Constraints in Ku-band continental satellite network design

The development of a uniform, economical corporate network service within the U.S. using Ku-band transponders is examined. The advantages of Ku-band systems as compared to C-band systems are discussed. The effects of the overall system availability, space link availability, link BER, and transmission rate on earth station costs and transponder utilization efficiency are analyzed. Designs of very small aperture terminal systems which will be cost effective and efficient are described. The influence of rain and scattering of electromagnetic waves on the space link availability, and of the interference and system implementation margin and degradation on the link BER are considered.