What is Satellite based Internet Connection like Starlink? How do they work?
Satellite based Internet
Satellites orbiting the Earth generally fall into three main categories based on their orbital altitude and characteristics:
Low Earth Orbit (LEO):
Satellites in LEO typically orbit at altitudes ranging from around 160 kilometers (100 miles) to 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) above the Earth's surface.
These satellites move relatively closer to the Earth compared to other orbits, completing an orbit in a relatively short period, usually within 90 minutes.
LEO satellites are commonly used for Earth observation, scientific research, imaging, and some communication purposes.
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO):
Satellites in MEO orbit at higher altitudes than LEO satellites, generally ranging from about 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) to 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above the Earth's surface.
The most well-known type of MEO satellites are those used in global navigation systems like GPS (Global Positioning System).
These satellites offer wider coverage areas compared to LEO satellites and have longer orbital periods.
Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO):
Satellites in GEO orbit at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above the equator.
They have an orbital period that matches the Earth's rotation, allowing them to appear stationary relative to a fixed point on Earth.
This characteristic makes GEO satellites ideal for telecommunications, weather monitoring, and broadcasting because they can provide continuous coverage over a specific area.
Each orbit has its advantages and limitations, influencing the types of missions and applications for which satellites are deployed.
The choice of orbit depends on factors such as the satellite's purpose, coverage requirements, data transmission needs, and the trade-offs between altitude, coverage area, and orbital period.
Problem with existing GEOSAT based Internet
While geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites offer advantages such as wide coverage and stable positioning, they also come with several disadvantages, especially in the context of satellite-based internet services:
Latency: The distance between GEO satellites and Earth results in higher latency (delay) compared to other satellite orbits. Signals traveling to and from a GEO satellite can experience delays due to the long round-trip time (ping time). This delay can be noticeable, impacting real-time applications like online gaming, video calls, and certain financial transactions.
Limited Capacity: GEO satellites have limited frequency spectrum available for data transmission, which restricts the amount of data that can be transferred. This limitation in bandwidth can affect the speed and capacity of internet services provided by GEO satellites, especially when serving a large number of users simultaneously.
Signal Interference and Weather Conditions: GEO satellites are highly susceptible to signal interference from atmospheric conditions such as heavy rainfall, storms, or other forms of severe weather. This interference can disrupt or degrade the quality of the internet connection, impacting user experience.
Cost: Building, launching, and maintaining GEO satellites are expensive endeavors. The costs associated with launching satellites to such high orbits, as well as maintaining and upgrading the infrastructure, contribute to the overall expense of providing satellite-based internet services.
Technology Advancements: The technology used in GEO satellites may lag behind advancements in other satellite orbits due to longer development cycles and higher costs. This could lead to limitations in offering the latest technological features and capabilities for internet services.
Coverage Limitations at High Latitudes: GEO satellites provide excellent coverage near the equator but have limitations in serving areas at higher latitudes, such as polar regions. The angle at which the satellites orbit can result in reduced coverage and connectivity in these regions.
Space Debris and Satellite End of Life: As more satellites are deployed in GEO, concerns about space debris and the management of defunct satellites become significant. Satellites reaching the end of their operational life need to be decommissioned properly to avoid contributing to the growing issue of space debris.
Despite these drawbacks, GEO satellites remain an essential component of global communication networks. However, emerging satellite constellations in lower orbits, like those in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), aim to address some of these disadvantages by offering lower latency and higher bandwidth capacity, among other advantages.
Why we need LEOSAT based Internet?
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites have gained attention for their potential to provide internet services due to several advantages they offer over satellites in higher orbits, such as Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO):
Lower Latency: LEO satellites operate at much lower altitudes (typically around 160-2,000 kilometers) compared to GEO satellites (35,786 kilometers). This proximity results in significantly lower latency, reducing the delay in data transmission. This low latency makes LEO satellites more suitable for real-time applications like video conferencing, online gaming, and financial transactions.
High Bandwidth and Throughput: LEO satellite constellations can offer higher bandwidth and throughput compared to GEO satellites. Multiple satellites working together in a constellation can distribute data traffic more effectively, enabling faster internet speeds and accommodating a larger number of users simultaneously.
Global Coverage and Accessibility: LEO satellite constellations can cover the entire globe, including remote and underserved areas where terrestrial internet infrastructure is limited or unavailable. They can provide internet access to regions that are challenging to reach using traditional wired or wireless networks.
Flexibility and Scalability: LEO satellite constellations are designed to be scalable. Companies can add more satellites to the constellation to increase coverage, capacity, and service availability as demand grows. This flexibility allows for easier adaptation to changing user needs and expanding internet connectivity.
Resilience to Signal Interference: LEO satellites are less susceptible to signal interference caused by weather conditions (like heavy rain) compared to GEO satellites. Their lower altitude reduces the impact of atmospheric disturbances, resulting in more reliable connectivity during adverse weather.
Improved Security: LEO satellite networks can enhance network security and privacy due to their shorter signal paths, making it more challenging for unauthorized access or interception of data compared to signals traveling longer distances in GEO orbits.
Potential for Lower Cost: While initial setup costs and satellite deployment can be expensive, LEO satellite networks have the potential to provide more cost-effective solutions for internet access in underserved areas, especially when compared to laying extensive terrestrial infrastructure in remote regions.
Overall, LEO satellite constellations hold promise for delivering high-speed internet access with lower latency and global coverage, making them a compelling option for bridging the digital divide and providing connectivity to areas lacking traditional internet infrastructure.
Name of few commercial brands that offers LEO SAT based Internet
Star link, of SpceX, USA
Nelco, Tata, India
Jio Space Fiber, Reliance, India
Airtel, India
Eutelsat OneWeb, UK
Reference
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Interesting overview, but it feels like the post glosses over some of the biggest hurdles. Yes, satellite internet can reach remote areas—but latency, weather interference (especially rain fade), and high costs still make it far from a perfect solution.
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Mini Starlink Australia