Throughput of satellite channels is getting closer to the theoretical limit

7th November 2008

European scientists within the project IMOSAN demonstrated a new protocol for the transmission of information via satellite channels, called DVB-S2 (Digital Video Broadcast Satellite Second Generation.
Throughput of the new encryption algorithm is close to the Shannon limit, the theoretical limit of channels throughput with data recovery at a known minimum level of noise.
Shannon limit is a concept introduced by one of the founders of information theory, Claude Shannon for assessing the limits of speed of information transmitting in channels with a certain probability of data loss. Like the light speed, Shannon limit is also difficult to reach, and overcome.
The new algorithm DVB-S2 exceeds by the effectiveness one of the most powerful until recently algorithms DVB to 30%. An integral part of the protocol DVB-S2 is the mechanism of ACM (Adaptive Coding and Modulation). It is adaptive properties of this mechanism that helped to move closer to theoretical limit of throughput of satellite channels.
An important innovation is consistent formation of ground infrastructure for the work via the protocol DVB-S2. The hardware-software system SRMS (Satellite Resource Management System) allows transferring via the protocol DVB-S2 any data streams, MPEG-2 HDTV. The software designed specifically for DVB-S2 provides support of both the old algorithm of the packages MPE (Multiprotocol Encapsulation and the new ULE (Ultra Light Encapsulation. Both supported algorithms are optimized for use in the protocols IPv4 and IPv6.
Increasing the speed of data transmission on satellite channels, according to IMOSAN developing team, will help to eliminate the so-called digital gap that exists between urban and rural residents, who do not have access to broadband channels and all the benefits of the modern digital world.