The primary differences between low Earth orbit (LEO) and traditional satellite connectivity lie in their orbital characteristics, latency, and application capabilities.
LEO satellites orbit at much lower altitudes, typically between 160 to 2,000 kilometres, resulting in significantly lower latency compared to traditional geostationary satellites that orbit at around 35,786 kilometres. This low latency in LEO satellite systems enhances the performance of real-time applications.
Traditional satellites, while offering broader coverage due to their higher orbit, face higher latency, making them less ideal for time-sensitive activities. LEO satellite networks, with their proximity to Earth, allow for a more extensive and interconnected network, offering improved capacity and enabling seamless global coverage. Additionally, LEO satellites are well-suited for applications requiring high data rates, making them a preferred choice for emerging technologies like IoT and contributing to bridging the digital divide in remote and underserved areas.