Increasing demand for high-speed reliable network transmission has motivated the design and implementation of new technologies capable of meeting lofty performance standards. A relatively new form of network transmission known as Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) has emerged as a potential technological solution to the ever-increasing bandwidth demand imposed upon networks. ATM technology can be a good choice of network medium for many transmission tasks such as voice, data, video, and multimedia. Coupling ATM network implementations with the benefits associated with satellite networks may prove to be a fruitful merger in the pursuit of faster, more reliable, far-reaching networks.Using ATM network technology over a satellite network medium can provide many advantages over the typical terrestrial-based network system. Some of these advantages include remote area coverage, immunity from earth-bound disasters, and transmission distance insensitivity. Additionally, these networks can offer bandwidth on demand, broadband links, and easy network user addition and deletion. Adapting ATM technology for use over a satellite network is a new concept still in its infancy. Numerous problems such as signal adaptation, network congestion, and error control will have to be overcome in order to produce a fully functioning, viable system resulting from the marriage of these two distinct technologies. Although ATM over satellite networks are not yet commonplace, many military, research, and business entities are expressing interest in their development. It is a promising idea that may be one of the future solutions to the expanding problem of network performance needs.SATELLITE NETWORKSA satellite network is a highly specialized wireless type of transmission and reception system. Satellites send and receive signals to and from the earth in order to facilitate data transfer from various points on the planet. A typical satellite is rocket-lau...
