EE - Real-World Satellite Communication System

The Ghosh’s Lab studies how modern satellite communication systems actually behave once they leave the datasheet and enter the real world. Our work spans low-Earth-orbit (LEO) broadband and direct-to-cell (D2C) satellite service.

The goal of this project is to understand the real-world deployment, architecture, and performance of operational satellite communication systems. Two systems anchor the work: (1) Starlink user terminals (UTs) used as portable and residential Wi-Fi access, and (2) direct-to-cell satellite service, such as the offering currently deployed by T-Mobile and SpaceX, in which an unmodified smartphone connects directly to a satellite. Rather than relying on vendor-reported numbers, we measure these systems ourselves, reason about what the measurements reveal, and analyze the potential problems between various communication systems.

Undergraduate researchers will work closely with graduate students to plan and run measurement campaigns, build data collection and analysis pipelines, and characterize link and network performance over time, location, weather, and mobility conditions. Depending on interest, students may also contribute to measurement tooling and test setups.

Name of research group, project, or lab
Ghosh’s Lab
Why join this research group or lab?

Students in the lab can expect hands-on training and mentoring, along frequent research discussions. Undergraduate researchers will have more opportunities for direct feedback, 1:1 meetings, and close involvement in experiment design, project planning, implementation, and potential publications.

Satellite networks are changing faster than the published literature can keep up with, so measurement work here produces genuinely new results. Students get to answer questions nobody has answered yet using equipment they can hold in their hands, and see their data turn into findings the community cares about.

Students will have the opportunity to help shape a growing research environment and work closely with the PI and other lab members. Based on their interests, students have the flexibility to choose tasks that are measurement-focused, data-analysis-focused, or a mix of both.

Satellite and wireless connectivity is a rapidly growing sector, so the skills acquired through participating in this project will be valuable for graduate school and for industry careers in networking. and telecommunications.

Logistics Information:
Project categories
Electrical Engineering
Student ranks applicable
First Year
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications
  1. Passionate about acquiring new skills and contributing to projects.
  2. Self-motivation and ownership of assigned tasks to ensure that they are completed efficiently and on time.
  3. Ability and interest to work in a team as well as make individual contributions.
  4. Willingness to spend time outdoors and off-campus for measurement campaigns, and to collect data on a repeating schedule.
  5. No prior experience is required. Experience with one or more of the following is a plus but not necessary:
    1. Programming (Python / MATLAB)
    2. Data analysis and visualization (pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, or similar)
    3. Basic networking tools and concepts (ping, traceroute, iperf, TCP/IP)
    4. Linux command line and shell scripting
    5. Coursework in signals and systems, communications, or computer networks
    6. Embedded systems / single-board computers (Raspberry Pi or similar)
Hours per week
1 credit / 3-6 hours
2 credits / 6-12 hours
3 credits / 12+ hours
Compensation
Research for Credit
Number of openings
1
Techniques learned

The techniques learned include, but are not limited to:

  1. An understanding of how satellite communication systems—LEO broadband constellations and direct-to-cell architectures—are designed, deployed, and operated.
  2. Fundamentals of wireless and satellite links: link budgets, modulation and coding, frequency bands, handovers, and constellation geometry.
  3. Hands-on experience running network and RF measurement campaigns with commercial hardware, including Starlink user terminals and smartphones on D2C service.
  4. Data analysis
  5. Scientific communication, teamwork, and project planning.
Contact Information:
Mentors
Yuxi Chen
ychen67@nd.edu
Graduate Student
Emily Case
ecase@nd.edu
Yuxi Chen
ychen67@nd.edu
Graduate Student
Name of project director or principal investigator
Monisha Ghosh
Email address of project director or principal investigator
mghosh3@nd.edu
1 sp. | 1 appl.
Hours per week
1 credit / 3-6 hours (+2)
1 credit / 3-6 hours2 credits / 6-12 hours3 credits / 12+ hours
Project categories
Electrical Engineering