Technology tested

Satellite communications (SATCOM)

Partnering agency

Department of the Interior

Objectives

• Assess the viability of SATCOM for backup communications by Federal agencies
• Test voice and data network performance on mobile and fixed units
• Explore any issues, such as echo or latency, that may impact voice service quality

Test Method Overview

For voice tests, analysts placed calls from both fixed and mobile units and evaluated their quality. Data testing on mobile units employed an objective, quantitative approach that measured throughput speed, download time, and completion rate of downloaded files using a File Transfer Protocol program.

Results Overview

Despite connectivity and quality limitations, researchers determined satellite technology to be an alternative communications network solution that could serve as a backup for voice and minimal data communications (e.g., text messages, text email) if terrestrial networks became unavailable or congested.