Demand Assigned Multiple Access

One of the widely used satellite channel access protocols is Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA). This technique matches user demands to available satellite capacity. Satellite channels are grouped together as a bulk asset, and DAMA assigns users variable time slots matching user information transmission requirements. While user notices no change in channel quality, the result is a dramatic increase of up to x4 in communications capacity, number of supported users and networks. DAMA is most effective where there are multiple users operating at low to moderate duty cycles, which is the typical military usage pattern. The network can assign different priorities or serve users on a “first come first served” basis. Prioritization technique is suitable for command type nets, while the minimum percentage operation is suitable for support/logistic nets.