According to Euroconsult Releases High Throughput Satellite (HTS) Report, HTS communication has reached a significant increase since 2019. Demand for HTS capacity is expected to grow by 26% per year over the next decade (Rachael Zisk, 2022). Compared with conventional satellite communication, HTS has its unique features which makes this type of satellite communication able to meet the growing demand of high data capacity and high data communication speed. There are three main reasons for HTS communication growth, including high throughput data communication, cost-effective connectivity and small antenna requirement.
High throughput data communication
The key feature of HTS communication is its more throughput than conventional communication satellites (Fixed Satellite Service, FSS) as its name indicates (everything RF, 2021). Higher-throughput refers to a significant increase in capacity when using the same amount of orbital spectrum. Compared with classic FSS, HTS is able to carry over 100 Gbps capacity, which is much more than conventional satellites (talia, 2016). This is a huge advantage of this satellite type. In order to reach the high capacity, different from conventional satellites, which utilize single or a few beams covering a large area, HTS use multiple narrow beams with small footprints to realize region coverage. This feature also allows for frequency multiplexing, enabling better spectral efficiency, and in turn support higher speeds.
Cost-effective connectivity
Another notable advantage of HTS communication is its cost-effective connectivity. Because of the narrowness of using a spot beam, they are able to focus the beam on producing a throughput of up to 20+ times more than a conventional FSS. This reduces the cost per bit significantly. For example, for one gigabit per second capacity, a HTS only charges around 3% of this by a conventional Ku band FSS satellite (talia, 2016). Furthermore, according to Fan Geng’s study, HTS affordability has a notable relationship with its throughput, which indicates substantial economies of scale in the cost of connectivity (cost per Gbps) (2019).
Small antenna requirement
As HTS has higher directivity, it has higher gains. The narrower beam results in increased power (both transmitted and received), and therefore enables the use of smaller antennas (Arthur D. Little). DITEL is also developing antenna models working for HTS communication. One of DITEL HTS antenna is 65cm, working on Ku-band. The HTS antenna is designed with 3-axis stabilized platform and able to track the satellites automatically and suit for various vessel types in various areas. If you are looking for satellite communication antennas, please contact us at info@di-tel.com. We would make professional recommendations for you!
References
[1] “Euroconsult Releases High Throughput Satellite Report”, Rachael Zisk, March 23, 2022,
[2] “What is a High-Throughput Satellite?”, Everything RF, March 3, 2021,
[4] “Monte-Carlo value analysis of High-Throughput Satellites: Value levers, tradeoffs, and implications for operators and investors”, September 11, 2019,
[5] “High Throughput Satellites: Delivering future capacity needs”, Arthur D. Little,
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