Dvb-Rcs For Mobile Satellite Applications

Interactive services via satellite based on the open standard DVB-RCS are about to reach new markets. Initially standardised and developed for fixed services, the DVB-RCS equipment has become an interesting option also for mobile use. However, orienting the products towards the mobile market demands adjustments and special attention to new challenges. These new challenges are linked to positioning, line-up, tracking, power control, shadowing, Doppler effect and service provisioning. In addition come new environmental requirements as mobile terminals are subject to rougher conditions concerning shocks, vibration, extreme temperatures, dust and humidity. The environmental requirements will not be addressed in this paper. Use of DVB-RCS for mobile services is also a topic on the agenda in the DVB-RCS Forum, where a new appendix to the specification is currently being edited.