It is a well known fact that satellites provide a very effective means of transmitting and receiving almost any kind of data: voice, files, and IP-based applications. As a result, Satellite communications have become today's natural high-speed transport medium for a wide range of IP and multi-media applications.

Satellite links also have the enhanced capability of being activated faster than terrestrial fiber links while providing maximum endurance and optimum capacity. An antenna, a modem and a satellite circuit requires a shorter set up time as opposed to the months often needed for fiber installations. For Internet Services, the performance is enhanced due to direct links to Internet backbones, bypassing congested terrestrial lines and numerous router hops.

Dedicated space segments, local loop circuits and ports integrated into major Internet backbones means ISPs do not share infrastructure, which is another cause behind the slow or degraded connection over fiber. This culminates in a pricing structure that is distance insensitive, keeping running costs down for international corporations and ISPs.

There are primarily two different types of Satellites:

a) Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
LEO satellites are located around 1000 km altitude and they orbit the earth in less than 24-hrs.In addition, satellites in low earth orbit change their position relative to the ground position quickly. So even for local applications, a large number of satellites are needed if the mission requires uninterrupted connectivity. To provide continuous communications service, there must be a number of satellites in coordination - this is called a constellation.

b) Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO)
A satellite in a geostationary orbit appears to be in a fixed position to an earth-based observer. A geostationary satellite revolves around the earth at a constant speed once per day over the equator. GEO satellites are the proven means of consistent and reliable communications. The geostationary orbit is useful for communications applications because ground based antennas, which must be directed toward the satellite, can operate effectively without the need for expensive equipment to track the satellite’s motion.

Satellite solution depends on the communication requirement. Following are some typical satellite applications:

a) Providing Internet services to a remote location.
b) To transfer Voice traffic from Country A to Country B.
c) Connecting different offices around the world.
d) Transmitting a TV channel to be viewed by a large audience in different countries
e) Live Events like News, Sports can be watched simultaneously by a large audience