Delay analysis for interlan traffic using two suitable TDMA satellite access schemes

SUMMARY Two d emand assignment TDMA satellite acce ss s chemes that are suitable for providing flexible interconnections of local area networks are c ompared by means of simulation: FODA/IBEA and CFRA. A unique simulation tool was used, a meshed network of VSATs under the control of a master station was considered and similar networking conditions were applied to both access schemes. The generated traffic had two components having different level of burstiness: bulk traffic a nd interactive traffic. The performance e valuated is the delay for each traffic component. We show that CFRA is best when connecting clusters of only a few stations and even individual ones exchanging light traffic. FODA/IBEA, on the other hand, is better suited to interconnect networks, o r within n etworks with many ho sts, where heavy traffic is more likely.