Satellite ATM networks: A survey

Satellite ATM networks have significant advantages over terrestrial ATM networks. Satellites provide unique advantages such as remote coverage with rapid deployment, distance insensitivity, bandwidth on demand, immunity to terrestrial disasters, and offering broadband links. Satellite ATM networks will play an important role in the rapidly evolving information infrastructure, However, there are several obstacles which need to be overcome so that satellite ATM networks can operate in full service. The objective of this survey is to present the state of the art in satellite ATM networks and to point out open research problems.