May 15, 2023
Integrating SATCOM – Understanding Network and Security for Far-Edge Computing
Satellite communication (SATCOM)
SATCOM is the use of satellites to provide communication services, such as telephone, television, and internet connectivity. SATCOM systems use a network of satellites in orbit around the Earth to transmit and receive signals between two or more points on the surface of the Earth, or between the Earth and another body in space (such as a spacecraft).
There are two main types of SATCOM systems: fixed and mobile. Fixed SATCOM systems are typically used to provide communication services to a specific location, such as a remote village or a ship at sea. Mobile SATCOM systems are designed to provide communication services to mobile users, such as aircraft, vehicles, or portable devices.
SATCOM systems are used in a wide range of applications, including military and government communications, emergency and disaster response, and commercial telecommunications. They are particularly useful in areas where it is difficult or impossible to install terrestrial communication infrastructure, such as in remote or inaccessible locations, or disaster-stricken areas.
SATCOM terminal18
18 Some SATCOM operators refer to terminals as antennas or modems, which is technically inaccurate as a terminal is the overall system the end user needs to connect to.
In the context of satellite communications, a terminal is the user equipment that acts as an interface between the user’s network and the satellite constellation. SATCOM terminals vary in cost, size, and complexity, ranging from small handheld devices to larger installations used in industries such as aviation, rail, maritime, and the military. Terminals typically consist of antennas, transceivers, modems, and associated electronics that facilitate satellite communication for voice, data, video, or other forms of communication.
SATCOM frequency bands
For the most part, SATCOM takes place within the SHF or VHF bands, as defined by the ITU. However, SATCOM has its own frequency band definitions, which are more granular:
| Band Start | Frequency (GHz) | Wavelengthn | |||
| Stop | Start | Stop | |||
| Classical L-Band | 0.950 | 1.450 | 316 | 207 | |
| Extended L-Band | 0.950 | 2.150 | 316 | 140 | |
| S-band | 1.700 | 3.000 | 176 | 100 | |
| Extended C-Band | Downlink | 3.400 | 4.200 | 88 | 71 |
| Uplink | 5.850 | 6.725 | 51 | 45 | |
| LMI C-Band | Downlink | 3.700 | 4.000 | 81 | 75 |
| Uplink | 5.725 | 6.025 | 52 | 50 | |
| Russian C-Band | Downlink | 3.650 | 4.150 | 82 | 72 |
| Uplink | 5.950 | 6.475 | 50 | 46 | |
| Standard C-Band | Downlink | 3.700 | 4.200 | 81 | 71 |
| Uplink | 5.925 | 6.425 | 51 | 47 | |
| X-Band | Downlink | 7.250 | 7.750 | 41 | 39 |
| Uplink | 7.900 | 8.400 | 38 | 36 | |
| Ku-Band | Downlink | 10.000 | 13.000 | 30 | 23 |
| Uplink | 14.000 | 17.000 | 21 | 18 | |
| K-Band | 18.000 | 26.500 | 17 | 11 | |
| Ka-Bandn | Downlink | 18.000 | 21.000 | 17 | 14 |
| Uplink | 27.000 | 31.000 | 11 | 10 | |
Figure 3.40 – SATCOM frequency bands
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