Satellite networking is an exciting and expanding field that has evolved significantly since the launch of the first telecommunications satellite, from telephone and broadcast to broadband ATM and Internet. With increasing bandwidth and mobility demands on the horizon, satellites have become an integral part of the Global Network Infrastructure (GNI). "Satellite Networking: Principles and Protocols" provides a balanced coverage of satellite topics from a network point of view, focusing on network aspects, services and applications, quality of service (QoS) and principles and protocols. It introduces the basics of ATM and internet protocols, and characteristics of satellite networks and internetworking between satellite and terrestrial networks. It discusses the real time protocols including RTP, RTCP and SIP for real time applications such as VoIP and MMC. It offers coverage of new services and applications, internet traffic engineering and MPLS. It examines IPv6 over satellite using tunnelling and translation techniques, evolution of earth stations, user terminals and network protocols, and development of satellite networking. It includes a Companion Website featuring: Solutions manual, and electronic versions of the figures. This text is essential reading for senior undergraduates, postgraduates, and researchers in the fields of satellites, communications and networks. It will also have instant appeal to engineers, managers and operators in these fields.