Single Hop vs. Multi Hop: A Clear Explanation

This article clarifies the difference between single hop and multi-hop systems, providing examples from satellite networks and general networking scenarios.

Single Hop vs. Multi Hop in Satellite Networks

Figure 1 illustrates single-hop and dual-hop (multi-hop) systems within a satellite network.

• Single Hop: As depicted on the left side of the image, two earth stations (or VSATs) communicate through the satellite only once for communication in a single direction (either uplink or downlink) in a mesh-type network. This direct communication is classified as a single-hop system.

• Multi Hop: On the right side of the illustration, two VSATs communicate twice through the satellite to complete a single-direction communication. This arrangement is common in star-type networks. The multiple satellite transits define it as a multi-hop system.

  For example, the information flow in the uplink direction is as follows: VSAT-1 to Satellite, Satellite to Hub Station, Hub Station to Satellite, and finally, Satellite to VSAT-2.

Single Hop vs. Multi Hop in Internet/IP Networks

• In the context of the internet or any IP-based network, data packets travel from a source IP device to a destination IP device, potentially passing through multiple networking devices (bridges, routers, gateways, etc.).

• Single Hop: When a packet traverses from source to destination using only one networking device, it is considered a single-hop system.

• Multi Hop: Conversely, when a packet travels from source to destination through more than one networking device, it’s classified as a multi-hop system.