Satcom Convergence in the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)

Abstract

The role of satellite telecommunications systems in the Next Generation Networks (NGN) has so far been peripheral. Satellites have been used for years for broadcasting, multicasting and content contribution in the radio and television world. They have been used for IP connectivity to large under-serviced areas. They have been used for mobile communications with systems such as Inmarsat. However, most satellite networks have been stand-alone and have not seen a tight integration with the terrestrial fixed and mobile network operators. The European Space Agency is supporting research and development in space telecommunications within its Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme in order to help European and Canadian industry in their efforts to maintain competitiveness on the world market. In the area of satellite telecommunications systems and ground segment, several activities have been devoted to the development of new-generation two-way satellite IP-access networks for the provision of Internet services. A strategic element of our activities is to ensure that satellite networks and components can be seamlessly integrated in commercial terrestrial telecommunications networks. With this purpose in mind, the Agency has issued tenders to investigate the role of satellite in the context of the IP convergence process and the IP Multimedia Subystem (IMS). The objective of these projects is to demonstrate that satcom broadband systems can be seamlessly integrated within an IMS network, with compatible protocols and performance allowing the support of advanced multimedia applications.