SATSIX is a large integrated R&D project on Satellite Broadband Access. Within the 6th Framework Programme, SATSIX contributes to the strategic objective "Broadband for All" of IST (Information Society Technologies) and it is partially funded by the European Commission.
The main objectives of SATSIX are to lower the cost of broadband satellite access, through the development of new satellite access techniques and the integration of wireless local loops (WiFi and WiMax) and to develop recommendations, testbeds, trial networks showing how satellite broadband access will integrate Next Generation Networks, based on IPv6, and support new multimedia applications.
The SATSIX project will thus focus on satellite systems that
offer attractive solutions to the access segment of wider networks in several
main scenarios, that allow:
- for all types of users, to access the Internet and other
widely distributed networks (e.g. Virtual Private networks - VPN's) directly or
via local networks (WiFi or WiMax, LAN etc.)
- for corporate and SME users, to set up (virtual) private
networks via a backbone including satellite systems inter-working with
terrestrial networks where necessary.
The project aims at demonstrating that satellite systems can be very good drivers for the deployment of IPv6 in the Internet, and could even play a key role. They can offer a cost effective and rapid solution for ISP's to provide native IPv6 connectivity and services to geographically spread early interested users.