Elevating resilience with Low Earth Orbit satellite networks
Picture this: your network goes down during a critical video conference or when processing a key transaction. The consequences of unplanned downtime can be huge for a business. Research shows that business downtime costs range from $301,000 to $400,000 per hour. That’s why it’s so important to layer in network resilience strategies into your infrastructure. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks are being deployed by enterprises to add more technology diversity to your connectivity strategy.
But how do LEO satellites work? Aren’t they typically being deployed for remote connectivity? What can LEO add to business continuity strategy? We’ll explore all these myths about Low Earth Orbit satellite networks as we discuss the ideal network resilience strategy.
What is a LEO satellite network?
A Low Earth Orbit satellite network consists of multiple satellites orbiting the Earth at altitudes ranging from 500 to 2,000 kilometers. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, which sit much higher (about 35,000 kilometers up), LEO satellites are closer to the surface. This means they can provide faster data transmission and lower latency.
LEO satellites form a constellation, working together to deliver robust and reliable near-global coverage. Think of them as a network of high-speed, low-latency links in the sky, designed to connect the unconnected and reinforce existing infrastructure with cutting-edge resilience.
Key features of LEO satellite networks include:
- Low latency: Significantly faster response times than geostationary satellites.
- Wide coverage: Reaching remote areas, oceans, and other hard-to-connect locations.
- Continuous investment: Expanding network coverage and improved performance with new and improved satellites.
There are currently over 10,000 LEO satellites orbiting the Earth and that number is growing. That means that investing in LEO as part of your connectivity strategy is only going to provide better and better outcomes as the constellations grow.
Benefits of a LEO satellite network
When it comes to network resilience, Low Earth Orbit satellite networks have a lot of advantages for multi-national enterprises, including:
- Enhanced redundancy: You can deploy LEO satellite networks as a secondary or tertiary line for increased redundancy. If a fiber line goes down or a terrestrial network faces disruption, LEO satellites can automatically kick in to keep operations running smoothly.
- Near global coverage: No matter where your operations are based, from urban sites with clear line of site, to remote or hard to reach locations, your business can stay connected because there are over 10,000 LEO satellites orbiting.
- Low latency: Unlike geostationary satellites, which introduce noticeable lag, LEO satellites’ proximity to Earth ensures fast data transmission. This is great for ensuring that if something does happen to a fixed line, you can keep your users productive and happy with the performance of the applications they are using. If there was a delay or lag, it would be frustrating!
- Efficient deployment: Need connectivity fast? LEO satellite connectivity solutions are quicker and simpler to install than laying miles of fiber or installing traditional infrastructure. That means you can layer in technology diversity in a quick and effective way without months of lengthy and complicated project management from your network team.
- Cost-effectiveness: Thanks to advances in satellite technology, LEO networks are more affordable than ever, making them a viable option even for small and medium-sized businesses. With the figures we looked at earlier, you can make a return on any investment in avoided downtime pretty quickly!
How can LEO satellite networks enhance resilience?
LEO satellite networks can play a pivotal role in boosting network resilience and helping organizations recover quickly from disruptions in the following ways:
- Network and technology diversity: Layering in LEO as an additional connection or transition path for network and technology diversity means there are more ways to keep your business online, reducing the impact of any one technology failing. It’s like an insurance policy against natural disasters, intentional attacks, or unplanned accidents impacting your physical infrastructure.
- Automatic failover: Terrestrial networks, whether fiber, fixed wireless, or 4G/5G, are vulnerable to outages caused by natural disasters, equipment failures, or cyberattacks. LEO satellite networks can be set up as automatic failover solutions to provide an always-on backup. There would be minimal difference between your network’s regular performance and your LEO satellite network performance.
- Seamless scalability: As your business grows, so do its connectivity needs. Low Earth Orbit satellite networks scale effortlessly, adding capacity to meet increased demand. This adaptability ensures your network remains resilient even during periods of rapid expansion or unexpected usage spikes.
- Supporting critical applications: For industries like healthcare, finance, and logistics, low-latency and high-reliability connectivity are non-negotiable. LEO satellites provide the speed and stability needed to support mission-critical applications, ensuring business continuity in all scenarios.
Ready to include LEO in your network strategy?
It’s clear that incorporating a Low Earth Orbit satellite network into your connectivity strategy can help you enhance resilience, expand coverage, or simply future-proof your network.
Expereo’s LEO satellite network solutions can help you protect your business from anywhere in the world. We have the expertise and experience to assess your network needs and design, build and run a purpose-build network capable of supporting your needs both now, and in the future.
Get in touch today to discuss your needs.