Satellite Communication in the Aquaculture Industry

Abstract

The aquaculture industry is growing as a global business and experiences an increasing demand for modern communication solutions. But as the production locations are farm-installations situated off shore in sheltered environments, adequate solutions are difficult to find. This report presents an investigation of the suitability of a satellite communication solution in the aquacultural sector, based on minimum requirements proposed by representatives from the industry. Important issues of particular concern to the aquaculture industry are datarates, latency and costs. The study is conducted by performing theoretical research and extensive field testing concentrating on two main solutions, namely a VSAT-system and the new BGAN service from Inmarsat. Our focus has been on the main challenges a satellite communication solution will meet operating in a maritime environment, including multipath interference, low elevation angles, unstability and availability.