Why Smartphone Carriers Need A Satellite Broadband
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Posted On :
Dec-13-2011
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Article Word Count :
717
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Telecommunications carriers can deal with large geographic distance and huge backhaul cost by adding satellite broadband to their backhaul capacity rather than use traditional backhaul setup. This method has been proven to be a cost-effective means of running backhaul operations.
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Mobile communications devices like cellular handsets need to pass electronic signals directly to cell towers to connect to Internet gateway. If you are living in a city, there is a chance that you pass by several cell towers unknowingly. Although the number of cell sites is growing rapidly, these masts alone cannot provide mobile Internet connection.
Radio masts must send messages to central controllers which act as the router connecting to the public switched network and ultimately the Internet. Mobile gadgets connect online via digital data packets which pass through dynamic channels, unlike circuit data which use the traditional telephone circuitry. The first destination of the data packets is the cell tower, and then they need to hop from one node to the next across a network of wired and wireless connections.
But cell sites are often lacking in provinces and remote villages. These areas are usually too far from radio controllers, so establishing sites there means building several backhaul channels. It is as unprofitable as creating a steel bridge between rural towns where no one owns a car.
Now, telecommunications carriers can deal with large geographic distance and huge backhaul cost by adding satellite broadband to their backhaul capacity rather than use traditional backhaul setup. This method has been proven to be a cost-effective means of running backhaul operations.
The cost of satellite broadband drives away household consumers who have ready DSL connectivity in their residence. Another drawback is signal latency. Latency can bring down connection speed during bad weather. There are millions of corporate and household users of satellite broadband despite these concerns.
It is expected that telecommunications carriers will have a stronger demand for satellite backhaul. Satellite backhaul can help them reduce capital and operating expenses and boost backhaul network capacity and efficiency, especially in the following conditions.
Inaccessible Telephone Lines
Majority of cell sites are connected to cables or T1 lines. Wired connection is the most stable backhaul option for cell sites. Backhaul bridges the distance between radio masts and the switch network. But backhaul deployment entails costs, and the amount can be incredibly huge in areas separated by sea or mountains.
Wired backhaul channels can be replaced by satellite broadband in such areas. Although installing microwave transceivers is also a viable option, this setup can also be inefficient in many remote areas.
In such areas, satellite communications providers can provide immediate backhaul support minus the time-consuming fiber optic installation. Because broadband satellites have global coverage, they enable cell sites to connect to international radio controllers wirelessly.
Sudden Drop in Local Bandwidth Capacity
The reliability of satellite broadband has been proven during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Many cell towers fell down across the US Gulf Coast, leaving many emergency response teams unable to communicate electronically. Being the fifth deadliest hurricane in the nation’s history, Katrina swept away the largest cell towers along the Gulf Coast. Due to the lack of cellphone signals and active telephone lines in most affected areas, the local authority resorted to satellite broadband equipment.
Satellite powered devices provided the much needed bandwidth in post-Katrina communities. Unlike cellphones, these gadget can send wireless data to the public switched network without the need for wired backhaul. Satellite broadband was the only means of electronic communications in many affected communities.
Anticipated Spike in Mobile Internet Usage
Big sports tournaments and annual festivities draw many tourists in an otherwise silent towns, which will inevitably put a great bandwidth pressure on local networks. The bandwidth demand may exceed the capacity, leading to slow connection speed. To maintain the quality of call service and Internet connection during such events, telephone carriers can sell portable cell sites, commonly known as cell on wheel (COW), to be used exclusively in a small area.
COW users are usually private and public organizations that need mobile connectivity. Satellite backhaul can connect portable COW to controllers instantly without the need for capital outlays and costly fiber installation.
COW is not a satellite dish, but it can send IP packets. This is made possible TDM-IP converters. So even if there is no telephone lines, signals from COW can still reach the Internet.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Why Smartphone Carriers Need A Satellite Broadband_117902.aspx
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Author Resource :
Eli blogs regularly about satellite broadband , 4G connectivity, Ka band solutions and space communications.
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Keywords :
satellite broadband, Ka band, mobile backhaul,
Category :
Communications
:
Broadband Internet
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