Question

which of the following is a drawback of using an array of satellites positioned in low earth orbit (leo) for internet access?

a the customers premises antenna must periodically realign with the array.
b the technology offers higher latency than geostationary satellites.
c the satellites do not move relative to the surface of the earth.
d the satellites provide unlimited bandwidth.

Explanation:

Analyze LEO satellite characteristics

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites orbit at altitudes between 160 to 2,000 km. Because they are close to Earth, they travel at high speeds (approx. 27,000 km/h) to maintain orbit, meaning they are not geostationary and constantly move across the sky relative to a fixed observer on Earth.

Evaluate the options

• A: Since LEO satellites move rapidly across the sky, a ground antenna must continuously track and periodically realign/handover connection to different satellites in the constellation. This is a known technical drawback.
• B: LEO satellites offer much lower latency (approx. 20–40 ms) than geostationary satellites (approx. 500–600 ms) because they are much closer to Earth. This statement is false.
• C: LEO satellites move rapidly relative to the Earth's surface (unlike geostationary satellites). This statement is false.
• D: No satellite system provides unlimited bandwidth. This statement is false.

Determine the correct choice

Option A correctly identifies a major operational drawback of LEO satellite internet systems.

Answer:

• (A) The customer's premises antenna must periodically realign with the array. (Correct answer)
• (B) The technology offers higher latency than geostationary satellites.
• (C) The satellites do not move relative to the surface of the Earth.
• (D) The satellites provide unlimited bandwidth.