The SBS multitransponder system

The SBS system is a time division multiple access (TDMA) digital communications system that supports a multiplicity of networks each having an aggregate traffic up to 48 Mbps - the capacity of a single satellite transponder. The main components of the SBS system are presented, and an evolutionary enhancement that enables SBS to support large multitransponder networks is discussed. The approach adds a new earth station component, called the data aggregator, that enables each earth station to receive traffic from several transponders and transmit its own traffic on a single transponder. The new operational mode requires synchronization across transponders, which is accomplished by newly developed system components known as Central Reference Stations.