Medium rate TDMA systems for thin-route voice and data networks

Thin route domestic satellite (Domsat) networks were put into operation in the 1970's. These included the Telesat System in Canada, Indonesia, and India. In connection with economic considerations, SCPC/FDMA was selected for operation with the Domsat networks. In recent years new technological developments have fostered the evolution of medium rate time-division multiple access (TDMA) systems which can compete economically with SCPC/FDMA equipment. Additional enhancements provided in a TDMA system are related to the maximum use of spacecraft power, multiple access, high connectivity, network flexibility, and inband signalling for dynamic assignment and automatic fault and status reporting. Domsat networks of the 1980's will employ medium-rate TDMA transmission at rates of 10 Mbps.