Media Access Techniques for Efficient Channel Utilization in SATCOM Interactive Networks

Media access protocols are the core of the low-level network architecture of communications systems and play a pivotal role in the efficient utilization of shared media. Media access protocols are designed to coordinate the transmission and to reduce the collision over the shared media, and they govern efficient access and improved quality of service. In the wireless domain, bandwidth has always been a critical resource and must be utilized efficiently. Media access protocol helps to manage the access of the media to meet the service requirements. Protocols are intended to provide high channel throughput and low transmission delay. In this paper, we present the techniques employed by media access protocols, classification approach, impact of the network parameters, and protocol suitability as per the service requirement. The comparative outline of the protocols has also been presented. This paper provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the MAC protocols for satellite communication that will be useful in selecting suitable protocols in real-life communication systems.