How low Earth orbit satellite networks improve internet access | TechTarget
How low Earth orbit satellite networks improve internet access TechTarget
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Enterprise WANs and the Rise of Wireless Connectivity
Enterprise wide area network (WAN) discussions have traditionally focused on wired connectivity options such as copper, coaxial, and optical fiber. However, with the increasing spread and improvement of 5G enterprise data services, and the declining costs of 4G services, there is a growing interest in wireless WAN options.
While satellite networks have long provided internet access, traditional satellite internet access has limitations including high costs, low maximum bandwidth per link, and high latencies. As a result, it has been considered a last resort option. However, the emergence of Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites is set to change this.
Dedicated satellite networks provide satellite internet services. Satellites are characterized primarily by the altitude at which they orbit Earth, the shape of the orbit, and its angle to the equator.
High Earth orbit (HEO) satellites orbit at or above an altitude of 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) and have a geosynchronous orbit. Medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites revolve below HEO but above 1,243 miles (2,000 km) and are used in various media and telecommunications networks. LEO satellites orbit at or below 1,243 miles (2,000 km).
Several companies, including Amazon, Hughes, OneWeb, Starlink, Telesat, and Viasat, are building out LEO satellite constellations with the goal of providing broadband internet access for enterprises. Hughes plans to offer managed services on the OneWeb network.
While satellite connectivity has historically been expensive with high latencies and packet loss compared to wired connectivity, there are reasons to consider it. In the past, satellite connectivity was primarily used as a last resort when no other options were available.
Satellite connectivity was commonly used as the primary option for ships at sea, planes in flight, and facilities located far from urban areas. It was also used as a secondary option in areas where only one wired connectivity provider was available. However, with the widespread availability of 4G and 5G cellular data services, satellite connectivity has become less necessary.
LEO satellite networks have significantly reduced bandwidth costs, packet loss, and latency compared to previous systems. The lower altitude of LEO satellites results in latencies that are around 10% of previous systems’ latencies, typically ranging from 30 to 50 milliseconds. As a result, satellite connectivity is becoming more affordable and is comparable to wired or cellular connectivity in many use cases. Various industries, including grocery and pharmacy chains, emergency services offices, infrastructure companies, and energy companies, have started deploying LEO data services.
In addition to connecting locations, there is also a need to connect users to systems, especially with the growing trend of supporting work-from-anywhere models. LEO constellations already have the capability to serve almost any location in the continental U.S. and large parts of the rest of the world. LEO-based internet could potentially enable true “work from anywhere” and not just limited to “anywhere in or near a city.” This can be achieved at reasonable prices with acceptable performance.
What is a LEO satellite network?
Why choose satellite WAN or internet
Can LEO achieve true ‘work from anywhere?’
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
- SDG 9.3: Increase access to information and communication technology
- SDG 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment
- SDG 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of enterprises adopting wireless WAN options
- Costs of 4G and 5G services for enterprises
- Availability and affordability of satellite internet access
- Latency and packet loss rates of LEO satellite networks
- Deployment of LEO data services by specific industries (grocery and pharmacy chains, emergency services offices, infrastructure and energy companies)
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure | Number of enterprises adopting wireless WAN options |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.4 Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment | Deployment of LEO data services by specific industries (grocery and pharmacy chains, emergency services offices, infrastructure and energy companies) |
| 9.3 Increase access to information and communication technology | Availability and affordability of satellite internet access | |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1 Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing | Costs of 4G and 5G services for enterprises |
Note: The indicators mentioned in the table are based on the information provided in the article and may not represent an exhaustive list of all possible indicators for measuring progress towards the identified targets.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: techtarget.com
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