November 29, 2024 | 5 min read
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What is Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology?

Expereo team

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology offers businesses the ability to access high-speed, low-latency Internet, providing a lifeline for remote locations and ensuring business continuity where traditional infrastructure cannot. Whether used as a primary solution for remote sites or as a backup option to enhance network resilience, LEO satellites are quickly becoming a game-changer in global connectivity.

But what is LEO satellite technology? How does it work? What makes it an ideal solution for businesses seeking reliable connectivity in challenging environments?

Understanding Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are part of a new generation of satellite technology designed to provide high-speed Internet connectivity at lower altitudes compared to traditional satellites. 

LEO satellites orbit at altitudes ranging from 500 to 2,000 kilometers above the Earth's surface, significantly closer than geostationary satellites, which are positioned approximately 36,000 kilometers away. This proximity means reduced signal latency and faster data transmission, making LEO satellites a great solution for real-time applications.

How LEO satellites differ from other satellite technologies:

  • Orbit altitude: LEO satellites are much closer to Earth compared to Geostationary (GEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites.
  • Latency and speed: The reduced distance means that data can travel more quickly between the satellite and the ground, resulting in lower latency and higher Internet speeds.
  • Number of satellites: LEO satellites are deployed in large constellations, with hundreds or even thousands of satellites working together to provide continuous coverage. In contrast, GEO satellites operate individually, covering large areas but with higher latency and lower speeds.

These characteristics make LEO technology particularly well-suited for providing connectivity in remote areas, where traditional wired infrastructure and GEO satellites fall short.

How LEO satellites provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity

One of the main advantages of LEO satellite technology is its ability to deliver high-speed Internet with minimal latency. This capability is achieved through several key features:

  • High data throughput: LEO satellites offer higher data transfer rates compared to traditional satellites, thanks to their closer proximity and advanced transmission technology. This ensures that remote sites can access cloud-based applications, stream high-definition content, and transfer large files without interruptions.
  • Wide coverage area: LEO constellations consist of multiple satellites orbiting in a coordinated manner, providing continuous global coverage. This ensures that even the most remote locations have access to reliable Internet connectivity, bridging the gap between urban centers and underserved regions.
  • Seamless handover: As LEO satellites move rapidly across the sky, they seamlessly hand off signals from one satellite to the next. This constant movement allows for uninterrupted connectivity as devices switch from one satellite to another without noticeable delays or interruptions.

LEO satellites as a primary connectivity solution

In remote and underserved areas, LEO satellites can serve as the primary connectivity solution, offering high-speed Internet where traditional options are either unavailable or impractical. 

Examples of use cases for LEO satellite connectivity as a primary connection

  • Remote construction sites: LEO satellites can provide immediate, high-speed connectivity without the need for physical infrastructure, allowing construction teams to stay connected and productive.
  • Energy and mining operations: Industries like energy and mining often operate in isolated regions with harsh environments. LEO satellite connectivity enables these sites to access real-time data and cloud-based applications, improving decision-making and operational efficiency.
  • Agricultural sites: Modern agriculture relies on IoT devices and sensors to monitor crop health and optimize irrigation. LEO satellites offer the connectivity needed to support these devices, ensuring that farms in remote locations can leverage technology to increase yield and reduce costs.
  • Offshore platforms: Oil and gas platforms located far from land require reliable connectivity for safety monitoring, remote management, and crew welfare. LEO satellite technology provides consistent, high-speed Internet that meets these needs.

LEO satellites as a backup solution for business continuity

Even in well-connected regions, businesses cannot afford to rely on a single connectivity source. Natural disasters, network failures, or unexpected outages can disrupt traditional broadband connections, leading to downtime and loss of productivity. LEO satellite technology offers an effective backup solution, ensuring business continuity and network resilience.

Advantages of using LEO satellites as a backup solution

  • Automatic failover: LEO satellites can be configured to act as a secondary or tertiary connection, automatically taking over when the primary network experiences disruptions. This ensures that businesses remain connected at all times, minimizing downtime and maintaining service quality.
  • Business continuity: With LEO satellites in place, businesses can maintain critical operations, even in the face of unexpected events. This is particularly important for industries that rely on continuous data transmission, such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.
  • Scalability: LEO satellite backup solutions can be scaled to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Whether it’s a small office or a global enterprise, LEO technology provides the flexibility to adapt to changing requirements.

Supporting global connectivity and business expansion

For businesses looking to expand their operations into new markets, LEO satellite technology provides the connectivity needed to establish a presence in even the most remote regions. This ability to reach underserved areas opens up new opportunities for growth and allows businesses to tap into emerging markets that were previously inaccessible.

How LEO satellites support global business expansion

  • Efficient deployment: LEO satellites can be deployed quickly, making them an ideal solution for businesses looking to set up operations in new regions without waiting for traditional infrastructure to be installed.
  • Cost-effective: Compared to laying fiber-optic cables or building cellular towers, deploying LEO satellites is often more cost-effective, especially in remote or geographically challenging areas.
  • Flexibility: LEO satellite solutions can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each location, whether it’s a temporary pop-up site or a permanent operational hub.
  • Enhanced business agility: With reliable connectivity in place, businesses can respond quickly to market changes, enter new regions with confidence, and maintain a competitive edge.

Ready to connect the unconnected – and keep it connected?

By leveraging LEO satellite technology, you can overcome the challenges posed by traditional connectivity solutions and unlock new opportunities for growth and expansion. 

If you’re ready to explore how LEO satellite technology can elevate your business, contact Expereo’s team of experts today. We’ll work with you to understand your specific requirements and design a solution that ensures you stay connected, no matter where your operations take you.

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