SatcomWeather - Real Time Attenuation Data for Satellite Communication

Very small aperture terminals (VSATs) access satellites in geosynchronous orbits. The link quality is very dependent on the tropospheric situation along the fixed slant path between the terminal and the satellite. However, there are a variety of other parameters too such as the orbital motion of the satellite, the pointing accuracy of the terminal, and thermal drifts of the transmitter/receiver that degrade the link quality. Satellite- and Satellite-Network-Operators are seeking for ways to optimize their service quality and their network operation, since their business is challenged by competition from terrestrial services and by the changing trend in TV consumption as a result of streaming solutions. The SatcomWeather project was initiated to support VSAT operators who have a commercial interest in optimizing VSAT networks and data throughput over time. Hundreds of millions of measured VSAT signals and throughput records will be investigated, with the objective being to classify stations with optimization potential, optimize thresholds for installations, and derive weather data from the VSAT-measurements. Within the project, algorithms to harmonize, access and analyse the data will be developed and a software information tool will be prototyped that guaranties high performance access to the datasets and adequate graphical visualisation. The benefits for the operators are immediate classifications of network and station problems and alarms, as well as attenuation forecast by analysing the long term behaviour of links.