30/20-GHz domestic satellite communication system in the public communication network of Japan: Design and operation

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation (NTT) initiated the world's first 30/20-GHz domestic satellite communication system for commercial use, using CS-2s launched from Japan in 1983. This system utilizes TDMA digital communication in the trunk transmission route of the public communication network, which includes interregional-center routes and main-island-to-remoteisland routes. Small transportable earth stations enable easy access to the public communication network from any place in Japan. The adoption of the 30/20-GHz band enables use of a compact on-board antenna that has a shaped beam that effectively covers the main islands of Japan. It also enables the use of high-performance, compact antennas at the earth stations. These antennas can easily be installed on the roof of telephone offices or set on motor vehicles. One apparent disadvantage of using the 30/20-GHz band is rain attenuation. However, NTT has realized a commercial system that is affected very little by rain attenuation. This was accomplished by utilizing high-performance radio equipment and by concentrating on appropriate system design. Adoption of the 30/20-GHz band is quite significant because the wide bandwidth available enables construction of high-capacity economical transmission systems. It also enables use of small antennas, which allow construction of high-speed digital direct-to-user transmission systems using small earth stations. These expand the application of the domestic satellite communication system to even small service areas. Therefore, NTT considers satellite communication to be of primary importance for its proposed digital communication network, and has begun research on a high-capacity, economical, multibeam communication satellite system using the 30/20-GHz band. This paper describes the 30/20-GHz band radio technology, digital communication technology utilizing high-speed TDMA, and operational technology in the public communication network.