The satellite communication sector is rapidly expanding to meet the growing market demand for dependable connections. Furthermore, technical advancements in satellite components, downsizing of parts, lower launch costs, and growing need for stable connection in remote areas are propelling the market.
Illegal or unlicensed interference signals will be easier to detect and remove with the help of a spectrum monitoring system. Problem signals can be recognized as they arise in real-time by continuously monitoring the spectrum.
The current growth of the high-throughput satellite sector has boosted demand for satellite communication even more. According to BIS Research, the global satellite spectrum monitoring market is estimated to reach $5.14 billion in 2031 from $2.55 billion in 2021, at a growth rate of 7.24% during the forecast period 2021-2031.
However, as the demand for satellite communication links grows, so does the number of satellite signals and the amount of interference they cause, resulting in increased signal deterioration and poor operating efficiency.
As a result, incorporating a spectrum monitoring and interference detection system into the ground station has become critical in order to improve satellite service performance and income for satellite communication providers.
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Following are the reasons behind the increased demand for satellite spectrum monitoring in the space industry:
Increasing signal interference due to proliferation of satellite communications systems (SATCOMs): The introduction of satellite technology has changed global communication. In addition, new satellites are being launched with substantially better capabilities for various purposes to meet client needs.
High-throughput satellites (HTS) provide satellite service providers with a wide range of options for meeting the increased connectivity demand. However, the growing need for satellite communication lines with considerably better capacities for various purposes has increased the number of satellite frequency of signals has led to an increase in interference, both intentional and unintentional.
This interference would wreak havoc on the system, causing it to degrade and operate inefficiently.
Poorly oriented antennas, adjacent satellite interference (ASI), adjacent channel interference (ACI), and cross-polarization interference can all cause unintentional interference (XPI). These unintentional interferences are increasing as more satellites are being launched for different applications.
Rise in spectrum congestion due to increasing technological innovations: Lately, more people are going online, more data is being created, and due to this, more gadgets are connecting to the network. The digital ecosystem is rapidly expanding, causing the communication spectrum to become increasingly crowded and congested, fueling demand for additional spectrums.
Furthermore, applications for extended connectivity like 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite systems have raised the need for spectrum in many frequency bands. These networks grew in popularity because of their low cost and ability to provide a reasonable data transmission rate, offering users more mobility and comfort.
Adding more bandwidth expands the spectrum availability, and more significantly, it reduces the price for new entrants looking to provide wireless services.
The availability of new unlicensed wireless services alongside licensed-band services will only promote competition among service providers and, as a result, cut wireless service rates for customers. However, the lower prices might induce an increase in traffic, which increases interference and congestion, resulting in lower quality of service.
As spectrum is a scarce resource, continuous monitoring of the current spectrum from regulators is required, resulting in the need for an advanced spectrum monitoring system.
Internet of Things (IoT) Devices: In recent years, the adoption of IoT devices has increased. Increased connection and capacity, which has been provided by numerous technologies employing licensed and unlicensed spectrum, has been a key driving force in the adoption of IoT devices. Spectrum requirements for various segments of the IoT landscape depend on the various applications such as automated robots, connected devices, smart cities, and automated vehicles.
To summarize, adopting a spectrum monitoring and interference detection system as part of the ground station is critical for improving satellite service performance and profitability for satellite communication providers. As a result, numerous SATCOM operators are expressing interest in technologies that can identify abnormalities automatically and in real-time.