Abstract:

Through the construction of a satellite communication network system during the Chinese polar expedition of the “Tenth Five-Year Plan,” the capacity of the wide area network (WAN) communications at Chinese Antarctic research stations has been greatly improved. This article systematically addresses the status of the WAN communications at two Chinese Antarctic stations, describing the construction of the satellite communication links, computer network systems building, and the service provided by the system. Furthermore, it also elucidates the satellite communications, local area network, and VOIP technology that constitute part of the system. Finally, the plan for the future construction of additional communication technologies for use with polar expeditions is outlined.

Key words: polar, WAN, communication