1. Architecture of satellite communication systems

1.1 Terminology

Regardless of how it is implemented, satellite communication has two essential components: a space segment and a ground segment. The space segment is made up of the satellite itself, which features radio transceivers combined with high-gain, broadband antennas and amplifiers. The ground segment comprises fixed or mobile transmission equipment located on the earth's surface, plus auxiliary equipment. Ground receivers include direct-to-home (DTH) satellite equipment, mobile receivers in aircraft and ships, satellite telephones and handheld devices.

A typical satellite link consists of a signal transmission from an earth station to a satellite (uplink). The satellite receives and amplifies the signal, then retransmits it to Earth (downlink), where...