International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2013): 6.14 | Impact Factor (2014): 5.611 Volume 5 Issue 4, April 2016 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Implementation of E- Learning Using Digital Video Broadcasting-Return Channel Via Satellite (DVB- RCS) in Ghana Bernard Adjei-Frimpong 1 , Kinsley Akom 2 , Kwadwo Ntiamoah-Sarpong 3 1 Kumasi Polytechnic, Department Electrical and Electronic Engineering, P.O. Box 854, Ghana 2 Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Kumasi Polytechnic, P.O. Box 854, Kumasi, Ghana 3 Kumasi polytechnic, Department Electrical and Electronic Engineering, P.O. Box 854, Kumasi-Ashanti, Ghana Abstract: This paper presents solution to satellite communication technologies to improve quality of education and the benefit of digital technology to where previously Information and communication Technology (ICT) infustructure could not reach in Ghana. The target is to establish the best connectivity, infrastructure and services for E-learning and cooperate organizations in urban educational institutions and large rural and remote locations that lack infrastructure. The huge cost for wideband and significant broadband connectivity requirements, quality delivery of content, applications interactivity is the bases for exploiting DVB-RCS technology. The Architecture of DVB-RCS based satellite network supports interactive and multimedia applications. This network will deliver live streaming contents to numerous users simultaneously at any time anywhere. The aim is an implementation of high bandwidth multicast satellite technologies for education. The technology address live streaming of voice, data and video over IP contents simultaneously to numerous users in any location. This initiative is part of development of a two way satellite network, to support E-learning environments with emphasis with situations in Ghana, with solutions based on Digital Video Broadcasting-Return Channel via Satellite. Keywords: DVB-RCS,E-learning, Satellite, VSAT, Multimedia. 1. Introduction Application of technology in education has promoted the concept of e-learning which utilizes information and communication technology(ICT) via internet to create, enable, deliver and facilitate lifelong learning. E-learning is based on internet-enabled learning experience. The contents may include delivery in multiple formats, management of the learning experience, and a network community of learners, content developers and experts[7]. The huge potential for using information and communication technology (ICT) to promote E-learning is best the way, to enhance the traditional learning systems by extending education to broader audience who previously have to access and need to improve their literacy, social and economic state[10]. Improving E-learning provide a lot of advantages which includes:  Expanding access to educational resources for a lager user base.  Increase availability of information for all users  Improved lifestyle of the populace regardless of their social or economic status.  Ability to apply e-resources regardless of the user’s background. There are many locations around the world where social, economic and geographic conditions have limited access to full education. Majority of the world’s population live in suburban, rural and remote locations with little or no accesses to internet or communication and academic facilities [9].This is the case for developing countries like Ghana majority of the population in the country has no accesses to communication facilities, distancing them from quality education, social and health care facilities. Therefore, satellite network technologies with multimedia and internet capable is the best suitor for provision for e-learning[3]. These satellite network technologies for multimedia can be used to create, deliver and facilitate learning anytime anywhere. It enhances the delivery of comprehensive, individualized, and dynamic learning contents to support the development of communities, linking learners and practitioners with experts on real time bases [2]. These technologies also support high speed and high quality multimedia services with different quality of service (QoS) requirements. These multimedia applications including high- speed Internet, IP multicast, distance education (e-learning) and telemedicine require higher and flexible data rate and two-way communications [7][9]. This forms the reasons for the provision of an interactive channel for with satellite networks with fixed return channel terminals. The satellite link can connect most remote and rural communities to departments, institutions and universities in metropolitan areas anywhere at any time in the country due to lack of terrestrial infrastructure. This satellite network, known as Digital Video Broadcast-Return Channel via Satellite(DVB- RCS) is efficient and supports all internet broadband service. It has emerged as the platform to integrate satellite broadcasting capabilities with the internet infrastructure. The architecture of the system defines the basic set of functionalities required for user’s interactivity across the satellite DVB-S distribution system. With global internet becoming a multi-service infrastructure for new opportunities and applications for e-services. DVB-RCS is capable of providing efficient bandwidth which can support Paper ID: NOV162506 456