A Generic Approach to IP-based Broadband Satellite Multimedia Systems

A number of broadband satellite systems have been proposed in recent years offering alternative technical solutions. The highest possible level of commonality is desirable especially for user terminals, even when different satellite transmission systems are used, in order to reduce the cost of user equipment and expand the satellite services market. IP-based transport is increasingly seen as a solution to provision of generic services. It is also a means of unifying different networks to provide interworking between them, for example between satellite and terrestrial networks such as the Internet. Therefore a generic satellite system (and terminal) architecture based on IP services will be defined which will also allow flexibility for alternative satellite technologies. This is the main objective of the IST BRAHMS project.