A new satellite utilisation for Italian fast train: The fifth project Demonstrator

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Schena, V. | Losquadro, G.

Affiliations: Alenia Spazio, Via G. V. Bona 85, 00156 Roma, Italy Tel.: +39 06 4151 493; Fax: +39 06 4151 297; E-mail: {v.schena,g.losquadro}@roma.alespazio.it

Abstract: The objective of the FIFTH Network Project Demonstrator is to study and implement a prototype of a new satellite network skilled in delivery broadband service for fast train travellers. The prototype system will be composed by a satellite terminal and related local area network (LAN) installed on a train, and an access network for support and delivery of suitable services for train users. Following the development phase for the prototype, a validation campaign is foreseen to test services and applications for travellers in a railway environment and scenarios. Towards these ends, two main objectives for the Demonstrator System are: protocol and service validation using a geo-satellite access infrastructure; and channel measurement for radio channel characterisation in the railway context. In the present paper, the Demonstrator infrastructure and validation strategy under development are described. The prototype is based on a Ku band satellite access network using the Atlantic Bird 1 positioned at 12.5° W with the DVB-RCS access scheme. The activity benefits from heritage embodied in several EC frameworks projects, such as SECOMS/ABATE and SUITED.

Keywords: Train terminal, broadband service, FIFTH network Demonstrator prototype

Journal: Space Communications, vol. 19, no. 3-4, pp. 129-134, 2004