Satellite network: a complete guide to satellite Internet

Satellite networks make it possible to connect users and terrestrial infrastructure through artificial satellites, providing Internet access even in locations that are difficult to reach with traditional networks.
In this chapter, we will look at how a satellite network works, how a satellite Internet connection is established, and the roles played by terminals, satellites, gateways, and inter-satellite links.
We will examine the main types of satellite orbits, with particular attention to LEO satellites, and see how large constellations such as Starlink can provide coverage, service continuity, and relatively low latency.

We will also explore the technologies used in modern satellite communications, from beams and phased-array antennas to Direct-to-Device systems, which allow satellites to communicate directly with compatible mobile phones.

Satellite network

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Key points

User terminal → satellite → gateway → terrestrial network → Internet represents the fundamental path of a satellite connection.

Satellite ≠ server: it primarily performs a communication and data-forwarding function between different parts of the network.

Satellite constellation = a coordinated group of satellites used to provide coverage and communication services over specific areas.

Inter-Satellite Links → direct communication between satellites, allowing data to travel through the constellation before returning to Earth.

LEO ≠ MEO ≠ GEO: these orbits differ mainly in altitude, affecting coverage, satellite movement, and latency.

GEO → wide coverage + apparently fixed position + higher latency, due to the great distance from the Earth’s surface.

LEO → shorter distance + lower latency + movement relative to the user, generally requiring large constellations.

Satellite handover = transfer of the connection between satellites, beams, or links in order to maintain service continuity.

Beam = radio beam; footprint = the area on Earth covered by the beam, with multiple beams that can be used simultaneously by the same satellite.

Phased array = an antenna that electronically steers the radio beam, without having to continuously rotate the entire antenna.

Link quality → clear view of the sky + atmospheric conditions + available capacity + congestion, not only distance from the satellite.

Satellite network → an effective access network for hard-to-reach areas, but it does not necessarily replace terrestrial Internet infrastructure.

Satellite network + terrestrial network = an integrated system, in which gateways, routers, data centers, and backbone networks continue to perform essential functions.

Direct-to-Device = direct communication between a mobile phone and a satellite, progressively integrating mobile networks and satellite networks.

febogamedev | August 27, 2026 | 8:05 am

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Satellite network: a complete guide to satellite Internet