Satellite Communications Systems and Emergency Communications Dr. Joseph S. Bravman Omnisat, LLC December 12, 2005

Why Satellites Advantages –Highly portable & ubiquitous connectivity –Independent of damaged or unreliable infrastructure –Assured access –Work well to interconnect hybrid network links Issues –Beyond Line of Sight limitations –Can be expensive or unfamiliar –Often not what is in use at local level –GEO Delays cause unexpected IT problems

Commercial Satellite Markets Communications –Backhaul Capacity –VSATs & Private Networks –Broadcast (DTH & SDARS) –Internet & IP based –Satellite Telephony –Misc. Navigation Remote Sensing

Shares Solutions with Urban Warfare Similarities –Need for collaboration –Similar operating environment –Complex interoperability and multilevel security Differences –Dual use and commercial technologies are more easily embraced –No export issues with coalitions –AJ/LPI/LPD not a major factor –Less issue with sharing with civilian population

Elements of Emergency Communications Phases of a disaster or event –Monitoring & preparation –Warning –Crisis –Mitigation & management –Restitution System elements expand and contract through these phases Communication system functions –Sensor communications –Broadcast communications –Command & control –Collaboration –Tactical communications –Communications restitution

The Problem & the Solution Fragmented nature of responders - Stovepipes & Interoperability issues “Bring your own” – small, low cost and flexible equipment Leverage off high impact commercial technology Mix of push and collaborative pull on data sets Caching with automated updating Multi-node Optimal use of spectrum for bandwidth and coverage Hybrid networks solve non-LOS and create local resiliency Satellites independent of infrastructure Secure interaction with flexible authorization required User attributes are used to tailor data transfer Must be scalable at all levels

Platform Features Multilevel security - encrypted data transfer with distributed administration Assures access due to multi-tier priority scheme and automatic queue management Packetization and data scheduling provides flexibility and efficiency in intermixing and transferring all types of files (data, software, commands, media) Version control allows simultaneous operation of multiple versions Conditional access defines >10 million users or user groups Files are assigned address to create bundles of information ( >10 million addresses are initially provided) Conditional access insures that the right information gets to the correct user using address fields & can be changed at any time Geocoding can be added to provide convenient additional filter System time is distributed and controls timed features

Hybrid Network Additional Fixed Sites connected by conventional means or Satcom terminals Packet Radio Mesh Network Data is cached & locally archived Mobile & Portable assets Fixed & transportable assets Various Satcom Uplinks Multiple terminals link to mesh for redundancy

Uses of terminals Packet Radio nodes create resilient mesh Ad hoc users gain local and long range connectivity beyond LOS Command and control features may be remoted to field Push/broadcast fills local cache with information that is likely to be required Collaborative software allows multimedia interactivity Terminal characteristics are transmitted to control resolution, etc. to minimize overwhelming links and processors

Communications Elements PACKET RADIOPACKET RADIO LocalRegionalContinental 50 Mb/s 5 Mb/s 500 Kb/s 50 Kb/s 5Kb/s L/S-Band Satellite Ku/Ka-Band Satellite UHF/VHF Satellites

Satellite Solution Advantages Satellites provide instantaneous dissemination of information and a common operating picture – Gets it to the user faster and at low cost. Satellite systems not susceptible to terrestrial boundaries and costs. Easily becomes part of hybrid solution. System solution benefits from off-the shelf components leading to overall affordability and quick implementation – But must be efficiently integrated with open standards System must be valuable beyond crisis usage – critical to business case Demonstrations and rapid prototyping propels fieldable solutions