Abstract: | Fade countermeasure techniques that can be applied to Ka band satellite communication systems are reviewed. Considered in detail are diversity, adaptive forward error correction, fade spreading, up-link power control and adaptive TDMA. The techniques are compared for their effectiveness at Ka band, and recommendations are made for operating systems. The two important control techniques of fade detection and fade control are discussed in terms of their ease of implementation for each countermeasure technique. Details of a planned experiment to evaluate the application of fade countermeasures to VSAT networks via the Olympus satellite are presented. |