Network requirements for a satellite based National Research and Education Network

Abstract

All of the various research networks throughout the US are planned to be integrated into a single, nationwide research network by the mid 1990's. This network will be the third stage of what will be called the National Research and Education Network (NREN). A wide-band communications satellite creates a distance insensitive link between all users, regardless of their locations. In order to assure that a realistic satellite is designed for the NREN, good estimates of the network requirements are needed. This paper outlines the results of a study performed to determine the NREN requirements.<>