EPIC Market Report on Challenges of Terrestrial / Satellite Communications – Including Optical & Timing Considerations by Tracey Vanik, 2022

Communication satellites are finally evolving from the RF (Radio Frequency) transmission technology that has been with us for the last 60+ years. Although RF is well known, it does have its drawbacks – including limited maximum throughput and the security risk in the form of interception and jamming.
However, Optical Satellite Communications support far higher bandwidths utilizing a secure, narrow laser beam. This beam can be quickly and precisely steered to correct for satellite movement – all courtesy of the photonic components.
This presentation examines the evolution to Satellite Optical Communications including the advantages, timing considerations, 5G integration, Security, QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) and the nascent Quantum Internet.