ADVANCED TRENDS & TELECOMMUNICATIONS (Satellite Phones)

Contents
Introduction Wireless Communication Satellite Phones Types Of Satellite Phones Working Line sight Advantages, disadvantages & applications Conclusion

INTRODUCTION
Communication is defined as exchange of thoughts, messages,

or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior. Types of communication systems: Communication systems are broadly classified as Wired Wireless

Wired communication refers to the transmission of data over a wire-based communication technology. Examples include telephone networks, cable television or internet access, and fiber optic communication. Wireless communication is the transfer of information between two or more points that are not connected by an electrical conductor. Examples include mobile phones, marine radios, Wi-Fi and so on.

Wireless Communication
An advanced wireless communication system includes the

following types : 1. Satellite communication 2. Mobile communication And now narrowing down to satellite communication: Satellite phone Global positioning system

Satellite Phones
A telephone that transmits and receives from satellites that

provides coverage around the world. With a satellite phone we are able to communicate with anyone with a phone number from almost anywhere. The sat phone more closely resembles our portable home phone or one of those clunky cell phones from fifteen years ago.

Iridium was the first satellite phone company".

There are only two ways to hook up two telephones in different parts of the world: they can be connected by a cable which runs on the surface of the earth and under the sea, or they can be connected by radio. Modern Cellular Phones in the industrial countries mostly work in the cities and on the major highways. This is because each cell is a radio link from the cell phone to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and if a cell phone user is located where there are no cells, there is no service.

Types Of Satellite Phone Systems

There are four different satellite phone systems that have reached general popularity. They are 1.Globalstar 2. Inmarsat 3. Iridium 4.Thuraya.

GLOBALSTAR: This satellite service plans were specifically designed to meet the needs of those who travel extensively. Consequently, they designed a phone that is a compact, tri-band handset that is able to operate on both the cellular CDMA and AMPS networks as well as the Global star network that consists of 48 low earth orbiting satellites.

INMARSET: It was the first mobile satellite system conceptualized and brought to reality. Inmarset uses four geo-stationary satellites set at different locations over the equator. IRIDIUM: Motorola intervened, paid Iridium's debts, relaunched satellite service in 2001 and has been providing successful service since. Iridium uses 66 satellites that orbit the earth on six different planes. THURAYA: It allows us to switch between the satellite system and the GSM system. The Thuraya service can roam on the local cellular network by replacing the Thuraya SIM card with a local prepaid SIM card.

Working
Even though it is called a "phone", the satellite phone is in actuality a radio transmitter. It sends signals directly to a satellite. When you turn on your satellite phone the signal goes up to any number of satellites in a compatible constellation where it is then registered with the constellation. Those signals are then sent back to earth to a station. The Gateway(earth station) processes and takes care of the switching of the calls rather than the satellite network. This station then directs the call to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or to a cellular network. If you are calling from a cell or wired phone to a satellite phone, the system works in reverse. The frequency specification of a satellite phone is 626.5 to 1660.5 MHz for transmitter and 1525.0 to 1559.0 MHz for receiver.

LINE OF SIGHT:
With most satellite communication devices we need Line-of-

Sight to the satellite we are communicating with which include GPS devices, satellite TV, satellite Internet, Satellite modems, hand held satellite phones and fixed satellite phones. Global star uses a constellation of 48 satellites that orbit the central hemisphere of the earth covering over 120 countries.

Low Earth Orbit

A LEO telephones utilizes LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite

technology. This includes provision of world wide wireless coverage with no gaps. LEO satellites orbit the earth at high speed Low altitude orbits with an orbital time of 70-90 minutes, an altitude of 640 to 1120 kilometers (400 to 700 miles)

ADVANTAGES:

This system covers the entire globe.1 Tracking the data transmitted is impossible. This communication does not rely on land line systems. Towers on the Earth are not required.
DISADVANTAGES:

Delay Bandwidth

APPLICATIONS:

It is highly useful in rescue operations at the times of disasters. It is also used by the deep sea vessels for communication. The phones are mostly used by the confidential system of any nation.

Conclusion
However, these drawbacks are irrelevant when

considering the function that a satellite phone serves. It can create a link to civilization from places where no other link is available. It also allows loved ones to stay in touch, as in the case of researchers, adventurers and those in the military.

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