The introduction of packet satellite communications

The processes which led to the introduction of packet satellite technology in the 1970's are reviewed. The development of the Atlantic Packet Satellite Network (SATNET) is discussed, as is that of the system sponsored by the Advanced Research Projects Agency at the University of Hawaii (ALOHA). An account is given of the arrangements made with Great Britain in preparing the SATNET experiment. The role played by the Multi-Destination Half-Duplex (MDHD) service, an Intelsat tariff approved in late 1974, is assessed. It is noted that the SATNET experiment, conducted nominally during the period from September 1975 through September 1978, demonstrated the feasibility of the packet satellite technology, illuminated many of the most important technical and nontechnical issues, and provided a system that can support advanced computer communication research applications. The functionality of the earth station and its terrestrial interface and the expansion of network capacity are also discussed.