sectors; the fact that a majority
of broadband use is via the TCP/IP Internet protocol family, we see that
acceptable latency and throughput over a GEO or non-GEO satellite link
is of prime importance. Topics such as TCP/IP acceleration and advanced
protocol gateways, routing in space, and possible structural
modifications will be covered in the current context. Greater throughput
and higher speed are the promise of bandwidth-efficient modulation (BEM)
and related waveforms and error-correcting coding schemes. Also, digital
on-board processing will provide compact user devices with more
flexibility and bandwidth.
To bring these topics
together and to life, the course will examine a complete SATCOM
requirement and solution involving a mobile broadband application. We
will review the need, identify alternatives that can address those
needs, and recommend the most suitable and cost-effective approach. The
conclusion of the course will embody a review of future trends that will
shape SATCOM in the next five to ten years. Central among these is the
direction of technology and application at the higher (SHF) frequencies
as compared to the opportunities in the optical realm. Also to be
addressed is the extent that government users and commercial providers
can share risk at a time when demands are great. Underlying the
technical foundation is the question of which standards will continue
and what new standards are likely to appear and take hold. Future
innovations are certainly likely on the ground and so we address hybrid
networks that integrate SATCOM with terrestrial wired and wireless
systems
Andrew Oak is a member
of the Principal Professional Staff at the Johns Hopkins University
Applied Physics Laboratory, where he serves as the Chief Engineer for
the Communications and Network Systems Engineering Group. In this
role, Mr. Oak has assisted in the architecture definition and
development of satellite communications and other wireless systems for
DoD and other U.S. Government customers. He recently supported the
U.S. Navy in the development of the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS).
Mr. Oak provided support from early MUOS architecture definition through
the recent critical design phase, providing system performance
assessments to help the community continually refine and improve the
architecture as it progressed through development phases. Mr. Oak
received a B.S.E.E. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and
an M.S.E.E. from the University of Virginia.
