AWS re:Invent 2025 - Architecting resilient global networks with Amazon Leo (ARC320)

Architecting Resilient Global Networks with Amazon Leo

Overview of Amazon Leo

• Amazon Leo is building a satellite internet service to provide global connectivity
• Launching over 3,200 satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) at 590-630 km altitude
• Aiming for less than 50 ms latency and gigabit download speeds
• Currently have 153 satellites launched, with plans to increase launch cadence in 2026

Challenges and Differentiators

• Addressing connectivity gaps in urban, suburban, rural, and remote areas
• Providing resilience against outages from natural disasters, fiber cuts, and other disruptions
• Simplifying management of disparate satellite and ground network systems
• Leveraging Amazon's expertise in security, manufacturing, and cloud infrastructure

Technical Architecture

• User antenna connects to satellite, which routes traffic to ground gateways
• Ground gateways connect to Amazon's network of Points of Presence (PoPs)
• Traffic can be routed to the internet, private networks, or directly to AWS
• Satellite network uses predictive handoffs and laser links for redundancy
• Advanced encryption and security controls applied end-to-end

Integrating with AWS

• Leverages AWS global infrastructure, including edge locations and Direct Connect
• Enables low-latency access to AWS services and on-premises resources
• Provides resilience through redundant network paths and AWS Shield DDoS protection
• Allows seamless management and monitoring through AWS tools like CloudWatch

Enterprise Use Cases

1. Connectivity and Backup:

   • Providing internet access in areas with limited or unreliable terrestrial options
   • Serving as a resilient backup connection for critical sites and applications

2. Private Networking:

   • Enabling secure, low-latency connectivity to AWS and on-premises resources
   • Integrating with SD-WAN solutions for hybrid cloud architectures

3. Industrial and Remote Operations:

   • Supporting SCADA systems, remote monitoring, and automation in industrial settings
   • Enabling real-time data processing and machine learning at the edge

4. Mobility and Transportation:

   • Enhancing in-flight entertainment and operational efficiency for airlines
   • Powering connectivity and telemetry for maritime, mining, and other mobile operations

5. Utility and Energy:

   • Improving power distribution monitoring and control through reliable connectivity
   • Enabling new data-driven insights and automation for utility providers

Key Takeaways

• Amazon Leo provides a global, high-performance, and resilient satellite connectivity service
• Tight integration with AWS infrastructure and services enables low-latency, secure, and scalable solutions
• Diverse enterprise use cases span connectivity, private networking, industrial automation, transportation, and utilities
• Customers can start with simple connectivity use cases and gradually adopt more advanced applications
• Amazon Leo's enterprise preview is now available, with general availability planned for 2026