Here SatelliteIoT.space brings you a non-definitive list of terms you may or may not know that frequently come up when discussing satellite IoT. Do not be put off! With all its many complexities satellite IoT, at its core, is a way to collect data to improve the way we see and manage the world.
Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM)
A technique that dynamically adjusts the modulation and coding schemes based on current channel conditions to maximize data throughput and maintain link reliability.
Backhaul
The process of transmitting data from an IoT device or satellite back to the core network. Satellite backhaul is used in regions where traditional terrestrial networks are unavailable, such as remote or rural areas.
Beamforming
A signal processing technique that directs radio waves to specific targets or areas, improving signal strength and efficiency. It’s used in satellite communication to enhance coverage and data rates, especially for IoT applications requiring strong connectivity.
Constellation
A coordinated group of satellites working together to provide continuous coverage and connectivity over large geographical areas.
COLA (Collision on Launch Avoidance/Assessment)
A critical process in space operations that involves identifying potential collisions between space objects and planning maneuvers to mitigate collision risks.
Coverage Area (Footprint)
The geographical area that a satellite can cover with its signal. In IoT, satellite footprints are critical for ensuring reliable device connectivity over large or remote areas.
Cubesats
A CubeSat is a type of miniaturized LEO satellite that adheres to a standardized form factor of 10 × 10 × 10 centimeters per unit (1U) and can be configured in multiples (e.g., 1U, 3U, 6U) to accommodate various mission requirements. Originally developed in the USA, CubeSats have become instrumental for Earth observation (EO), scientific experimentation, and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. Their compact size and modular design allow for deployment as secondary payloads on larger launch vehicles such as SpaceX rockets, making space more accessible to universities, research institutions, and commercial satellite operators.
Doppler Shift
The change in frequency of a signal due to the relative motion between the satellite and the IoT device, which must be compensated for accurate communication.
Edge Computing
Processing data near its source (i.e., at the “edge” of the network, at the sensor or device) to reduce latency, lower bandwidth use, and enable real-time analytics in IoT applications.
Encryption
The process of encoding data to secure it from unauthorized access, ensuring that communications between IoT devices and satellites remain confidential and tamper-proof.
Frequency Bands (Ku, Ka, L, S, UHF, and others)
The different radio frequency ranges used by satellites to communicate IoT data. Each band has different characteristics, such as signal strength, coverage, and susceptibility to interference:
- LoRa ideal for IoT applications requiring extended battery life. low data rates and robust satellite connectivity that can integrate with terrestrial LoRa networks (See LoRaWAN below)
- L-band: Used for GPS, some IoT, and maritime communications.
- S-band: Often used for mobile satellite services.
- Ku-band: Widely used for TV broadcasting and satellite internet.
- Ka-band: Used for high-capacity satellite broadband, increasingly important for data-heavy IoT applications.
- UHF (Ultra High Frequency): Typically used for satellite communications in remote areas, particularly for narrowband IoT applications. UHF is valued for its ability to penetrate dense environments like forests or urban areas.
- C-band: Used for satellite communications, especially in regions where weather conditions (rain) might disrupt higher frequency bands like Ku or Ka.
- X-band: Primarily used by military satellites and for some scientific and Earth observation purposes.Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO)
A satellite orbit 36,000 km above the Earth’s equator, where satellites remain fixed over a specific point on the ground by matching the Earth’s rotational speed. Commonly used for weather monitoring, TV broadcasting, and telecommunications.
Frequency Hopping
A technique where a transmitter rapidly switches its carrier frequency among many frequency channels using a predetermined or pseudo-random sequence. This method enhances resistance to interference and jamming, improves security, and can help mitigate multipath fading. Frequency hopping is widely used in robust communication systems, including certain satellite and IoT protocols such as Semtech’s LoRa based LR-FHSS.
Geolocation
The determination of a device’s physical location, often used in IoT for asset tracking, navigation, and location-based services.
Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO)
An orbit approximately 35,786 km above the Earth’s equator where satellites appear stationary relative to the ground. GEO satellites offer wide coverage but typically experience higher latency.
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
A system of satellites providing location and time information to GNSS receivers on the ground. GPS, a type of GNSS, is frequently used in IoT applications for asset tracking and navigation.
Ground Station
A terrestrial facility that communicates with satellites, receiving data and transmitting commands. Ground stations are critical components of IoT networks, enabling data exchange between IoT devices and satellite networks.
High Throughput Satellites (HTS)
Satellites designed to deliver significantly more data than traditional satellites by using spot beam technology, which concentrates signal power into smaller regions, improving bandwidth and coverage. HTS is a key technology for IoT applications requiring higher data throughput.
Internet of Things (IoT)
A network of interconnected devices that communicate and exchange data with each other or to IoT gateways, hubs, repeaters, or satellites often remotely. In satellite IoT, devices are connected via satellite networks to enable data collection and management in areas without terrestrial connectivity.
IoT Modem/Transceiver
A device that enables IoT sensors and devices to communicate with satellite networks by converting data into radio signals (and vice versa).
Latency
The time it takes for a signal to travel from the Earth to a satellite and back. Lower latency is critical for real-time applications and communication. MEO and LEO satellites generally offer lower latency compared to GEO satellites.
Link Budget
An analysis that accounts for all gains and losses (such as transmitter power, antenna gains, path loss, etc.) in a communication system to ensure that the received signal is above the required threshold for reliable communication.
LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network)
A network protocol that builds on the LoRa physical layer, defining the communication protocol and system architecture for connecting battery-operated IoT devices over long distances. LoRaWAN manages how data is transmitted between end devices and central network servers, ensuring energy-efficient, secure, and scalable connectivity for applications such as smart cities, agriculture, and asset tracking.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
A satellite orbit typically between 500 and 1,200 km from the Earth, characterized by faster orbits and lower latency. LEO satellites are densely populated and often used for imaging, environmental monitoring, and data communication. Increasingly, LEO constellations are used for global broadband and IoT networks.
Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN)
A network designed for long-range communication at low bit rates, enabling battery-powered IoT devices to operate over extended periods with minimal energy consumption.
Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communication
The automatic exchange of information between devices without human intervention. In the satellite IoT ecosystem, M2M is often used to describe communication between remote sensors, vehicles, or equipment and the satellite network.
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
A satellite orbit ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 km above the Earth, often used for GPS and navigation systems. MEO satellites also provide high-bandwidth, low-latency data services for IoT in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
Mesh Network
A network topology where each node relays data for the network, creating a flexible and resilient communication system that can be particularly useful in IoT deployments.
Network Management
The administration and monitoring of network resources to ensure optimal performance, security, and reliability, which is critical for maintaining satellite IoT networks.
Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT)
A low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) technology designed to connect IoT devices with low data requirements. Satellite networks can extend the reach of NB-IoT to cover remote regions where traditional NB-IoT networks may not exist.
Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)
A network infrastructure that integrates space-based and aerial communication systems to provide global or regional connectivity. NTNs leverage satellites, high-altitude platforms, and drones to deliver services in areas where traditional terrestrial networks are unavailable or impractical, such as remote or underserved regions. These networks are crucial for extending IoT connectivity in locations that lack robust ground-based infrastructure.
Payload
A payload refers to the data transmitted over a network or communication system. It can include any type of information or message that needs to be delivered from one point to another.
Remote Sensing
The use of satellites to collect data about the Earth’s surface, atmosphere, or oceans. Remote sensing technologies are often used in satellite IoT applications for environmental monitoring, agriculture, and disaster management.
Satellite Uplink/Downlink
- Uplink: The process of transmitting data from a ground station or IoT device to a satellite.
- Downlink: The process of receiving data from a satellite to a ground station or IoT device.
Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
An approach to network management that separates the control plane from the data plane, allowing for more dynamic and flexible network configuration—a capability that benefits complex satellite IoT systems.
Spectrum
The range of electromagnetic frequencies used for transmitting data. Different satellite IoT systems may operate on various parts of the spectrum depending on their data needs, power consumption, and latency requirements.
Telemetry
The automated transmission and collection of data from remote or inaccessible locations. Telemetry is essential in satellite IoT for monitoring the performance and status of devices such as sensors, vehicles, or industrial equipment.
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
A method of sharing satellite bandwidth by dividing it into time slots. TDMA allows multiple IoT devices to share the same frequency channel by assigning each device a different time slot for transmission.
Throughput
The rate at which data is successfully transmitted over a network, often measured in bits per second (bps), and is a key metric for assessing the performance of satellite IoT systems.