Michel Mazzella

Satellite radio interface and radio resource management strategy for the delivery of multicast/broadcast services via an integrated satellite-terrestrial system

A variety of hybrid systems combining third-generation mobile communication networks with broadcast systems have been proposed for the delivery of multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS) to mobile users. The article discusses one of these alternatives, which involves the use of a geostationary satellite component for MBMS delivery. In particular, it proposes a radio access scheme for the satellite component of the system that features maximum commonalities with the standardized T-UMTS WCDMA-based interface. The ultimate advantages of this approach are more efficient delivery of MBMS as far as the mobile network operator is concerned. The required adaptations at the interface layers are described, and the radio resource management strategy that fulfills the particular requirements of the satellite system is presented.

Validation of a QoS architecture for DVB-RCS satellite networks via the SATIP6 demonstration platform

Full integration of satellite technology in future terrestrial infrastructures requires support for high-quality broadband bi-directional communications. Research efforts in the field of satellite communications are currently oriented in the study of QoS-aware solutions for DVB-S and DVB-RCS which allow seamless deployment in the Internet. In this paper, the QoS architecture of the SATIP6 project, sponsored within the 5th EU Research Programme Framework, is presented, along with the implemented demonstrator and the obtained results. The QoS architecture is organized into two main modules, the Traffic Control and Access Control modules, whose aims are (i) to provide for differentiated service of conveyed IP flows and (ii) to achieve efficient utilization of uplink bandwidth, respectively. Experimental results obtained through the developed demonstration platform are reported and discussed to assess the effectiveness of the designed solution in terms of both service differentiation and efficient utilization of satellite resources.

S-UMTS access network for broadcast and multicast service delivery: the SATIN approach

This paper proposes a complete satellite access network solution for multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) delivery based on T-UMTS standards. First, the benefits of MBMS delivery via satellite (SAT-MBMS) for both S/T-UMTS network operators are shown with market and business analysis. A new integrated S/T-UMTS architecture for MBMS delivery is proposed featuring an intermediate module repeater (IMR) for coverage of urban areas. The architectural options of IMR and terminals are discussed considering the relevant cost and complexity. The IMR propagation channel conditions are investigated and a new propagation channel model is proposed. The potential of advanced coding schemes such as the layered coding technique to tackle the channel variations in broadcast/multicast environment is outlined. The functional and protocol architecture are defined along with the interface between the satellite access network and the UMTS core network. Required modifications on the terrestrial access scheme sub-layers to support MBMS data are investigated and the relevant logical, transport and physical channels are selected. Based on the channel selection and the point-to-multipoint service nature, we define a generic radio resource management (RRM) strategy that takes into account both QoS and GoS requirements. The efficiency of the proposed solutions is evaluated in the presented simulation results, advocating the feasibility of the overall approach. Copyright

S-DMB System Architecture and the MoDiS Demo

The Satellite Digital Multimedia System (S-DMB) implements a satellite based broadcast layer in the 3G mobile network to increase its content delivery capacity. It achieves a cost effective nation wide coverage and enable to reduce the cellular traffic fee by about 100 for appealing multimedia content making use of broadcast or multicast mode. The system is designed with the objective to accommodate 3G standardised handsets with negligible cost impact and allow smooth integration in the 3GPP architecture. This paper defines the system architecture and outlines the possible experimental platform for S-DMB system.

SERVICE SCENARIOS AND SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR SATELLITE UMTS IP BASED NETWORK (SATIN)

This paper describes the services, market, business and architecture analysis done in the EU IST personal and mobile satellite project SATIN for S-UMTS. The service suitable for the S-UMTS is identified through market analysis and the profitability of the identified service is investigated through business analysis. Based on the profitable services and the intermediate module and terminal complexity and cost, the SUMTS system architecture is selected. As part of the SATIN architecture scenario, the intermediate module concept is discussed as well.

The Implications of IP on Satellite UMTS : The SATIN View

Efficient support of Internet-based applications to mobile/nomadic users is a key feature of the thirdgeneration (3G) networks. In light of the shortage and the high cost of the T-UMTS spectrum, the operators are looking into the provision of integrated broadcast/multicast services through hybrid broadcast-UMTS systems. S-UMTS could play an important role in the efficient delivery of some UMTS services to which it is better suited. These services include broadcasting and multicasting applications such as audio/video, e-newspaper and live stock exchange data. The level of IP penetration into 3G networks is a decisive factor for the design of an efficient system, optimized for the delivery of these services. The paper identifies the respective requirements arising for the S-UMTS air interface, in the frame of the architecture scenarios envisaged within the EU IST project SATIN.