Fast-packet vs circuit switch and bent pipe satellite network architectures

The Ka frequency band has the potential to enable rapid deployment of broadband multimedia services around the world. The optimal satellite payload architecture for these services depends on the needs and constraints of the Network Service Provider (NSP) and the limitations of technology. TRW has developed a methodology that enables satellite‐based NSPs to understand the business implications of a variety of payload and network architectures. TRW also conducted a study to quantify the differences between competing architectures in terms of throughput and financial performance. For many network operators, moving from a familiar ‘Bent Pipe’ to the new generation of processing payload architectures raises concerns as to which architecture will maximize return on investment. The results reported in this paper quantify the throughput potential of a Bent Pipe, analog Circuit Switch, and Fast‐Packet Switch architectures using a baseline traffic model for geographically dispersed multimedia users. A Bent Pipe architecture is defined as a payload without switching. Payloads with switching are considered processed payload architectures. This paper explains the design differences and business analysis for broadband multimedia services. A multimedia traffic model and economic model demonstrate why the ATM architecture generates more billable‐bits per month and enhanced financial performance than either a Bent Pipe or Circuit Switch architecture for geographically dispersed multimedia users. Copyright © 1999 TRW Inc.