Satellite
Characteristics:
- uses microwave to carry digital signals from and to both ground ground based stations and also between satellites
- satellites contain transponders that receive microwaves on one frequency which is then amplified and then transmits microwaves on a different frequency
- a typical communication satellite contain hundreds and thousands of transponders
- communication satellites are geostationary, this means that they appear the same spot above the Earth at all times, allowing constant access to a wireless connection
- Some satellites that orbit the earth are not geostationary and only allow connection to a connection when they are in the right location. They only allow access at a particular time
- Speed: 100GHz
- Capacity:
- downlink: 3.7 to 4.2 GHz for transmission from satellite to earth
- Cost: moderate to high (mostly high)
- Security: Poor to moderate