Satellite Link Design Fundamentals

This chapter discusses the important parameters that govern the design of a satellite communication link. The important parameters that influence the design of a satellite communication link include: (i) choice of operating frequency; (ii) propagation considerations; (iii) noise considerations; and (iv) interference‐related problems. The antenna gain‐to‐noise temperature (G/T) ratio is a figure‐of‐merit used to indicate the combined performance of the Earth station antenna and low noise amplifier combined in receiving weak carrier signals. The design of any satellite based communication system is based on the two objectives of meeting a minimum carrier‐to‐noise ratio for a specified time period and carrying maximum traffic at minimum cost. As these objectives are contradictory, the art of system design is to reach the best compromise so as to meet all the system parameters at minimum cost. Multiple spot beam technology can be used to maximize the bandwidth capacity and minimize the required frequency allocation.