About DVB-RCS Communications.
2004-01-24 

DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) Return Channel via Satellite (DVB-RCS), recently published as an ETSI standard, forms the specification for the provision of the interaction channel for satellite interactive networks with fixed return channel satellite terminals (RCST). 

DVB-RCS networks build the platform for high-speed networks supporting all kinds of broadband services running on the Internet, such as broadband web-access, streaming video etc. DVB-RCS allows for cost efficient broadband satellite transmit and receive links. The system typically consists of a central RCS-Gateway for broadcast uplink and remote RCS-Terminal stations to connect the customers interactively to the network.

DVB-RCS systems are scalable. A simple, single-gateway DVB-RCS system might serve up to thousands of users, whilst a distributed gateway architecture DVB-RCS system might provide integrated services to several hundred thousand users.

DVB-RCS may well become a global satellite standard.

Fixed Wireless Broadband Access Networks 

Facing an increasing demand for available bandwidth it is the "last mile" everyone is racing to provide. The challenge is to build infrastructure that will offer bandwidth-demanding services to users; high-speed Internet, e-business, interactive TV, Video on Demand, Video conferencing etc. Wissat provides broadband access solutions using point to point, point to multipoint access links or access via satellite - Wissat is your safe choice. Turn to us for total solutions - based on in-depth technology and know-how.

The DVB consortium is:

" An industry-led consortium of over 300 broadcasters, manufacturers, network operators, software developers, regulatory bodies and others in over 35 countries committed to designing global standards for the delivery of digital television and data services."

"The scope of the DVB has been widened to build a content environment that combines the stability and interoperability of the world of broadcast with the vigour, innovation and multiplicity of services of the world of the Internet. The core of DVB's new mission is to provide the tools and mechanisms to facilitate interoperability and interworking between different networks, devices and systems to allow content and content based services to be passed through the value chain to the consumer."

"DVB enables implementation of open and interoperable pathways to the consumer".

The abbreviation for Digital Video Broadcasting, has three strengths indicated by its name:
 Digital: DVB is all-digital, and digital communications systems do not distinguish between the different types of information they convey. So DVB can deliver any information that can be digitised, whether it is high definition TV, multiple-channel standard definition TV (NTSC, PAL or SECAM) or broadband data and interactive services.
 Video: At the outset, DVB principally was concerned with television, which is a broadband service. Moreover, DVB is intended to work at the higher satellite communications frequencies, which further enhance its broadband capability. DVB is fundamentally broadband.
 Broadcasting: DVB is designed as a broadcasting service for many users. So, though based on VSAT concepts, the satcom version, DVB-S, with the Return Channel via Satellite (RCS) is scalable to networks far larger than those supported by conventional VSAT systems. For instance, VSAT systems serve from tens of users to no more than a few thousand users. But DVB-RCS systems are scalable. A simple, single-gateway DVB-RCS system might serve up to thousands of users, whilst a distributed gateway architecture DVB-RCS system might provide integrated services to several hundred thousand users.

Broadband Access Solutions via satellite 
Compliant with the DVB-RCS Open Standard

Our providers product, Nera SatLink Interactive Terminal is much the same as those units used in a standard satellite Direct to Home (DTH) system with the significant difference being that, unlike television broadcasting systems, the Nera SatLink is two-way. 

Hubs from Nera are modular gateway/hub sub-systems, which can be installed with new or installed IP/DVB broadcast platforms to provide two-way satellite broadband access services. 

Nera SatLink solutions provide:

- Always-on broadband connectivity for all locations 
- Cost effective distribution and sharing of content
- Rapid deployment - Reliability and quality of service
- Single platform solution for all needs
The Nera SatLink system is a star network in which the Hub station controls the Terminals over the forward, or outbound link, and the Terminals share the return, or inbound link.
The Hub station continuously transmits the forward link in Time Division Multiplex (TDM). The Terminals transmit as needed, sharing the return channel resources using Multi-Frequency Time Division Multiple Access (MF-TDMA).

Applications for the Nera SatLink system
The Nera SatLink system enables service providers to extend services in areas lacking conventional terrestrial infrastructure, including:
 Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
 Application Service Providers (ASPs)
 Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) basestations
 Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL) nodes
 Point-to-Multipoint (PMP) radio basestations
A Nera SatLink system supports innumerable applications, including:
 Banking and financial services
 Finance and stock market services
 CoLo: Colocation for web servers and web hosting to provide Internet feeds.
 VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol providing carrier-grade telephony.
 VPNs: Virtual Private Networks
 Distance learning (video, text, voice)
 Tele-medicine
 Interactive TV broadcasting

News, publications, standards and specifications on DVB may be viewed at or downloaded from the DVB consortium website at 
www.dvb.org. 
Extensive information on the VSAT sector is available at the Global VSAT Forum website at
www.gvf.org.