Non-terrestrial networks: Is space the answer to business continuity?
The impact of network downtime may be very grounding, but the solution could be out of this world. The expansion of non-terrestrial networks, including satellite technologies, offers new avenues for achieving reliable, resilient connections.
Unlike terrestrial networks, like Fixed Wireless Access, LTE, 4G, 5G, etc., which rely on ground-based infrastructure, non-terrestrial networks can provide connectivity anywhere there’s a clear line of sight to the sky. For companies aiming to strengthen their business continuity plans, these space-based solutions offer a valuable layer of redundancy.
List of non-terrestrial networks
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) refer to any communication system that operates beyond traditional, land-based infrastructures. They offer a range of advantages, especially in scenarios where terrestrial network connectivity may be compromised or unavailable.
Key types of NTNs include:
- Geostationary Orbit (GEO) Satellites: Positioned around 35,786 kilometers above the Earth, GEO satellites provide broad coverage, making them ideal for broadcast services. While they offer stable connections, latency can be a drawback due to their distance from Earth.
- Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Satellites: MEO satellites, which orbit between 2,000 to 35,786 kilometers, offer faster connectivity and lower latency than GEO satellites. They’re commonly used for GPS and other positioning services.
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites: Positioned between 500 to 2,000 kilometers above Earth, LEO satellites deliver fast, reliable Internet services, comparable to some terrestrial network options.
- High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS): Operating at altitudes of 20 kilometers, HAPS use aircraft, balloons, or drones to maintain connectivity. HAPS can serve as temporary or supplemental network providers in emergencies, though they are less scalable than satellite solutions.
LEO, in particular, is gaining popularity as a non-terrestrial network solution among businesses who operate in urban, rural and very remote areas. It can be used a primary connectivity solution in some temporary scenarios or where establishing fixed lines can be challenging or impractical. Alternatively it can be layered into a connectivity strategy to add redundancy for a highly-available network.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites vs terrestrial networks
As businesses weigh the advantages of satellite vs terrestrial networks, LEO satellites emerge as a compelling alternative for certain use cases. But what are the key differences?
- Terrestrial networks: For example, mobile, broadband Internet networks, rely on ground-based infrastructure, including cell towers, fiber-optic cables, and wireless networks. While this infrastructure supports high-speed connectivity, its effectiveness is limited by geography and environmental factors. For instance, rural areas and remote regions often have inadequate terrestrial network connectivity. Often due to the prohibitive cost of expanding infrastructure.
- LEO satellites: Low-flying satellites can deliver Internet coverage across a vast geographical area, including remote and underserved locations. By orbiting closer to Earth than GEO and MEO satellites, LEO systems typically provide lower latency and higher data speeds. Making them more competitive with terrestrial networks. In situations where terrestrial networks are insufficient or impractical, LEO satellites serve as a viable alternative as long as there is a clear line of sight with the sky.
For businesses that require reliable connectivity in areas with limited terrestrial network access, LEO satellites offer a powerful solution that can supplement existing infrastructure or, in some cases, even replace it.
LEO as an automatic failover for business continuity
When it comes to a business continuity for your network infrastructure, incorporating Low Earth Orbit satellite technology is a great idea. When a primary terrestrial network connection fails, like cables are cut, LEO satellites can kick in as an automatic failover. Your essential operations and applications stay online, your teams stay connected without the costly impacts of network downtime.
You get: technology diversity, a highly available network, and another layer of resilience built in.
How LEO satellites contribute to network resilience
When you integrate LEO solutions into your network infrastructure, they can automatically take over the connectivity workload if one of your terrestrial networks is disrupted. This failover capability means that there’s no significant downtime. For high-risk industries or industries where every minute of productivity counts (like manufacturing, transportation, government, healthcare, etc.) this can cost up to $5 million per hour.
Why LEO satellites work so well as a secondary or tertiary line
LEO satellites operate in constellations, or clusters, of interconnected satellites that orbit Earth at high speeds. Since LEO satellites are in constant motion, a signal can quickly hop from one satellite to another. This maintains connectivity, even in adverse conditions. So even if something happens to your primary terrestrial line, you have several LEO satellites to cover your needs at any given time as your secondary or even tertiary line.
One important factor to consider when weighing up your options for which connectivity solutions to use in your secondary line, is that LEO satellites are cost-effective for businesses who have sites in areas prone to outages. Whether due to natural disasters, fiber cuts, or other disruptions. This added layer of resilience is increasingly important as digital transformation accelerates and companies rely on consistent, high-speed connectivity to deliver their services.
Ready to go faster to the future with non-terrestrial connectivity solutions?
While terrestrial networks will continue to be foundational to connectivity, the advantages of LEO satellites—especially their role in business continuity and the massive benefits that brings—make them an attractive addition to a global connectivity strategy.
As space-based technology advances, non-terrestrial networks are likely to play an increasingly central role in network infrastructure. Bridging the gaps left by terrestrial networks and ensuring that businesses can stay connected, no matter the circumstances.
Contact us today to discuss adding LEO satellites to your network.