What is Bandwidth on Demand?
Bandwidth on Demand (BoD) is a satellite network resource management technique where additional bandwidth capacity is allocated to a user terminal or network node dynamically, on request or automatically based on demand, rather than being permanently assigned. This allows satellite networks to efficiently serve many users whose combined peak demand would exceed available capacity by dynamically shifting capacity toward active users and away from idle connections.
Technical implementation
BoD is typically implemented in the return link (user-to-hub direction), where capacity is shared via TDMA or MF-TDMA (Multi-Frequency TDMA) channel access. A terminal with BoD capability signals the hub when it has data to transmit; the hub's resource management system allocates a time slot and frequency in the next frame, up to the terminal's subscribed maximum rate. Sophisticated systems implement adaptive BoD that responds to buffer fullness measurements, adjusting allocations every 50–200 ms across thousands of terminals. The forward link (hub-to-user) direction manages BoD through DVB-S2 ACM and power allocation across spot beams.
BoD for enterprise services
Enterprise BoD services allow customers to request temporary capacity increases for predictable high-demand events (large file transfers, video conferences, software updates) via a self-service portal or API. Operators charge for BoD capacity as additional usage above the Committed Information Rate (CIR). Some LEO operators are introducing elastically priced BoD where additional Mbps can be purchased in real time through app or API, aligning satellite bandwidth economics with cloud computing's usage-based pricing model.