Indoor Signal Strength Evaluation of the Orbcomm Low Earth Orbit Satellite Constellation

In this connected world, communication in all kinds of complex environments is crucial. As a result, indoor satellite communication could enable many new applications and use cases. In this study, we explore the potential of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide indoor coverage. This is done by evaluating the signal strength of Orbcomm LEO satellite signals in multiple indoor environments within a suburban home. Starting from IQ samples, we developed an algorithm to calculate the Carrier-to-Noise Density Ratio (C/N0) as a key performance metric to compare environments when the Carrier-To-Noise Ratio (CNR) is above 0 dB. By utilizing a Software Defined Radio (SDR) in combination with this algorithm, we were able to evaluate the signal strength differences between environments. We found that the LEO satellite signals penetrated into every environment including the basement. The signals were even received with high signal strength in the attic, reaching values above 55 dB-Hz. Moreover, the signals were well received in every above-ground environment. Unsurprisingly, the satellite signals were received the weakest in the basement and only for a short duration of time.