What is Satellite Internet and How it Works?: Advantages and Disadvantages

PWOnlyIAS January 08, 2024 05:22 1715 0

Satellite internet works by providing internet access through communication satellites.

What is Satellite Internet and How it Works?: Advantages and Disadvantages

Context: Elon Musk has agreed to extend support to internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza through a satellite-based communications system, Starlink.

What is the Starlink Project?

About: Starlink is a satellite-based connectivity project that aims to provide high-speed internet access to underserved and remote areas.
Satellite Links: The Starlink project consists of over 5,500 mass-produced small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). There are plans to launch 12,000 satellites as a part of the project.
Salient Features:
- Hall-effect Thrusters: These allow the satellites to raise their orbit, stabilize, and de-orbit after completing their life cycle.
- Low Brightness: Starlink satellites will reduce their brightness during operation.
- Collision Avoidance: The satellites have been designed to autonomously and smoothly avoid collisions.

What is Satellite Internet?

Working: Satellite internet works by providing internet access through communication satellites.
- Internet access is usually provided through geostationary satellites that can offer relatively high data speeds, which can go up to 506 Mbit/s.
- Internet signals are relayed by satellites, which are then caught by a home-based antenna kit.

How Does Satellite Internet Work?

Components: Satellite-bassed internet relies usually on three components for working – a satellite, ground stations, and a pack of small antennae and transceivers, which is owned by each subscriber.
Mechanism: The ground stations, known as gateways, relay Internet data to and from the satellite via radio waves. These waves are received by satellites and relayed back to individual antennas and transceivers.
Monitoring the Network: The system also includes a modem at the user end which links the user’s network with the transceiver, and a centralized network operations centre (NOC) for monitoring the entire system.

What Are the Advantages of Satellite Internet?

Bridge Digital Divide: Satellite internet removes geographical barriers to accessing the internet. People from any part of the Earth can have internet connectivity.
No Need for Wiring: There is no need to create new wiring infrastructure to serve far-off areas.
Maritime Communication: Satellite internet is suitable for communication in isolated areas, especially on high seas.
Security: The chances of hacking into a satellite-based internet connection are tougher compared to simple cable-based internet.

What are the Drawbacks of Satellite Internet?

Space Debris: The decommissioned satellites as well as junk parts may further increase space debris.
Ground-based Astronomy: The satellite constellation may hamper ground-based astronomy, hurting scientific studies.
Congest Space: The 12,000 satellites planned by Starlink will further congest the already over-populated satellite orbits.
Safety of Satellites: The debris from Starlink may initiate Kessler syndrome. This is a scenario perpetuated by collisions between orbiting objects, creating more debris and thus creating a domino effect of future collisions.
Signal Latency: The latency in satellite internet is higher than in traditional internet. Usually, satellite communications account for approximately 550 milliseconds of latency round-trip time.
Signal Interference: Satellite-based internet connectivity is affected by moisture and various forms of precipitation, causing interference.
Higher Costs: Compared to cable-based internet, satellite internet is costly due to the sophisticated equipment involved.

How Can Satellite Internet Affect Ground-Based Astronomy?

The satellite constellation may hamper ground-based astronomy, having a negative effect on scientific studies.

What Are Other Types of Internet Connection?

Type	Description
Broadband	Broadband is provided through either cable or telephone composition. It does not require any telephone connection and hence telephone and internet connection can be simultaneously used.
DSL	Digital Subscriber Line provides broadband internet connection through the telephone line (network). A phone number need not be dialed to connect.
Cable connection	It provides extremely fast access to the internet. Internet connection is given using a cable modem and operates over cable TV lines.
Satellite internet	Satellite orbiting in Earth’s orbit is used to provide an internet connection. The signal has to travel from a long distance from Earth to the satellite and back again, leading to latency. It is mainly suitable for rural areas where a broadband connection is yet to reach.
Wireless connection	Wireless method makes use of a radio frequency band to connect to the internet. It is an always-on connection and accessible from anywhere and speed may vary for different locations.
Cellular connection	Internet connection is provided through cell phones. Speed varies depending on the service provider. The most common are 3G, 4G and 5G which means 3rd generation, 4th generation and 5th generation.
ISDN	Integrated Service Digital Network is a circuit-switched telephone network system that provides access to packet-switched networks, transmitting both voice and data over a digital line. It provides better speeds and higher quality than traditional connections.

Do You Think It Can Curtail the Issue of Digital Divide? Is India also working in this Regard?

Yes	No
Satellite-based communication can bridge the digital divide by providing connectivity to remote and underserved areas where traditional infrastructure is challenging to deploy.	The digital divide involves various complex factors, and while satellite communication can help, it may not be the sole solution to address all aspects of the divide.
India has initiated efforts to leverage satellite-based communication for enhancing connectivity in rural and remote areas. Initiatives like the BharatNet project aim to use satellite technology to extend internet services to these regions.	Challenges such as high costs and technical limitations may impede the widespread adoption of satellite-based communication, limiting its impact on the digital divide.
Satellites can play a crucial role in delivering internet services, education, and healthcare to distant locations, contributing to the overall reduction of disparities in digital access.	While satellite communication can extend connectivity, other complementary strategies, such as fiber-optic networks and mobile infrastructure, are also essential for comprehensive digital inclusion.
Technologies like Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, as pursued by companies like SpaceX and OneWeb, have the potential to provide affordable and high-speed internet access globally, including in remote areas of India.	Relying solely on satellite communication may not address the broader challenges related to digital literacy, affordability, and the availability of locally relevant digital content in overcoming the digital divide.