ATM via satellite: A framework and implementation

This paper describes an ATM‐based satellite network, focusing on the networking (ATM) aspects of the design. The ATM requirements and the basic design of the network are outlined. In particular, a simple MAC layer is proposed in which ATM service classes are mapped onto MF‐TDMA uplink access methods. The uplink access and resource allocation approaches based on this model are described in detail. Also, this paper shows how different qualities‐of‐service can be provided by using a combination of different access schemes. This paper also covers scheduling for the uplink portion of the satellite network. The use of Hierarchical Round Robin is argued on the grounds of performance, flexibility and implementability. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.