Satellite Basics

Guide To Satellite-based Solutions

Satellites provide today's businesses with a flexible, universal, reliable and quickly deployable means to address a wide range of communications needs. Use this guide to find out why and how companies from a variety of industries use satellite-based solutions to advance their businesses.

1. Benefits of satellite communications

1. How do satellites deliver vital communications around the world?
2. What are the key benefits of satellites?

2. How satellite communications work

1. What is a communications satellite and how does it work?
2. What are the different kinds of orbits?
   • Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO): 35,786 km above the earth
   • Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): 8,000-20,000 km above the earth
   • Low Earth Orbit (LEO): 500-2,000 km above the earth
   • GEO vs. MEO vs. LEO
3. Satellite architecture
4. Orbital location and footprint
5. Frequency bands and beams
6. What is installed on the ground?
7. Network topologies

3. Key factors in considering a satellite solution