To Space and Back: Integrating Next-Generation Terrestrial and Satellite Communication Networks#

Katarina Stefanović, Telecom Serbia

• Why: A surprising measured result: LEO satellite paths, though physically longer, can beat terrestrial mobile networks on long-haul latency and stability — with real data, not vendor claims.
• What: A 7-day continuous RIPE Atlas measurement campaign comparing Starlink LEO connectivity against 4G/5G mobile networks across multiple European countries, targeting an APNIC-hosted host in Singapore: Starlink consistently showed lower and more stable long-haul RTT (enabled by backbone efficiency and evolving inter-satellite-laser routing), while mobile networks showed higher jitter and EPC-driven processing delays despite shorter physical paths.
• How: Atlas probes measuring long-haul RTT, hop-count behavior, intercontinental routing paths, and jitter distribution; plus an architecture deep-dive into LEO mesh topology, ground stations, laser inter-satellite link types (intra-plane, inter-plane, crossing-plane), and NTN–TN interoperability per 3GPP TR 38.811 — including how beam handovers, congestion, atmosphere, and PoP presence shape user experience.
• Where applicable: Results are European-vantage and Starlink-specific; the framework (measurement-based comparison rather than assumptions) is general. Relevant to anyone evaluating LEO as a WAN or resilience path, and to the interconnection-panel question of whether LEO edges change regional peering economics.