Usage of VSAT for TCP/IP based LAN interconnection

An analysis of the possibilities of usage of VSAT networks for the interconnection of TCP/IP based LANs is performed. In the first part of the paper, a general feasibility overview of TCP/IP through satellite is presented, stressing on the inconveniences and technical problems of arrangement. In the second part, a comparative study between low rate (up to 19.2 kbps) VSAT networks and other low capacity data networks (such as X.25) is carried out. The study is based upon measurements performed by Telefonica I+D on the Hughes ISBN VSAT system operated by Telefonica de Espana.