Reaserch consortium led by Nera to bring forward next generation broadband satellite standard
A European Research Consortium headed by Nera is selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to ensure that DVB-RCS networks can use the next generation satellite broadcasting standard DVB-S2.
Today, the majority of satellite TV broadcasters world-wide use DVB-S (Digital Video Broadcasting - Satellite) compliant equipment for TV broadcasting services. In addition, DVB-S is increasingly used for data communication and notably for specifying the forward link channel in the two-way broadband satellite standard DVB-RCS (Digital Video Broadcasting - Return Channel via Satellite). DVB-RCS is quickly gaining ground world-wide as the open standard for broadband over satellite communications. The introduction of the next generation forward link standard DVB-S2 will make DVB-RCS systems significantly more powerful for transferring IP traffic.
The Nera-led research consortium under ESA will develop a DVB-S2 modem and verify that DVB-S2 can be used in DVB-RCS networks.
Significantly increased capacity with DVB-S2
"This is a project of great importance for broadband satellite communication. As a result of this research, satellite systems will be able to follow the pattern seen in terrestrial networks, where bandwidth availability increases while prices go down. Internet access as well as a wide range of other broadband applications over satellite will be even more price competitive and become a commercial option for an even larger part of the world", says Mr. Stig Are Mogstad, Chief Technology Officer at Nera
The next generation DVB-S standard will benefit satellite broadcasters with significantly increased satellite capacity and improved quality. The new standard will also make broadband services via satellite more cost efficient by extending coverage of the satellites and by providing far higher capacity per transponder.
A European Consortium
Nera will manage a consortium consisting of EADS Astrium, Hispasat, TurboConcept, German Aerospace Center - DLR, and German Fraunhofer IIS Research Institute.
"The selection of our company to manage this important work is not only of financial value. It is a recognition of the world-class know-how available in Nera within the field of satellite communications and of the prominent role Nera plays within DVB-RCS," continues Mr. Mogstad. The ESA contract has a total value of EURO 1.8 million and will run until the summer of 2006.
Benefits of open standards
Nera has been one of the pioneers in the development of the open DVB-RCS standard. Open standards means more choice for the user, because equipment from many different vendors can be used in the same network. Also, it paves the way for mass production of components, leading to lower equipment prices.