Orbnät

Orbnät is a Swedish term for a network infrastructure based on satellites in orbit that provides telecommunications and data services globally. The word combines orbit and nät, meaning network. In Swedish technical discourse, orbnät describes orbital satellite constellations that enable wide-area connectivity and data transfer independent of terrestrial infrastructure.

Concept and deployment: The idea gained prominence with large satellite constellations in low Earth orbit during the 2010s and 2020s. Real-world systems such as Starlink, OneWeb, and Kuiper illustrate the type of network referred to as orbnät in Swedish sources. They share many satellites, inter-satellite links, user terminals, and ground gateways.

Architecture and operation: Orbnät networks use satellites in LEO or MEO positions, connected by inter-satellite links to form a dynamic mesh. Data is routed via satellites to ground terminals, which communicate with gateways on Earth. The topology supports adaptive routing based on satellite visibility and link quality.

Applications and benefits: Orbnät enable broadband internet in remote areas, maritime and aviation connectivity, and backhaul for IoT networks. Potential advantages over traditional GEO systems include lower latency and regional redundancy. Costs, spectrum, and device availability influence performance and adoption.

Challenges and considerations: Regulatory oversight of spectrum and licensing varies by country. Space debris and end-of-life management are ongoing concerns. Launch and terminal costs, service pricing, and user equipment affect market penetration. Latency remains higher than fiber for many high-demand applications.