Satellite Phone Communication

Muhammad Ahkam Khan (09-6394)

Communication
Communication is the activity of conveying information through the exchange of thoughts, messages or information. It is the meaningful exchange of information between two or a group of person.

Satellite Phone
A satellite telephone, satellite phone, or sat phone is a type of phone that connects to orbiting satellites instead of terrestrial cell sites. They provide similar functionality to terrestrial mobile telephones; voice, short messaging service and low-bandwidth internet access are supported through most systems.

Sat Phone Networks

Geosynchronous Orbit Low Earth Orbit

GEO Network
Remains fixed at all times. Global Coverage maintained by 3-4 satellites. Very heavy and expensive to build. Connection breaks quite quickly. ACeS, Inmarsat (11 satellites), Thuraya, MSAT/SkyTerra, Terrestar and ICO

LEO Network
Worldwide wireless coverage. Satellites orbit in high speed. Large number of Satellites used to cover the earth. Usable pass of satellite last 4-15 min on average. Low path loss Low propagation delay Global Star (48 satellites) and Iridium (66 satellites)

LEO Global Network

Advantages
Global Coverage No severed connections Used for Disaster Scenarios

Disadvantages
Expensive phones ($200-$Thousands) Costly calls Large Size Work only in open Nonsecure and Traceable