David Price
Vice President, Business Development
Harmonic Data Systems

Drawing on real life commercial deployment examples this presentation examines the key issues facing the delivery of broadband Internet to ISPs using satellite transmission. One fundamental factor is the ability to make full use of the transponder bandwidth. The presentation provides useful tools to determine the conversion of payload data rates (in Mbps) to transponder RF bandwidth (in Mhz). It also examines the key requirements for optimal financial returns in the arena of IP Multicast via satellite.

The current norm of terrestrial return path and the ways in which Unidirectional Link Routing (UDLR) can be used to address the key issue of the intrinsic disassociation of forward and return IP paths are also examined. Alternatives, such as the use of Proxy Gateways at uplinks, are discussed and the limitations to their use highlighted. Finally, a number of case studies are presented where CyberStream has been successfully deployed in many full revenue bearing services to provide services to ISPs. This includes configurations for delivery of backbone access across the Atlantic (such as IP Planet), "cloud bypass" configurations, such as PanAmSat's SpotCast service, linking rich media content sources directly with high speed networks such as Cable Modem deployments and Direct to Home services where ISPs are providing satellite delivery of broadband Internet to the consumer, such as Tele2 (in Europe) and InfoSat (in Africa).

Future directions in broadband satellite, such as home terminals, Ka-band and Internet set top boxes are also examined.

David Price is Vice President of Business Development for Harmonic Data Systems Inc. (HDS). Harmonic designs, manufactures and markets digital and fiber optic systems that deliver video, voice and data over cable, satellite and wireless networks. These advanced solutions enable satellite, cable television and other network operators to provide a range of interactive broadband services that include high-speed Internet access, digital video (including VOD) and telephony.