In addition, satellite capacity is expected to exceed 90Tbps. All of which means that satcom companies, 5G network operators and cloud service providers will need to work together to provide a scalable, fully integrated transparent network to meet these new demands.
In the mid-1990s, the IoT was made up of 1 million devices. By the time this decade is out, more than 50 billion devices will share the IoT. That’s a 500,000% increase in 35 years. In line with this, the advent of VHTS and NGSO satellites is set to bring total satellite capacity from c. 10Tbps in 2022 to more than 90Tbps by the end of the decade. This astronomical growth necessitates the integration of terrestrial networks with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), a major part of which is satellite communications and its key advantage of ubiquitous global coverage.
Just think what a vast, global challenge it has been to manage the satcom revolution to date – and what more needs to be done for us to get to the future ‘Internet of Everything Everywhere (IoEE)?
Powerful machines
The main ‘machines’ that will power the new integrated network will for the first time be all digital rather than partly analogue. These ‘machines’ are the cloud, virtualisation and edge computing.
The definition of the cloud is a selection of services on hyper-scale computers and servers (virtualised). Virtualisation is the implementation of hardware functionalities in a virtual (software) world. This includes satellite communications modems, servers and computers, as examples.
Edge computing is a move away from centralised servers/computers to a distributed architecture at the edge of the network/cloud. It moves the user data closer to the end user and hence reduces latency, which in certain applications is critical, for example remote surgery via video or financial trading. This aspect also reduces transmission costs. It also offers higher reliability (if a centralised server goes down all is lost, whereas the multi-nodal approach of edge computing provides inherent resilience), higher security and a reduction in bandwidth.
These technologies are well established in the terrestrial networks of 4G and 5G. This paves the way for the integration of NTNs and terrestrial networks.
Alongside this, extremely powerful, software-defined smart satellites are now in orbit. The satellite ground infrastructure, however, is still predominantly working with analogue RF equipment.
The satellite communications ground segment must now evolve to match the capabilities of both the terrestrial networks and smart satellites.
Integrated network
Four things will be required to successfully manage this evolution and integrate the satellite ground infrastructure with terrestrial networks:
- Standardisation
- Digitisation of the RF signals
- Virtualisation – and in the longer term a move to the cloud – in the satellite ground segment
- Partnerships
Digitisation and standardisation of the RF signals is a work in progress, requiring a type of collaboration that has previously been little seen within the industry. However, steps are being made in that direction by groups like the DIFI consortium, whose main goal is to set the IP standard for digital transport and inter-operability.
It is notable that the DIFI membership now exceeds 50 organisation including satellite operators, cloud service providers, system integrators and Government bodies.
Standardisation will be crucial to the new communications eco-sphere, enabling every element of the network to speak the same language and be understood.
Digitisation of satellite RF signals is required to interface to the new generation of virtual devices, such as digital modems. As a case in point, ETL Systems is in the process of developing digital IF technology with the European Space Agency (ESA) under an ARTES programme.
The existing 5G 3GPP Release 17 standard covers cloud networking and sets a precedent for the integration of satellite communications with 5G. We have already seen the nucleus of a more collaborative industry coming together. For example, Starlink and T-Mobile recently announced a new partnership. Apple has also agreed terms for the new iPhone 14 to deliver emergency messages outside the reach of cellular networks through satellite connectivity from Globalstar.
These lessons make it clear that industry partnerships will be critical, bringing together the expertise necessary to successfully integrate 5G and the dawning digital era of satellite communications. In the ground segment, this will require a change of mindset and new digital skill sets.
As noted above, terrestrial networks are already cloud based, so lessons learned during their transition to the cloud could be transferred to the satellite ground segment. Encouragingly, partnerships are already apparent between satellite operators, ground system manufacturers and cloud service providers, as well as mobile network companies and satellite operators.
Commercial impact
All of the above will bring changing business models and opportunities. For example, satellite ground stations could evolve into Network Operation Centres (NOCs). Opportunities could emerge for applications such as data storage and analysis, creating new market verticals that will scale as the industry’s capabilities evolve.
While this may not be without its challenges as resource requirements move away from RF engineering to the digital domain, it will undoubtedly sow the seeds of further innovation and open the door to a surge in start-ups and new commercial approaches.
The key driver for meeting the anticipated massive growth in data traffic is scalability. It will not be possible to handle the volume of data indicated above with analogue equipment.
For the end user, a fully integrated network will provide a transparent end-to-end service with new applications and a shorter time to market for new applications. It will also enhance operational flexibility, enabling the provision of managed services using the layered format of 5G 3GPP standard, where data planes can be created for specific end users. The use of virtualisation in the cloud also reduces the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for customers by moving from a hardware-based CAPEX environment to a virtualised OPEX environment. The other key end user benefits of moving to a virtualised environment are the provision of 24/7 redundancy and resilience.
In terms of applications, automation in the cloud will provide vastly improved operational flexibility e.g., changing satellites beams or beam coverage through software rather than hardware switching. Artificial Intelligence (AI) could also be in the cloud doing, for example, automatic signal routing and data analysis, reducing resourcing requirements and improving performance beyond human limitations.
The future communications eco-sphere will have immense power, reach, and speed. The coming together of terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks will provide the platform to connect everything everywhere.
For the satellite industry, especially the ground segment, evolution is the key word. Change will be enabled by cooperation, collaboration, and technological progress – these attributes will lead to a truly connected world.
Author details: Alex Donnison is business development manager at ETL Systems
