F. Settimo’s research while affiliated with University of Florence and other places

After a survey on the historical reasons for the current configuration of incompatible terrestrial and satellite mobile networks, the paper compares the classical traffic channel assignment in cellular networks with a more enhanced strategy, suitable to an integrated configuration that exploits the concept of sharing, peculiar to satellite resources. The impact on network management and planning is pointed out and the results of a simulation model allow a quantitative assessment. The paper also illustrates how the corresponding procedures respect the terrestrial cellular network protocols

This paper aims to depict some basic concepts related to the definition of an integrated system for mobile communications, consisting of a satellite network and a terrestrial cellular network. In particular three aspects are discussed: (1) architecture definition for the satellite network; (2) assignment strategy of the satellite channels; and (3) definition of 'internetworking procedures' between cellular and satellite network, according to the selected architecture and the satellite channel assignment strategy.

Satellite and terrestrial cellular systems naturally complement each other for land mobile communications, even though the present systems have been developed independently. The main advantages of the integrated system are a faster wide area coverage, a better management of traffic overload, an extension to geographical areas not covered by the terrestrial network and, in perspective, the provision of only one integrated system for all mobile communications (Land/Aeronautical/Maritime). To achieve these goals, as far as possible the same protocols of the terrestrial network should be used also for the satellite network. This paper discusses the main issues arising from the requirements of the integrated system, illustrates some preliminary results and presents possible improvements for the technical solutions.

Satellite and terrestrial cellular systems naturally complement each other for land mobile communications, even though present systems have been developed independently. The main advantages of the integrated system are a faster wide area coverage, a better management of overloading traffic conditions, an extension to geographical areas not covered by the terrestrial network and, in perspective, the provision of only one integrated system for all mobile communications (land, aeronautical, and maritime). To achieve these goals, as far as possible the same protocols of the terrestrial network should be used also for the satellite network. Discussed here are the main issues arising from the requirements of the main integrated system. Some results are illustrated, and possible future improvements due to technical solutions are presented.