Satellite & Cable

October 16, 2002
Next-gen broadband VSAT solutions to the fore

Our Correspondent

There is no doubt about the important role of broadband satellite networks today. The increasing number of installed terminals, as well as the fact that a considerable portion of the top 500 enterprises in the world supplement and complete their telecommunication infrastructure with satellite solutions, is a clear indication of this development. Satellite network solutions are being increasingly chosen by customers to meet burgeoning requirements for global communications, particularly for a unique platform for voice, video, data and high-speed Internet access.

Broadband apps supported up to 8Mbps
ND SatCom's next generation of SkyWAN offers the highest processing power and broadest capabilities and is considered to be the most flexible, scalable and comprehensive communications solution available. It supports broadband applications up to 8Mbps per site. It provides a powerful communication solution via satellite for service providers, enterprises and organizations.

The SkyWAN network architecture
SkyWAN is a unified broadband platform supporting voice, video and data applications in the most cost-efficient manner. This MF-TDMA VSAT system supports all kinds of applications with the ability to send bursts from 256Kbps up to 8.75Mbps per site and allows high-speed, hubless communication between remote sites. Any station can be reached via a single satellite hop connection. SkyWAN provides instant bandwidth-on-demand through its fully dynamic bandwidth allocation scheme.

Space segment capacity is also assigned automatically to a station requiring transmission capacity in the most efficient way possible, leaving free capacity for use by other stations. By classifying different quality of service (QoS) categories, voice and real-time/non-real-time data are transmitted simultaneously with guaranteed service quality. Besides, standard user interfaces such as Ethernet and Frame Relay, voice/fax, serial synchronous and asynchronous connections are available and ready for applications based on these standards, providing a unified network infrastructure. IP applications such as file transfer, mailing, Web access, IP video, or voice-over-IP are fully supported.

Each market, industry or sector has a range of communication applications often specific to particular areas. Adaptations and amendments are necessary to cope with various requirements from these different user sectors. ND SatCom is sensitive to specifications and environments of such "vertical markets" and has built up a wealth of experience in tailoring support to fit the precise needs of each individual client. SkyWAN claims to have the technical capability and flexibility to fit to any customer needs. With over 3,000 installations worldwide, sample networks can be found in all markets, bringing valuable lessons learnt with it.

Need for tailored solutions
Satellite broadband solutions can be implemented in a broad range of industry segments, organizations and institutions. Each one of these so-called vertical markets require tailored solutions for their specific environments and conditions. Some solutions require significant knowledge about broadcast products, especially when mobile solutions are required.

ND SatCom is considered a leader in mesh DAMA VSAT technology, as well in the broadcast industry. It has a vast experience in designing reliable and robust SNGs and flyaways as well. Based on this and the SkyWAN, ND SatCom is well positioned to offer tailored broadband satellite network solutions globally.