RFSatellite IoT Network Architecture Explained
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This article explores the architecture of Satellite IoT networks, detailing the components and how they function together. Satellites are crucial for extending network coverage to remote and inaccessible regions of the Earth.
IoT, or Internet of Things, connects devices to the internet using wired or wireless connections. Combining satellite and IoT networks extends IoT coverage beyond urban areas to remote locations, creating a broader, more connected world.
Satellite IoT Network Architecture
A Satellite IoT network integrates satellite and IoT technologies.
Figure 1 illustrates a typical satellite network architecture.
Figure-1: Satellite IoT Network Architecture
Satellite networks commonly use star or mesh topologies. In a star configuration (as depicted), VSAT-to-VSAT communication occurs through a Hub station. In a mesh configuration, VSATs communicate directly without a centralized hub.
Key Components
- NMS (Network Management Software): Integrated at the Hub station and remote VSATs. The Hub station NMS monitors and controls all parameters of the remote VSATs. Remote NMS manages the monitoring and control (M&C) of only the remote system entities, such as RF transceivers, SSPAs, LNAs, modems, MUXs, and switches.
- NMS Software: Features a GUI (Graphical User Interface) and protocol for users to monitor and control parameters like equipment health, frequency, and power for both Hub and remote VSAT equipment.
- Sensors: Various sensors are connected to VSAT terminals to measure temperature, motion, humidity, pressure, and more. This sensor data is collected and transmitted to the central Hub station for monitoring.
- Voice and Data Transmission: The network supports both voice and data transmission/reception.
- Interfaces: Typically, IP/RS232/RS485 interfaces are used for data communication between PCs and the VSAT baseband.
VSAT Hardware
VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) and Hub hardware are divided into RF and baseband equipment.
- RF Equipment: Includes RF Transceivers (Tx/Rx), Power Amplifiers, LNAs (Low Noise Amplifiers), and antennas.
- Baseband Equipment: Includes satellite modems, Mux/DeMux units, and baseband interface parts for voice, data, and sensor connections.
- Encryption/Decryption: May be included depending on security requirements.
Figure 2 shows the VSAT subsystems.
Figure-2: VSAT System Block Diagram
Satellite Frequency Bands
L/C/Ku/Ka band satellites of type LEO/GEO are used in satellite IoT networks. Table 1 lists the frequencies used.
| Satellite Bands | Frequencies Used |
|---|---|
| L Band | 1 to 2 GHz (1616 to 1626.5 MHz, both uplink and downlink) |
| C Band | 4 to 8 GHz (5925 to 6425 MHz in the uplink and 3700 to 4200 MHz in the downlink) |
| Ku Band | 12 to 18 GHz (11.7 to 12.7 GHz in the downlink and 14 to 14.5 GHz in the uplink) |
| Ka Band | 26 to 40 GHz (18.8 to 19.3 GHz in the downlink and 28.6 to 29.10 GHz in the uplink) |
Table-1: Satellite Frequency Bands
Note: Uplink refers to transmissions from ground (VSATs) to the satellite, and downlink refers to transmissions from the satellite to VSATs on Earth.
IoT Integration
The IoT component typically consists of three major elements:
- Gateway
- End Devices
- Cloud
User end devices communicate with the gateway using IoT wireless network frequency bands.
IoT Wireless Technologies
Various IoT wireless technologies are available. LoRaWAN and Sigfox are popular choices due to their low power consumption and wide network coverage.
The IoT leverages terrestrial communication topologies for wireless air interface to communicate with end devices and other wireless/wired networks. This integration is shown in Figure 1, connecting the satellite and IoT networks.
Satellite IoT networks combine the benefits of both satellite and IoT wireless technologies to serve individuals and corporations globally. Explore the benefits of satellite communication and LoRaWAN and SigFox technologies.
