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Standardisation Issues
The SatNEx Project is keen to promote relevant research in satellite communications and to ensure this is appropriately disseminated to the satellite community. As a part of this goal, Work Package 3300 is promoting participation in the work of the standardisation groups appropriate to satellite communications. This seeks to inform partners within SatNEx of the work of the various standards organisations, enabling them to focus their research activity on key requirements of these groups. It also seeks to encourage participation at standards meetings, and enable contributions to standards and regulatory documents.

A large number of organisations and groups are involved in defining and specifying standards relevant to satellite communications. A list of known organisations has been published, to raise awareness of these various activities. This list will be updated as further information becomes available.

 
This document has been produced by the University of Aberdeen for WP 3300. The information below is provided on an as-is basis, the authoritative description of each organisation and/or working group is provided by the organisation itself. The authors would gladly welcome receiving updated information and/or corrections.

Contact: Gorry Fairhurst, School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen.

Organisation
Name
Type
Membership
3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Programme
Standards via ETSI
Subscription
ASMS-TF Advanced Satellite Mobile Systems Task Force
Recommendations
via MOU
ATSC Advanced Television Systems Committee
Standards/Recommendations
Subscription
CCSDS Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems
Standards/Recommendations
Delegates
CEPT Conférence Européenne des Administrations des Postes et Télécommunications 
Standards/Recommendations
Delegates
CENELEC European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation
Standards/Recommendations
-
DOCSIS Data-over-Cable Service Interface Specification
Standards/Recommendations
Subscription
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project
Standards via ETSI
Subscription
ECSS European Cooperation for Space Standardization
Standards/Recommendations 
-
ESOA European Satellite Operators Association
via other bodies
Subscription
ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute
European Standards
Subscription
GBSI Global Broadband Satellite Infrastructure Initiative
via other bodies
via MOU
GVF Global VSAT Forum
Recommendations 
Subscription
IEEE Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers
International Standards
Subscription
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force
International Standards via ISOC
Open (no fee)
IRTF The Internet Research Task Force
International Standard Documents (published as Informational RFCs)
Open (no fee)
ISI Integral Satcom Initiative
via other bodies
via MOU
ISO International Organization for Standardization
International Standards
Delegates
ITU International Telecommunication Union
Standards/Recommendations 
Delegates
PSC Public Safety Communication Europe Forum
via other bodies
-
SAP-REG Satellite Action Plan on Regulation, EC.
Recommendations
-
SatLabs SatLabs Group
Recommendations
Subscription
TIA Telecommunications Industry Association
US Standards (also via liaison with ETSI)
Subscription
TTA Telecommunications Technology Association
Standards/Recommendations
-
TTC Telecommunication Technology Committee
Standards/Recommendations
-
Fora Multimedia Fora
-
-

F 3GPP The Third Generation Partnership Programme
Organisation: An independent, industry-led body

Standards: Standards via ETSI

Summary: 3GPP is responsible for production, maintenance and development of globally applicable Technical Specifications (TS) and Technical Reports (TR) for the 3rd Generation Mobile System. Standards are approved and published by ETSI.

Web link: http://www.3gpp.org
 
F ASMS-TF Advanced Satellite Mobile Systems Task Force
Organisation: An independent, industry research body

Standards: Recommendations and policy documents

Summary: The ASMS-TF is an independent, industry-led body, holding regular meetings, with a structure that consists of a Steering Panel and six Working Groups, addressing all of the relevant thematic priorities for MSS support, such as market and business studies, regulatory and standardization issues, research, development and demonstration of technology, dissemination and publicity. It was formed in March 2001 and is committed to the successful introduction and development of advanced (including 3G and beyond) mobile satellite communications systems and services. It aims to stimulate "personal" satellite communications systems targeted at mass markets. Members of the task force are organisations interested in actively supporting and promoting the task force's activities. New Members are accepted upon signature of the Task Force Memorandum of Understanding. Members currently include manufacturers, operators, service providers, research organisations, academic institutions, mobile industry specialists, car manufacturers etc. Membership of the group was on a voluntary basis and any member can withdraw at any time with at least one-month notice. There were no fees associated with membership.
The main objectives of the ASMS-TF were:
  • To promote mobile satellite systems and terrestrial integration
  • To develop a co-ordinated approach on regulatory aspects to facilitate market access, licensing and the availability of adequate spectrum
  • To support the co-ordination of on-going and future R&D efforts
  • To assess the markets for advanced mobile satellite systems
  • To identify the technological requirements
  • To support relevant standardisation work
Working group 5 of the ASMS-TF was responsible for standardisation issues. Many activities in the ASMS-TF have now been taken over by ISI.

Web link: http://www.asms-tf.org
 
S ATSC Advanced Television Systems Committee
Organisation: International/non-profit

Standards: Consensus of votes by members

Summary: The Advanced Television Systems Committee, Inc., is an international, non-profit organization developing voluntary standards for digital television. The ATSC member organizations represent the broadcast, broadcast equipment, motion picture, consumer electronics, computer, cable, satellite, and semiconductor industries. Specifically, ATSC is working to coordinate television standards among different communications media focusing on digital television, interactive systems, and broadband multimedia communications. The ATSC standards, like those from DVB, are based on the ISO MPEG-2 specification. ATSC defines packet data services as a component part of the ATSC System. ATSC is also developing digital television implementation strategies and presenting educational seminars on the ATSC standards.

Web link: http://www.atsc.org/standards.html
 
S CEPT Conférence Européenne des Administrations des Postes et Télécommunications
Organisation: Membership

Standards: (none, standards are developed within ETSI)

Summary: The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) was established in 1959. Original members were the incumbent monopoly-holding postal and telecommunications administrations. CEPT's activities included co-operation on commercial, operational, regulatory and technical standardisation issues. In 1988, CEPT decided to create ETSI, The European Telecommunications Standards Institute, into which all its telecommunication standardisation activities were transferred. In 1992, the postal and telecommunications operators created their own organisations, Post Europe and ETNO respectively. In conjunction with the European policy of separating postal and telecommunications operations from policy-making and regulatory functions, CEPT thus became a body of policy-makers and regulators. At the same time, Central and Eastern European Countries became eligible for membership of CEPT. With its 46 members CEPT now covers almost the entire geographical area of Europe.

CEPT supervises the work of two Committees: ECC (European Communications Committee) and CERP (European Committee for Postal Regulation).

The European Radiocommunications Office (ERO) assists CEPT and supports the work of ECC.

CEPT is observer to the Radio Spectrum Policy Group RSPG (at CEPT level) and to the Radio Spectrum Committee RSC (at ECC level).

Web link: http://www.cept.org, http://www.ero.dk
 
S CENELEC European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation
Organisation: -

Standards: European standards

Summary: CENELEC is based in Brussels. Since 1950, it has been officially responsible for the standardisation in the electrical and electromechanical fields.

Web link:
 
S CCSDS Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems
Organisation: Industry led forum

Standards: International standards

Summary: CCSDS is composed of space agencies and industrial associates worldwide, working together to provide well-engineered, standardized solutions for common space data handling needs. The CCSDS looks forward to meeting the new space data handling challenges of future international missions, which will require autonomous communication between spacecraft within constellations, or instruments within sensor webs.

Web link: http://www.ccsds.org
 
S DOCSIS Data-over-Cable Service Interface Specification
Organisation: Independent

Standards: Recommendations

Summary: The CableLabs® Certified™ Cable Modem project, also known as DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification), defines interface requirements for cable modems involved in high-speed data distribution over cable television system networks. The certified cable modem project also provides cable modem equipment suppliers with a fast, market-oriented method for attaining cable industry acknowledgment of DOCSIS compliance and has resulted in high-speed modems being certified for retail sale. The use of DOCSIS standards in satellite networks is a potential competitor to DVB-RCS.

Web link: http://www.cablemodem.com
 
S DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project
Organisation: Industry-led forum (international)

Standards: Standards via ETSI broadcast

DVB also publishes documents approved by its Steering Board as "BlueBooks". These are either commercial requirements documents, policy statements, or sometimes technical specifications that are being standardised. Facts Sheets provide a brief introduction to the DVB Specifications.

Summary: The DVB Project is an industry-led consortium of over 300 broadcasters, manufacturers, network operators, software developers, regulatory bodies and others in over 35 countries committed to designing global standards for the global delivery of digital television and data services The organisation is lead by the Commercial Module (CM) and Technical Module (TM). The DVB standards, are based on the ISO MPEG-2 specification, but extend this to specify specific physical layers, and services that may run on top of the MPEG-2 transport stream.
  • WG DVB/CBMS
    Convergence of Broadcast and Mobile Services (previously known as TM-UMTS)

    Summary:The ad hoc Group CBMS (Convergence of Broadcast and Mobile Services) was formed in March 2001 (under the name UMTS) to provide technical specifications and guidelines for applications and services that utilise 'co-operation' between broadcast and mobile telecommunications platforms.
    In 2003 the group produced early specifications of the interface to the terminal in order to enable early trial deployments. In 2004, a set of detailed technical requirements were generated for an "IPDC in DVB-H" system. These requirements are the basis of the fundamental specification work for IPDC systems. The system specifications intend to focus on functionality, enabling delivery of IP-based services to small, personal, mobile handheld and portable terminals like cellular phones and PDA.

    Web link: http://www.dvb.org/groups_modules/technical_module/tmcbms/
     
  • WG DVB/IPI
    IP Infrastructure

    Summary: The goal of the IPI group is to specify technologies on the interface between an IP network and retail receivers, enabling the end user to buy a DVB-IP receiver in any shop, connect it to a broadband network, switch it on and, without further ado, start to receive DVB services over IP-based networks.

    Web link: http://www.dvb.org/groups_modules/technical_module/tmipi/
     
  • WG DVB/DNSG
    Digital Satellite News Gathering

    Summary: The DVB-DSNG group was formed and produced the following DVB standards. The DVB-DSNG activities have largely been superseded by the DVB-S2 activity.

    Web link: http://www.dvb.org/groups_modules/technical_module/tmdsng/
     
  • WG DVB/GBS
    Generic Data Broadcasting & Service Information Protocols

    Summary: Working on protocol mechanisms and signalling relating to data broadcast over all types of DVB networks. This includes broadcast of both streaming and non-streaming data. The WG also defines metadata pertaining to the location, identification and characterisation of DVB services and programme events. Related to DVB-S2, this WG has produced a specification for GSE published as ETSI TS 102 606.

    Web link: http://www.dvb.org/groups_modules/technical_module/tmgbs/
     
  • WG DVB/RCS
    Return Channel – Satellite

    Summary: The open standard baseline for interactive satellite systems. The systems employ DVB-S/DVB-S2 for the forward link.The return link is based on Multi-Frequency TDMA. The DVB-RCS WG addresses all issues relating to standardisation of the current and future systems built using this technology.

    Web link: http://www.dvb.org/groups_modules/technical_module/tmrcs/
     
  • WG DVB/SSP
    Satellite Services to Portable devices

    Summary: The Ad-Hoc Group Satellite Services to Portable devices develops market-driven standards specifying architectural and technological options for hybrid satellite/terrestrial systems offering multimedia services to mobile (handheld & vehicle-mounted) devices and gap-fillers. TM-SSP will leverage DVB-S2 regarding modifications of the DVB-S2 standard that will be beneficial to the satellite component of the DVB-SH standard. One major specification from this group is DVB-SH (Satellite services to Handheld), approved in 2007.

    Web link: http://www.dvb.org/groups_modules/technical_module/tmssp/
     
  • WG DVB/S2
    Enhancements to DVB-S at the physical layer

    Summary: The DVB-S2 ad-hoc group of the technical module has developed a successor to the current DVB-S standard (EN 300 421) and DVB-DSNG standard (EN 301210). The primary objective of the new specification was to enable delivery of a significantly higher data rate (e.g. 30%) in a given transponder bandwidth than the current DVB-S standard. DVB-S2 has been published as EN 302 307.

    Web link: http://www.dvb.org/groups_modules/technical_module/tms2/
     
S ECSS European Cooperation for Space Standards
Organisation: ECSS is supported by several space agencies and companies.

Standards: International Standards (available on-line).

Summary: The European Cooperation for Space Standardization is an initiative established to develop a coherent single set of user-friendly standards for use in all European space activities.

Web link: http://www.ecss.nl
 
F ESOA European Satellite Operators Association
Organisation: Industry-led (non-profit)

Standards: (none, produces position papers)

Summary: The ESOA organisation is based in Brussels. Its goals include ensuring that satellites benefit from the appropriate political, industrial policy and regulatory environment to fulfil their vital role in the delivery of communications.

Web link: http://www.esoa.net
 
F eTEN European Telecommunications
Organisation: (none)

Standards: (none)

Summary: eTEN is the European Community Programme designed to help the deployment of telecommunication networks based services (e-services) with a trans-European dimension. It focuses strongly on public services, particularly in areas where Europe has a competitive advantage. The programme aims to accelerate the take up of services to sustain the European social model of an inclusive, cohesive society. Its objectives are at the very heart of the eEurope mission of "an information society for all". It promotes public interest services which give every citizen, enterprise and administration full opportunity to gain from the e-Society.

Web link: http://europa.eu.int/information_society/activities/eten/index_en.htm
 
IS ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute
Organisation: Independent/non-profit Standards Organisation

Standards: Standards by consensus of members, and formal voting procedure by members.

Summary: The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) is an independent, not for profit organization, whose mission is to produce telecommunications standards for today and for the future. A technical committee of ETSI, SES, is responsible for all types of satellite communication services (including mobile and broadcasting) and for all types of earth station equipment (especially the radio frequency interfaces and network and/or user interfaces).

TC/SES

The Technical Committee (TC) on Satellite Earth Stations and Systems (SES) is responsible for satellite communications. The field includes all types of satellite communication services and applications (including mobile and broadcasting), as well as all types of earth stations and earth station equipment, especially the radio frequency interfaces and network and/or user interfaces and the protocols implemented in earth stations and satellite systems. TC SES is also the primary committee for co-ordinating the position of ETSI with relevant ITU Study Groups.
  • Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) and Broadcast Satellite Service (BSS): VSAT, TVRO, SNG
  • Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) Land, Maritime and Aircraft Earth Stations
    Little Low Earth Orbit Satellite (LEOS) terminals and Space Standardization (ECSS)
  • Satellite Personal Communications Networks (S-PCN) and GEO satellites - Mobile Radio (GMR) interfaces
  • Satellite Interactive Terminal (SIT) in Ku/Ka and Ka/Ka bands, using GEO or non-GEO satellites
  • Satellite Broadband Multimedia and Satellite component of UMTS™
  • Broadband Satellite Multimedia (BSM)
  • WG ETSI/SES/AES
    Aeronautical Satellite Earth Stations

    Summary: The WG is responsible for satellite Aircraft Earth Stations (AES). This WG supports work on aeronautical standards at Ku-Band, and is currently dormant, pending the assignment of new work.

    Web link: http://portal.etsi.org/ses/ (select AES from the "All of these" options below subgroup near the top)
     
  • WG ETSI/SES/BSM
    Broadband Satellite Multimedia

    Summary: The Broadband Satellite Multimedia (BSM) WG was created in 2000 to meet the demand for standards for a new generation of satellite networks that will be used to deliver high quality interactive (two way) multimedia communications. BSM systems will typically provide transmission capabilities ranging from hundreds to thousands of kilobits per second and will operate in the FSS at Ku and Ka-bands. BSM systems can be used as satellite access networks to provide broadband access to the Internet to address a mass market and to cover large regions.
    The objectives of the BSM WG are to review and develop technical documents on broadband satellite multimedia systems including specifications, standards and other ETSI deliverables that promote efficient interworking and interoperability between satellite networks and other networks. It also promotes representation of BSM issues in other standardization bodies (e.g. TIA, ITU).
    The work in BSM is organised using an architecture, which defines a clear separation between the upper layer functions that are applicable to all satellite systems (satellite independent or SI) and the lower layer functions that are specific to a satellite technology (satellite dependent or SD). A Satellite Independent Service Access Point (SI-SAP) is defined as the interface between these upper and lower layers. This BSM architecture forms the basis of a set of common IP interworking standards, located immediately above the SI-SAP, to provide transparent interoperability between external (non satellite) IP-based networks and a BSM satellite network. In parallel, the BSM working group is working on families of lower layer air interface specifications. Recent documents also include specification of the Connection Control Protocol (C2P) jointly with TIA.

    Web link: http://portal.etsi.org/ses/ (select BSM from the "All of these" options below subgroup near the top)

    STF 344 is closely linked to the ETSI BSM group and is currently addressing three important issues:
    1. Management of BSM Systems
    2. Multicast Routing
    3. Support for TCP PEP

    Web link: http://portal.etsi.org/stfs/process/home.asp
     
  • WG ETSI/SES/ECSS
    European Co-operation for Space Standardisation

    Summary: The WG ECSS covers the Space Operations Services as defined in the ITU-R Radio Regulations Article S.1.The WG ECSS is the focal point in ETSI for liaising with ECSS within the framework of the Co-operation Agreement of ETSI and the European Co-operation for Space Standardization (ECSS). The WG maintains a set of Telecommand Tracking and Control (TT&C) specifications and liaises with the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS).

    Web link: http://portal.etsi.org/ses/ (select ECSS from the "All of these" options below subgroup near the top)
     
  • WG ETSI/SES/GMR
    GEO Mobile Radio Interfaces

    Summary: This WG prepared and maintained Technical Specifications (TSs) for radio interfaces for Geostationary Earth orbit satellite access to the core network of GSM. This included new releases of the GMR specifications to include GSM Phase 2+ functions, such as packet mode (GPRS) services. The work included satellite systems operating at L and S-Bands. This working group closed in 2007, this work has been continued by the ETSI/SES/MSS Working Group.
     
  • WG ETSI/SES/HARM
    WG on harmonization under the R&TTE directive 99/5/EC

    Summary: The WG is responsible for preparation of Candidate Harmonized Standards under the R&TTE Directive (99/5 EC); participation in the R&TTE Steering Committee, for liaising with the Specialist Task Force 149; and presenting the Candidate Harmonized Standards to ETSI SES approval.

    Web link: http://portal.etsi.org/ses/ (select HARM from the "All of these" options below subgroup near the top)
     
  • WG ETSI/SES/Ku-Band AES
    Ku-Band Satellite Aircraft Earth Stations

    Summary: The WG is in charge of developing a new candidate harmonized standard for compliance to the essential requirement of Article 3.2 the R&TTE Directive applicable to satellite Aircraft Earth Stations (AES) operating in the Ku-band (11/12/14 GHz bands), for the provision of non-safety data services on board civil airplanes.

    Web link: http://portal.etsi.org/ses/ (select Ku-Band AES from the "All of these" options below subgroup near the top)
     
  • WG ETSI/SES/MAR
    Maritime Earth Stations on Board Vessels

    Summary: This Working Group will produce and monitor standards for Earth Stations installed on ships, vessels, or trains operating in all frequency bands (MSS, FSS and BSS). This includes systems at C and Ku-Band. The WG also provides liaison with all other fora dealing with such Earth Stations, for example ITU-R WP 4-9S, WP 4A and CEPT-ECC WG RA6.

    Web link: http://portal.etsi.org/ses/ (select MAR from the "All of these" options below subgroup near the top)
     
  • WG ETSI/SES/MSS
    Mobile Satellite Systems

    Summary: Formed in 2007, the MSS Working Group covers all Mobile Satellite Systems operating in frequency bands allocated to Mobile Satellite Services (MSS). This includes:
    • the Satellite component of the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (S-UMTS) and of the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT-2000 & IMT-Advanced).
    • Satellite access to terrestrial core networks, in particular GSM/GPRS core networks and UMTS core networks.
    • Interworking with terrestrial wired and wireless networks.
    • Future evolution of all these systems.

    The working group is the focal point in ETSI for liaising with the relevant bodies inside and outside ETSI on worldwide satellite standards for Mobile Satellite Systems. It produces Harmonized Standards and Technical Specifications and Reports for the Mobile Satellite Systems. This includes services, architectures, radio interfaces, and interworking scheme with other systems, and the complementary systems with terrestrial mobile & wireless systems for the delivery of point to point and/or point to multipoint services.

    It co-operates with other Standardisation bodies (e.g. TTA) developing Satellite standards for Mobile Satellite Systems. The group also maintains the technical reports and technical specifications produced by the GMR & SUMTS WGs.
  • WG ETSI/SES/SatEC
    Satellite Emergency Communications

    Summary: The SatEC working group was formed in 2007 to address emergency telecommunication issues related to satellite, including spectrum allocation, access to commercial capacity, regulatory issues and satellite emergency communication systems architectures. The WG liaises with other working groups inside and outside ETSI, including the ETSI Special Committee EMTEL

    Web link: http://portal.etsi.org/ses/ (select SatEC from the "All of these" options below subgroup near the top)
     
  • WG ETSI/SES/SDR
    Satellite Digital Radio

    Summary: The WG will define the Technical Specifications for radio interfaces used by Satellite Digital Radio (SDR) systems to receive signals from the satellite and from the complementary terrestrial gap-fillers. The working group will also investigate whether there is a need to produce Harmonised Standards for transmitting elements of SDR systems, such as earth stations operating in the FSS-Band uplink or terrestrial gap-fillers.

    Web link: http://portal.etsi.org/ses/ (select SDR from the "All of these" options below subgroup near the top)
     
  • WG ETSI/SES S-UMTS & IMT-2000
    Satellite Component of UMTS/IMT-2000

    Summary: The WG covered the Satellite component of the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (S-UMTS) and of the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT-2000).It studied compatibility services for the terrestrial component with S-UMTS/IMT-2000 including, in particular, Multimedia Broadcasting/Multicasting Service (MBMS).
    The working group was also responsible for maintaining and developing the co-operation with the working group Satellite IMT-2000 from TTA on the harmonisation of the SW-CDMA and SAT-CDMA. This working group closed in 2007, this work has been continued by the ETSI/SES/MSS Working Group.
There are many other ETSI WGs outside of TC SES that standardise technology that is employed in satellite systems. Some of these are:
  • WG ETSI/Broadcast

    Summary: This is a joint EBU/CENELEC/ETSI Technical Committee that is responsible for broadcast systems for television, radio, data and other new services via satellite, cable, SMATV and terrestrial transmitters. It prepares standards for the primary transmission of programmes or programme material, including both contribution and distribution circuits. This includes cable networks and distribution systems, and B-ISDN networks.
    It also assesses the work performed within the framework of the technical module of the DVB MoU, CENELEC, WorldDAB, and ETSI TCs as well as European Broadcast Union (EBU) working parties and keeping appropriate liaison with them. To propose any appropriate action to make the elaboration of these standards the most efficient possible, including work programme allocation, where necessary.

    Web link: http://portal.etsi.org/
     
  • WG ETSI/3GPP
    Generic Data Broadcasting & Service Information Protocols

    Summary: The original scope of the 3GPP WG is to produce globally applicable Technical Specifications (TS) and Technical Reports (TR) for a 3rd Generation Mobile System based on evolved GSM core networks and the radio access technologies that they support (i.e., Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) both Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) modes). The work is closely linked to the 3GPP organisation.
    The scope was subsequently amended to include the maintenance and development of the Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) Technical Specifications and Technical Reports including evolved radio access technologies (e.g. General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)).

    Web link: http://portal.etsi.org/3gpp/, http://www.3gpp.org
     
  • WG ETSI/TIPHON (QoS) now TISPAN

    Summary: To be responsible for all aspects of standardisation for present and future converged networks including the Next Generation Network (NGN)

    Note: This group and TC SPAN have now been closed and the work is now performed in TISPAN.

    Web link: http://portal.etsi.org/tispan/
     
F GBSI Global Broadband Satellite Initiative
Organisation: Independent Forum (MOU signatories)

Standards: via other organisations (e.g., ITU-R)

Summary: GBSI focuses on providing a concrete solution to bridging the "digital divide". GBSI recognizes that satellite infrastructure, including the use of existing satellite capacity, is a powerful way to provide universal, affordable and high-speed Internet access. GBSI is based on the successful GSM (Global Standard for Mobile communications) model promoted by the European Union for the development of the second generation of mobile telephony. The group contributes to other organisations, specifically ITU.

Web link:
 
F GVF Global VSAT Forum
Organisation: Independent/non-profit

Standards: Recommendations

Summary: The Global VSAT Forum (GVF) is an association of key companies involved in the business of delivering advanced satellite systems and services to consumers, commercial and government enterprises worldwide. It is a non-profit entity, which acts on a global basis. It is independent and non-partisan and represents any Member Company or Member Organisation with an interest in the development of the VSAT industry. Key GVF activities are the promotion of standards within the satellite community and development of strategies to seek global harmonisation of the regulatory environment.

Web link: http://www.gvf.org
 
IS IEEE Institution of Electronic and Electrical Engineers
Organisation: International/non-profit

Standards: International standards

Summary: The IEEE is a non-profit, technical professional association of more than 360,000 individual members in approximately 175 countries. The full name is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., although the organization is most popularly known and referred to by the letters I-E-E-E.
Through its members, the IEEE is a leading authority in technical areas ranging from computer engineering, biomedical technology and telecommunications, to electric power, aerospace and consumer electronics, among others. The IEEE has no known activities relating to specific satellite, never-the-less IEEE standards are employed at the network interface of many satellite systems.

Web link: http://standards.ieee.org
 
IS IETF The Internet Engineering Task Force
Organisation: International/non-profit

Standards: International standards (brought about by consensus of the IETF approved by the IESG)

Summary: The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is a large open international community of network designers, operators, vendors, and researchers concerned with the evolution of the Internet architecture and the smooth operation of the Internet. It is open to any interested individual. The actual technical work of the IETF is performed in its working groups, which are organized by topic into several areas (e.g., routing, transport, security, etc.). There are various working groups covering a wide-range of issues relating to Internet protocols. There are no specific working groups exclusively covering satellite issues, although a number of working groups do consider protocols that impact performance of satellite networks.

The IETF working groups are grouped into areas, and managed by Area Directors, or ADs. The ADs are members of the Internet Engineering Steering Group (IESG). Providing architectural oversight is the Internet Architecture Board, (IAB). The IAB also adjudicates appeals when someone complains that the IESG has failed. The IAB and IESG are chartered by the Internet Society (ISOC) for these purposes. The General Area Director also serves as the chair of the IESG and of the IETF, and is an ex-officio member of the IAB. The IETF has ad-hoc liaison activities with many groups, and works closely with a limited number of other standards organisations.

Web link: http://www.ietf.org/

The current set of IETF Areas comprises:
  1. Applications Area
  2. General Area
  3. Internet Area
  4. Operations and Management Area
  5. Routing Area
  6. Security Area
  7. Transport Area

WG Some working groups that are relevant to satellite activities:
  • ipdvb (IP over DVB)
  • mip4 (Mobility for IPv4)
  • mip6 (Mobility for IPv6)
  • mipshop (MIPv6 Signaling and Handoff Optimization)
  • nemo (Network Mobility)
  • mboned (MBONE Deployment)
  • mobike (IK Ev2 Mobility and Multihoming)
  • msec (Multicast Security)
  • tsvwg (Transport Area Working Group)
     
F IRTF The Internet Research Task Force
Organisation: International/non-profit

Standards: International standard documents relating to known problems and new techniques (published as Informational RFCs)

Summary: The Internet Research Task Force (IRTF) is an international community of researchers seeking to promote research of importance to the evolution of the future Internet by creating focused, long-term and small Research Groups working on topics related to Internet protocols, applications, architecture and technology. There are no specific working groups exclusively covering satellite issues, although a number of working groups do consider protocols that impact performance of satellite networks.
Research Groups work on topics related to Internet protocols, applications, architecture and technology. Participation is by individual contributors, rather than by representatives of organizations. Research groups usually have open membership, but may be restricted in some cases.

Web link: http://www.irtf.org

WG Some working groups that are relevant to satellite activities:
  • mobile operations (mobopts)
  • delay tolerant networking (dtnrg)

 
IS ISO International Organization for Standardization
Organisation: International Standards Organisation

Standards: International Standards

Summary: ISO is a non-government organization. Therefore, ISO is able to act as a bridging organization in which a consensus can be reached on solutions that meet both the requirements of business and the broader needs of society, such as the needs of stakeholder groups like consumers and users. ISO has no known activities relating to specific satellite activities, never-the-less ISO standards are employed at the network interface of many satellite systems.

Web link: http://www.iso.org
 
F ISI Integral Satcom Initiative Technology Platform
Organisation: Independent Forum (MOU signatories)

Standards: via other organisations.

Summary: This initiative seeks to establish a European Technology Platform for satellite systems within the 7 th Framework Programme (FP7). This aim is to drive European RTD initiatives in the period 2007-2013. The ISI platform is designed to bring together for the first time in a unified forum all aspects related to satellite communications, including mobile, broadband, and broadcasting applications, as well as their future convergence, with the explicit purpose to foster the entire industrial sector and positively contribute to several EU policies. ISI brings together all interested stakeholders from industry, operators, service providers, and research institutions to work towards the definition of a Strategic Vision Document and Research Agenda, encompassing technical, regulatory, standardization, and financial issues.
ISI intends to be a part of the European Space Programme, creating synergies with all its elements (including navigation, remote sensing, and security), and to interact with other relevant Technology Platforms, such as eMobility (terrestrial mobile and wireless systems) and NEM (Networked Electronic Media).

Web link: http://www.isi-initiative.eu.org/
 
IS ITU International Telecommunication Union
Organisation: International/government led Standards Organisation

Standards: International Standards/Recommendations

Summary: The Union was established last century as an impartial, international organization within which governments and the private sector could work together to coordinate the operation of telecommunication networks and services and advance the development of communications technology. All countries that are members of the United Nations are also members of the ITU. Whilst the organization remains relatively unknown to the general public, ITU's work over more than one hundred years has helped create a global communications network which now integrates a huge range of technologies, yet remains one of the most reliable man-made systems ever developed.

Web link: http://www.itu.int/home/index.html
  • WG ITU-T
    Telecommunications Standardization Sector

    Summary: In ITU-T, experts prepare the technical specifications for tele-communication systems, networks and services, including their operation, performance and maintenance. Their work also covers the tariff principles and accounting methods used to provide international service.

    Web link: http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/
     
  • WG ITU-T Study Group 13 (SG13)

    Summary: SG13 is responsible for studies relating to the architecture, evolution and convergence of next generation networks including frameworks and functional architectures, signalling requirements for NGN, NGN project management coordination across study groups and release planning, implementation scenarios and deployment models, network and service capabilities, interoperability, impact of IPv6, NGN mobility and network convergence and public data network aspects.

    Web link: http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/studygroups/com13/area.html
     
  • WG ITU-T Next Generation Network Global Standards Initiative (NGN-GSI)

    Summary: NGN-GSI focuses on developing the detailed standards necessary for NGN deployment to give service providers the means to offer the wide range of services expected in NGN. NGN-GSI harmonizes, in collaboration with other bodies, different approaches to NGN architecture worldwide.

    Web link: http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/ngn/index.phtml
    Web link: http://www.itu.int/ngnproject/
     
  • WG ITU-T IPTV Focus Group (FG IPTV)

    Summary: The mission of FG IPTV is to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards taking into account the existing work of the ITU study groups as well as Standards Developing Organizations, Fora and Consortia.

    Web link: http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/IPTV/index.phtml
     
  • WG ITU-T Joint Co-ordination Activity on Home Networking (JCA-HN)

    Summary: The ITU-T "Home Network Initiative".

    Web link: http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/jca/hn/index.phtml
     
  • WG ITU-R
    Radiocommunication Sector

    Summary: ITU-R considers the technical characteristics of terrestrial and space-based wireless services and systems, and develops operational procedures. It also undertakes important technical studies that form the basis for the regulatory decisions made at World Radio Communication (WRC) conferences. These conferences aim to allocate all radio spectrum to provide "equitable access to the spectrum resources". Work relating to satellite is performed in three groups:
    • WP6S Broadcast satellite systems (BSS Band)
    • WP4A Fixed satellite systems (FSS Band)
    • WP8 Mobile satellite systems (MSS Band)

    Web link: http://www.itu.int/ITU-R/
     
  • WG ITU-R Study Group 3
    Radiowave Propagation

    Summary: ITU-R Study Group 3 deals with propagation of radio waves in ionized and non-ionized media and the characteristics of radio noise, for the purpose of improving radiocommunication systems.
    It is constituted with 4 Working Parties:
    • WP 3J: Propagation fundamentals
    • WP 3K: Point-to-area propagation
    • WP 3L: Ionospheric propagation
    • WP 3M: Point-to-point and Earth-space propagation

    Web link: http://www.itu.int/ITU-R/index.asp?category=study-groups&rlink=rsg3&lang=en
     
F PSC Public Safety Communication Europe
Organisation: Industry-led forum (European) (International)

Standards: Standards through other organisations

Summary: Forum for Public Safety Communication Europe is established in order to facilitate global consensus on key public safety communication and information management systems issues between all stakeholders.

The Forum for Public Safety Communication Europe plans to foster, by consensus building, excellence in the development and use of public safety communications and information management systems to improve the provision of public safety services and the safety of the citizens of Europe and the rest of the world.

Web link: http://www.publicsafetycommunication.eu

The Satellite and HAps for emeRgency and Public Safety communications (SHARPS) Working Group is responsible for satellite-related activities:
http://www.wisecom-fp6.eu/pscforum.php
 
F SatLabs SatLabs Group
Organisation: Not-for-profit industry-led forum (International)

Standards: Recommendations only

Summary: SatLabs is an open industry organization working for compliance and interoperability of DVB-RCS systems (based on EN 301 790). The large number of options and parameters currently allow DVB-RCS implementations that are compliant with the standard but not interoperable. Work currently focuses on the following key topics:
  • Interoperability (interoperability and testing)
  • Cost Reduction (low cost components)
  • Availability (market development and specification of solutions)
  • DVB-RCS awareness (publishing information)
  • Standards Evolution (defining enhancements and performance improvements)
SatLabs believes that the success of the DVB-RCS standard requires the presence of interoperable RCS terminals in the marketplace. The mission of SatLabs is to complement the DVB-RCS standard with recommendations and guidelines to facilitate DVB-RCS terminal interoperability, and to provide a mechanism for formal DVB-RCS interoperability certification.

There is an official liaison with the SatNEx project regarding DVB-RCS related activities via SatNEx partner ESA.

Web link: http://www.satlabs.org
 
S TIA Telecommunications Industry Association
Organisation: International/Industry led National Standards Organisation

Standards: US standards (also liaison via ETSI/SES)

Summary: Represents providers of communications and information technology products and services for the global marketplace through its core competencies in standards development, domestic and international advocacy, as well as market development and trade promotion programs.
  • WG TR-34.1
    Communications & Interoperability

    Summary: The work encompasses issues such as interoperability among satellite and terrestrial systems and among satellite systems and services. These issues may include, both domestic and global, technical standards which are important to the industry. TR-34.1 will oversee a structure of Task Groups that address specific issues. In issues in which there is common interest with organizations outside of TIA, liaisons may be established to jointly determine how these interests may best be represented.

    Web link: http://www.tiaonline.org
     
  • WG TR-34.2
    Spectrum & Orbit Utilization

    Summary: TR-34.2 is responsible for standards and studies related to the efficient use of spectrum and orbit resources for satellite communications systems. The work of TR-34.2 includes both space and earth segments of satellite communications systems and networks.
    TR-34.2 draws on the broad interests and representation of the membership of TIA to create joint industry working groups to study subjects of intense interest to the satellite communications community, such as efficient use of spectrum through inter-service sharing by the new satellite communications services and the existing or new terrestrial services.

    Web link: http://www.tiaonline.org
     
F TTA Telecommunications Technology Association
Organisation: (none)

Standards: (none)

Summary: The purpose of TTA is to contribute to the advancement of technology and the promotion of information and telecommunications services and industry as well as the development of national economy, by effectively establishing and providing technical standards that reflect the latest domestic and international technological advances, needed for the planning, design and operation of global end-to-end telecommunications and related information services, in close collaboration with companies, organizations and groups concerned with information and telecommunications such as network operators, service providers, equipment manufacturers, academia, R&D institutes, etc.

Web link: http://www.tta.or.kr/English/new/main/index.htm
 
S TTC Telecommunication Technology Committee (TTC)
Organisation: Standards Organisation

Standards: Japanese

Summary: TTC was established as a private standardization organization in October 1985 to contribute to further activation of the field of telecommunications, in which the free competitive market principle was introduced based on the implementation of the Telecommunication Business Law in 1985, and to respond to the Japan/US Market Oriented Sector Service (MOSS) Conference, which was held in the same year. This contributes to standardization in the field of telecommunications by establishing protocols and standards for telecommunications networks and terminal equipment.

Web link: http://www.ttc.or.jp/e/
 
F Multi-
media Fora		 Home Gateway Iniative (HGI)
Organisation: Industry led Forum

Standards: (none)

Summary: The Home Gateway Initiative is an open forum launched by Telcos in December 2004 with the aim to release specifications of the home gateway. Several manufacturers have joined the alliance. HGI was formed to boost the market of home communication services to the millions of broadband customers served by its founding members. The initiative will drive the development of residential gateways supporting the delivery of services. HGI will contribute to appropriate standards bodies and especially to an organization as the ITU-T.

Web link: http://www.homegatewayinitiative.org/

Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA)
Organisation: Industry led Forum

Standards: (none)

Summary: DLNA aligns industry leaders in the CE, mobile, and PC industries through digital interoperability. DLNA encourages companies involved in all these areas to join and participate in the DLNA.

Web link: http://www.dlna.org/en/industry/home/

Open Grid Forum (OGF)
Organisation: Industry led Forum

Standards: (none)

Summary: The Open Grid Forum (OGF) is a community of users, developers, and vendors leading the global standardization effort for grid computing. The Open Grid Forum (OGF) is the "new" organization that resulted from the merger of the Global Grid Forum (GGF) and the Enterprise Grid Alliance (EGA). The OGF community consists of thousands of individuals in industry and research, representing over 400 organizations in more than 50 countries. Together we work to accelerate adoption of grid computing worldwide because we believe grids will lead to new discoveries, new opportunities, and better business practices. The work of OGF is carried out though community-initiated working groups, which develop standards and specifications in cooperation with other leading standards organizations, software vendors, and users. OGF is funded through its Organizational Members, including technology companies and academic and government research institutions. OGF hosts several events each year to further develop grid-related specifications and use cases and to share best practices.

Web link: http://www.ogf.org/
A number of other organisations have provided substantial support to the standards and regulatory development for satellite within Europe. Notable are the European Space Agency (ESA), which through its technology centre has supported the formation of DVB-RCS, Satlabs, pioneered work on regenerative satellite, new waveforms (including S.2, SatMode, and IMT-2000). ESA also participates in the activities of many other organisations, including CCSDS, SatLabs, ISI, etc. ESA also provides information on satellite regulatory issues.

The European Commission (EC) has also supported work in a variety of ways, including direct support to standardisation via the Cooperative Platform for Research and Standards (COPRAS) and MoSSA, as well as actively encouraging engagement in the standards and regulatory process for the projects that it organises.

SatNEx contributes to many standardisation organisations and contributes to presentations and workshops on standardisation methods and the current work of key WGs. Research is progressing on new technology appropriate to many of these areas within the portfolio of research covered by the Partners in the EC SatNEx Project.

Last update : 18th February 2008, G. Fairhurst.
 
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