10 Considerations for Choosing a Satellite

Technology Platform

1
 The satellite communications industry is at a critical inflection point today.
There is a wide range of promising market opportunities from industries like
energy, utilities and aeronautics that are just beginning to embrace, satellite to
industries like cruise lines, oil and gas companies and defense organizations that
are expanding their investment in satellite communications to meet escalating
customer requirements. These, and other industries, are driving greater demand
for satellite bandwidth, with service revenues growing exponentially worldwide.

While the appetite for satellite communications escalates, the industry is also
set to enter a new phase of innovation. Next-generation high throughput
satellites (HTS) are coming online. HTS will fundamentally change the
economics of satellite communications delivering higher data rates at a lower
cost and launching a new era of performance and affordability for end users.

For service providers, success in the dynamic and growing satellite market
hinges on a shortlist of key factors. One of the most important is the ground
infrastructure platform on which a service provider builds its networks. Ground
infrastructure capabilities have a direct impact on a service providers ability to
capture market opportunity, meet bandwidth requirements, expand globally,
fulfill customer expectations and manage business operations.

When you choose a satellite technology provider, you need to think in broad
terms. You need to ask: What platform capabilities will maximize my business
opportunities today and prepare my operations for key requirements going
forward all while lowering my risk increasing my cost of ownership?

The following guide outlines 10 considerations for choosing the right satellite
communications platform for your business. No matter what market you plan
to enter or how large you want to grow your operations, these considerations
can make a critical difference to your immediate and long-term success.

1
1: Flexible Core Architecture
The satellite communications market offers an extremely diverse set
of opportunities. A typical service provider may be helping global
enterprises extend their IP infrastructure to remote offices, partnering
with cellular operators to backhaul voice and data traffic in rural
locations, creating a Communications on the Move (COTM) solution
for maritime and airline operators, or delivering core infrastructure to
militaries and government organizations around the world.
The satellite network technology required to serve these customers is just
as diverse. Different networks require different data rates, transmission
standards, satellite bands, network topologies, security standards or
specialized functionality like portability, durability or mobility.
The key to managing this diversity is ensuring the platform you choose
is built on a flexible core architecture. Some platforms are engineered
to support a primary network configuration or a specific vertical
market. By contrast, others are designed to support virtually any market
requirement. These are known as universal systems and typically can
support any satellite band, network topology or customer application.
A universal system becomes even more important as service providers
incorporate HTS capacity into their networks. High throughput satellites
are defined by different bands, beam sizes, earth orbits and technical
designs. Increasingly, service providers will need to manage a blended
service portfolio that combines multiple frequencies and satellites and
integrates HTS and non-HTS capacity.
Flexible Core Architecture
A universal platform that supports any topology, satellite band or
vertical market, giving service providers greater business flexibility.
Internet
Teleport
Hub System
2
Consider a universal platform, even if you plan to focus on a specialized
industry. The platform does not need to have all its capabilities
activated. Instead, core capabilities can be turned on through over-
the-air software upgrades when required. For example, mobility
technologies are certainly not required to serve a majority of satellite
communications customers. If a service provider wants to expand into
that market, it is more feasible and affordable to activate capabilities
through software licensing rather than by investing in a specialized
mobility platform or swapping out remote hardware.
2: Modular Design for Scalability
Launching a satellite communications network must be a measured
venture. Hub infrastructure is one of the biggest capital expenses
service providers face. In fact, the infrastructure decision can make
or break the ability to profitably expand, enter new markets and
introduce new services.
Service providers need to match investments in hardware infrastructure
and space segment with market opportunity. Find a platform that
minimizes your upfront capital and operating expenses, while giving
you enough core features to meet a wide range of customer needs.
Consider a modular architecture design - specifically, a hub chassis that can
be loaded with line cards based on customer demand. The conventional
alternative is a fully equipped hub that forces service providers to commit
to a substantial down payment. And most conventional hubs can handle
only one satellite and one frequency at a time.
Star TDMA
SCPC Return
Mesh Oil and Gas
Network
Mobility Application
Military
Maritime Network
Network
A hub chassis and line card combination enables a service provider
to start small and grow in line with demand. With line cards, network
capabilities are built into a more affordable and flexible hardware
device. Service providers can populate a hub and adding one line
card at a time, meeting varying markets and applications, instead of
purchasing and managing multiple hubs.
This design also enables a service provider to lease instead of purchase
network infrastructure for an even more affordable market entry strategy.
A hub owner can lease line card space to a Virtual Network Operator
(VNO). The VNO is then given direct control of its satellite network
through a distributed network management system (NMS). Once a VNO
has established its business and has reached a desired customer base, it
can then purchase and manage its own network infrastructure.
3: Wide Range of Terminals
Another key element of a satellite communications platform is access to a
broad range of remotes designed to meet distinct end user requirements.
The range should stretch from narrowband remotes that conserve
bandwidth to high-performance remotes engineered for bandwidth-
intensive applications and HTS networks.
Remote should also be available in diverse form factors. This includes
ruggedized, outdoor units that can withstand extreme weather
conditions. It also includes core modules or boards that can be
integrated into specialized aeronautical and military equipment. Further,
the technology manufacturer must have a plan to make its remotes
Modular Design for Scalability
With a hub chasis and line card system, service providers can build
out infrastructure in line with customer demand.
Hub System Line Cards
3
increasingly smaller, easier to install, quicker to deploy and integrated
with ancillary equipment, such as antennas, into a compete terminal.
4: Data Throughput Capabilities
For end users, one of the primary factors for choosing a satellite
service is data throughput. Some require only a narrowband link for
applications like SCADA monitoring, while others demand triple-digit
data rates to support bandwidth-intensive applications like HD video
and IP trunking. A satellite platform must be able to accommodate this
wide range of throughput requirements.
Increasingly, though, end users are pushing the throughput limits of
satellite networks. Oil and gas companies are turning to satellite to send
large data files, operate ROVs and support greater use of video. Cruise
ships are enabling thousands of passengers to stay connected using
their own wireless devices. Mobile operators are expanding 3G and 4G
networks in remote areas across large-scale networks.
To keep pace with end users, service providers need a platform that can
meet escalating data rates. That means high performance terminals and
hub equipment that can deliver major processing gains. It also means
that the platform service providers choose must be HTS ready.
5: Bandwidth Efficiency
As satellite communications becomes mainstream, more bandwidth
intensive applications and more traffic in general crosses a network.
Oil and Gas
Customers
Military
Customers
Maritime
Customers
While high-throughput satellites are set to improve satellite bandwidth
economics, space segment is still a limited resource. Service providers
need a way to lease the exact amount of capacity they need and
allocate it across their total customer base as efficiently as possible,
while ensuring reliable service quality.
Lets examine bandwidth efficiency on the outbound and inbound
channels separately as the technologies differ for each. On the
outbound channel, a key development is the introduction of faster,
next-generation DVB-S2 coding technology, which can improve
bandwidth efficiency by upwards of 30% over legacy systems. DVB-S2
efficiency can be expanded through a companion technology known
as Adaptive Coding Modulation (ACM). With ACM, a satellite router can
adjust to changing weather and satellite spectrum conditions and may
deliver an additional 50% efficiency improvement.
Much of the industry has now moved to DVB-S2/ACM on the outbound
channel. Yet, on the inbound channel, platforms can have very different
bandwidth efficiency capabilities that contribute to data efficiency.
First of all, there are two main transmission modes for inbound
connectivity: SCPC (Single Carrier per Channel) and TDMA (Time Division
Multiple Access). SCPC is designed for sites that need a high-volume,
fixed, point-to-point link. TDMA is a shared channel engineered for
service providers that want to share a pool of bandwidth dynamically
across multiple sites. One of the challenges of sizing an SCPC link is that,
as a fixed link, it typically needs to be over-dimensioned based on peak
bandwidth demand. This can waste costly bandwidth.
TDMA Mode Adaptive TDMA Mode
TDMA mode efficiently transmits As weather conditions change, the network adapts automatically to optimize
data and voice and supports the transmission for speed, availability or efficiency.
video conferencing.
Core
Applications
Internet
VoIP
Video
Under clear skies,
the router can use
all carrier sizes
dynamically.
4
Look for a platform that supports both TDMA and SCPC over the
same hardware. The advantage is that a network can run in TDMA
mode when bandwidth is not at peak levels and then switch to SCPC
mode when greater data throughput is required. In addition, TDMA
can be configured when a network is initially launched and then be
reconfigured to SCPC when a consistent traffic threshold is met.
Another inbound technology requirement is Adaptive TDMA, which
delivers benefits similar to DVB-S2/ACM. Adaptive TDMA enhances
return channel performance and increases network availability under
rain fade and spectral degradation.
Efficiency technologies on both the inbound and outbound channels allow
service providers to design highly efficient networks that adjust to dynamic
conditions, increase network availability and lower operating costs.
6: Advanced Quality of Service
A fundamental consideration when choosing a satellite technology
platform is Quality of Service (QoS). This is especially important today
as satellite networks support increasing traffic loads, driven by diverse
and dynamic applications. Your ability to create highly flexible and
customized service plans will enable you to make satellite connectivity
more reliable and affordable for your customers.
Look for a platform with advanced QoS capabilities that enable you to
adjust data rates dynamically based on the widest possible range of
SCPC Switching Mode
At any time, the router can temporarily
switch to SCPC modeto efficiently send
large data files that require higher,
dedicated bandwidth.
Bandwidth Intensive
Applications
Technical
Reports
Seismic
Data
Under heavy rain
fade, the router will
use the smaller
carrier size.
network scenarios. With a basic platform, you can segment bandwidth
by customer network and end user sites to establish corresponding
Minimum, Maximum and Committed Information Rates (CIR).
By contrast, a platform with advanced QoS enables service providers to
engineer more granular plans and pricing models by introducing factors
such as application prioritization and response to weather conditions.
Its imperative that a satellite service provider be able to prioritize down
to the application level. Lets say an enterprise customer wants a service
plan to support basic voice, data and video communications. Its likely
that if all these applications are running simultaneously, it will result in
network congestion. Service providers need to be able to sort out with
their customers which applications should be given priority over others
and then code these criteria into the network and incorporate them
into a customized service plan.
A satellite platform should integrate QoS with ACM and Adaptive TDMA.
This integration is critical because spectral efficiency is meaningless if
bandwidth is not being allocated where its needed. It also allows for
additional service level categories based on how the end user wants to
respond to a possible degradation of service due to weather.
Advanced Quality of Service
A platform with advanced QoS technology enables service providers to create
SLAs based on individual sites, local applications and other criteria.
Bandwidth Pool
24 Mbps
Service Groups
6 Mbps 18 Mbps
5
For example, a customer can choose to tolerate a gradual degradation in CIR
based on rain fade. Or, the service provider can continue to guarantee CIR
on a per-remote or per-application basis, even during a heavy downpour.
Not only can advanced systems segment bandwidth by application
and weather, they can switch transmission modes based on changing
bandwidth requirements. For example, a platform that can support
both TDMA and SCPC on the same router enables service providers to
tailor a service plan based on time or volume conditions.
This enables service providers to offer a premium service that will burst
to a higher data throughput rate when traffic exceeds a current SLA - for
example, during file transfer, data back-up, video, military surveillance,
telemedicine and other applications. When customer sites grow larger,
they can upsell their customers to a dedicated SCPC return link. All
this can be done instantly from the network management system and
without the need for a costly site visit to exchange hardware.
7: Data Security
Commercial customers want the freedom to transmit sensitive
information via broadband without the fear that this data will be
2 Mbps
3 Mbps
Customer 2
7 Mbps
2 Mbps 1 Mbps
2 Mbps 1 Mbps
intercepted or deciphered. A satellite platform needs to provide
encryption on par with terrestrial networks while respecting service
level agreements and maintaining data throughput.
Some encryption methods are not suited to this. IPSec (Internet
Protocol Security), for example, authenticates and encrypts packets.
However, Transmission
AES coupled with dynamic key exchange ensures even higher levels of
security necessary to classify an offering as a true private network.
A platform should also meet advanced military security standards. This
includes TRANSEC, FIPS, STANAG and STIGS standards.
8: Integration with Terrestrial Networks

Control Protocol (TCP) Acceleration software, critical for realizing
acceptable performance over a satellite link, must be able to read
and modify packets before they are transmitted. IPSec encrypted
packets cannot be read, and thus cannot be accelerated, resulting in
unacceptable degradation of performance.
Look for a platform that supports the Advanced Encryption Standard
(AES). With AES, all satellite traffic is encrypted concurrently. TCP
Acceleration can be performed, preventing any throughput issues.
Organizations want broadband access and uniform applications for all of
their corporate locations whether they are in major cities, remote parts of
the world, or on vessels in the middle of the ocean. Ultimately, it does not
matter to these end users what type of network is carrying their traffic
as long as the experience is consistent throughout and they have the
assurance of business continuity in the face of a primary outage.
From a service providers perspective, a satellite platform must
seamlessly integrate with a terrestrial network. For starters, this means

Integration with Terrestrial Networks

MPLS POP Hub

Core Router System Teleport

MPLS labels map to VLAN tags

Network-wide QoS settings
OSS integration with NMS

Integrating Satellite
and Terrestrial
Networking Systems
To accomplish seamless integration, MPLS labels
must map to VLAN tags on the satellite network to
preserve data privacy. SLA specifications on the
terrestrial network must be mirrored by satellite QoS
settings. In addition, a satellite Network Manage-
BGP ment System (NMS) must sync with a carriers
Delivering Seamless, Operational Support Systems (OSS).
Constant Connectivity
Terrestrial Satellite
Router Router Satellite and MPLS terrestrial networks can
Terrestrial SLA Satellite QoS be integrated to offer customers a single,
Data security VLAN tagging global service plan as long as core capabilities
on the terrestrial network are mirrored
on the satellite leg.

VoIP Data Video

6
withstanding heavy data traffic, guaranteeing bandwidth, and mirroring
QoS protocols down to the application level.
In addition, the satellite network must be deliberately engineered to
match advances in terrestrial networking. For example, many carriers
are transitioning to next generation Multi Protocol Label Switching
(MPLS) technology. To integrate properly, a satellite platform must
support advanced routing protocols.
Some additional points to consider: In a shared network environment,
the network traffic from different sites is separated through the creation
of Virtual Local Area
Networks (VLAN). VLAN tags classify where data is to be sent. A satellite
platform must support these identifiers to segregate traffic in the same
Mobility Capabilities
Baltimore
Automatic Beam Switching
With Automatic Beam Switching vessels can
travel across satellite footprints, maintaining
seamless connectivity without the need for
manual intervention by crew on board.
Rio de Janeiro
7
way an MPLS network does, where multiple VLANs can associate with one
remote router. The tags must translate between MPLS and VSAT, keeping
not only the addressing information intact, but also any encryption data.
The same goes for QoS designations. Customers can be assured of end-
to-end prioritization only if the satellite platform can offer guarantees
identical to those of the terrestrial network. For traffic with varying
SLAs to be handed off from MPLS to satellite, both need to be able to
identify the QoS rules associated with each packet.
For true integration, the satellite platforms management system must
sync with a carriers existing Operational Support Systems (OSS). This will
improve monitoring, troubleshooting, billing and service establishment.
Stockholm
Global Network Management
System
A single Global Network Management System
enables service providers to monitor and manage
each ships remote, ensuring a consistent
connection as it passes through separate
networks around the world.
9: Mobility Capabilities
A versatile satellite platform should be able to tackle both core
enterprise applications and emerging vertical solutions without
requiring expensive hardware upgrades or new network management
systems. One growing vertical market capability that must be
supported on a platform is mobility.
Three industries are rapidly adopting satellite for Communication on the
Move (COTM): maritime, military defense and aviation. With satellite-based
COTM networks, vessels become fully equipped stand-alone remote offices,
soldiers maintain contact with central operations, and airlines increase
customer loyalty and revenue by offering in-flight connectivity.
Meeting the needs of COTM networks requires several specialized
technologies. One of these is Automatic Beam Selection, which enables
a mobile unit to travel from one satellite network to another without
the connection being dropped, or requiring technical personnel to
manually adjust an antenna. Another technology is Spread Spectrum,
which enables broadband to run efficiently over a small antenna.
And finally, service providers need a global system to manage remote
IP routers as terminals move across beams, teleports and continents.
An IP satellite platform must address all three. It should also meet
military requirements. That means satellite equipment must be
portable and compact enough to fit in a backpack and rugged enough
to withstand the elements and rough terrain.
8
10: Operational Efficiency
An Network Management System, or NMS, is what enables a
service provider to run an efficient and profitable business.
Its the system service providers rely on to configure
customer deployments, measure network performance,
manage troubleshooting and ensure customer satisfaction.
The overarching goal is to effectively manage a shared and
expensive resource, satellite capacity, and ensure customer
agreements are continually met.
An NMS is an increasingly important part of a satellite platform
and must be thoughtfully examined. One of the growing
requirements for an NMS today is to integrate and manage all of
the network management technologies being utilized within a
NOC. This reduces technology complexity and lowers operating
costs. Another requirement is managing mobility applications.
Look for an NMS that can track remotes anywhere on the planet
through a single interface. It should also provide real-time
information on weather and satellite spectrum conditions.
Technicians must also be able to proactively monitor and
troubleshoot network challenges from within the NOC. When
looking at different platforms, compare their ability to detect
problems before they occur, respond to challenges rapidly and
automate common trouble shooting tasks.
An NMS should also give service providers complete visibility
into real-time and historical data so that network performance
can be tracked and measured. This allows them to discover
ways to fine-tune the network for peak performance.
An NMS can serve another purpose: to build customer
confidence in a satellite network. If customers can see what the
service provider can see regarding the health of the system,
they feel reassured that they are getting a premium service and
that their SLAs are being delivered.
Consider a customer portal, which is a customized Web
interface. This option provides the customer with access to the
patterns and trends that affect their network. If performance
does suffer, understanding where and why helps with the
process of SLA reconciliation. Also, customers who know how
they are consuming bandwidth can make more informed
decisions about current and future capacity requirements.

Conclusion
Today, theres a rich opportunity for broadband service providers and
terrestrial and mobile carriers to grow their business through satellite
services. But a large part of their success comes down to choosing the
right technology platform. They need a platform thats highly reliable,
that can position them to serve any geography or vertical market
and thats easy to manage. They need a technology they can invest in
smartly - entering the market affordably, capturing revenue quickly and
scaling in line with business demand. And they require the advanced
tools to run a tight operation, flexible options to craft a competitive
advantage and the ability to meet increasing customer demands.
9
Ten Considerations for Choosing a
Satellite Technology Platform
1. Flexible Core Architecture: A platform that supports
multiple network technologies and works in any satellite band
can serve a diverse array of satellite communications customers.
This is even more important as HTS networks bring new and
diverse complexities to satellite networks.
2. Modular Design for Scalability: Consider a hub chassis and line
card combination to ease start up costs and grow with demand.
3. Wide Range of Terminals: Service providers need to meet
application- and industry-specific requirements and make
satellite easier to manage. A wide range of distinct remotes is
key to capturing broad market opportunity.
4. Data Throughput Capabilities: Be sure the platform you
choose has the processing power to support HTS data rates, while
also providing economical gear for narrowband applications.
5. Bandwidth Efficiency: Understand your options beyond
DVB-S2 to increase bandwidth efficiency on both the
inbound and outbound channel.
6. Advanced Quality of Service: The ability to tailor highly
customized SLAs enables service providers to create new
pricing models, differentiate their service and improve the end
user experience.
7. Data Security: A satellite platform that utilizes the Advanced
Encryption Standard (AES) provides security that mirrors a
terrestrial network, while respecting SLAs and maintaining data
throughput. The platform should also ensure military-grade
security for defense applications.
8. Integration with Terrestrial Networks: Seamless
integration means a satellite platform must withstand heavy
data traffic, guarantee bandwidth levels, utilize QoS protocols
down to the application level, and stay in step with advances in
terrestrial networking.
9. Mobility Capabilities: A versatile platform should include
advanced mobility capabilities to compete in the growing
maritime, military defense and aviation markets.
10. Operational Efficiency: An advanced network management
solution is what enables a service provider to run an efficient,
reliable and profitable business. Giving customers visibility to
network data is critical to maintaining customer satisfaction and
understanding and resolving performance issues.
 iDirect
13865 Sunrise Valley Drive
Herndon, VA 20171
+1 703.648.8000
+1 866.345.0983
www.idirect.net
Advancing a Connected World

10