Category: Blog

The next stage in unmanned IP data connectivity will be available soon with the release in February, 2012 of the Inmarsat BGAN M2M. A cost-effective alternative to saturated terrestrial cellular networks, this technology has been ideally made for the Utilities, Oil and Gas. Along with its ubiquitous coverage, the BGAN Satellite SCADA M2M allows for the following applications, among others:

• IP and non-IP SCADA
• Secure ATM/POS solutions
• Fixed Asset Monitoring
• Telemetry
• Surveillance

Inmarsat’s proprietary satellite communications technology will provide a global, IP-based low-data rate service for individuals and companies needing to accommodate permanently unmanned environments with high levels of data availability.

Custom suited for fixed assets such as pipelines and oil well heads, or backhauling electricity consumption data within a utility, BGAN M2M enables high frequency, low latency data reporting.

Considering BGAN Satellite SCADA M2M is a fixed Standard IP service, those who use the device can take advantage of data speeds in excess of 100kbps in both directions, while also allowing for the capability to transmit larger data grabs or interacting with remote devices on an IP session.

Along with the speed, you also have the ability to monitor your fixed operations wherever they are located due to Inmarsat’s award-winning I-4 satellite network, which is a collection of three satellites that cover all surfaces of the earth. Even with the cutting-edge technology, this product still comes with a simple plug-and-play terminal that allows for easy access.

Since the BGAN M2M is satellite based, with the availability of coverage being 99.9%, the connectivity will almost never be an issue for business-critical applications. While terrestrial or cellular tech can experience outages in severe weather or other extenuating circumstances, Inmarsat’s satellites are in a “geostationary” position, insulating them from the common communication issues felt by land based technology.

As for investing in this technology, hardware costs will be highly competitive, with transparent pricing packages normally based on monthly data usage, between 2 and 8mb, allowing for managers to have full visibility of costs.

The BGAN M2M offers ubiquitous machine-to-machine communications for increased operational efficiency, along with real-time visibility of operations and simple integration into your operations. For a more tangible look at the technology, be sure to go over the Land Service Comparison and the Land Applications and Services Information.

As we try to build the national Smart Grid in the most productive ways possible, one must think about all of the different types of technology without favoring one communications or networking technology above another. Taking into account its growing importance, satellite networking technology must play a decisive part in Smart Grid initiatives for the utility industry.

Satellite SCADA solutions deliver:

high availability

ubiquity

path diversity

The Supporters

The mobile satellite communications market is totally devoted to delivering an innovative category of Internet Protocol (IP)-based communications such as Satellite SCADA. A powerful smart grid depends on a strong network and remote communications infrastructure. This is significant for businesses to take into account whenever implementing their very own smart grid endeavors. It is not realistic to expect any one-size-fits-all communications solution to suit smart grid execution. By far the most practical strategy to satisfy this demand will be to take advantage of the wide array of transport technologies out there while counting on common open standards, like the aforementioned Internet Protocol (IP) standard, to incorporate into a individual overall network architecture. Although numerous types of broadband platforms might be employed, it is the businesses perception that the IP standard should be used for the end-to-end network layer should be used for the end-to-end network layer.

Satellite SCADA based services are an essential part of the multi-technology strategy demanded by the utility industry to obtain an end-to-end, smart grid communications infrastructure — one that will be reliable, fast, secure, and cost-efficient. Accordingly, the DOE must establish guidelines that are technology-neutral, never favoring an individual communications or networking technology more than another.

The Solution

Established satellite networks can be leveraged straight away to satisfy communications demands for utilities and Smart Grid. Satellite posseses an essential function for Smart Grid applications in the following crucial areas

Distribution Automation – A single, higher availability connection with an entry way which is fed by distribution devices, supports the traffic profile, high availability, and ubiquity.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) – Satellite provides a high-quality, affordable alternative to the conventional technologies, which have suffered with congestion, loss in coverage during disaster, and limited range. Satellite operates on safe networks, are not susceptible to public usage and its utilization of innovative antenna designs provide for much easier set up.

Mobile Work Force – New satellite technology may cost-effectively deliver rewards such as on-the-move vehicle connectivity and higher bandwidth

Disaster Recovery – Satellite technology is integral to disaster-recovery programs of utilities. Actually, the National Broadband Plan recommended the “use of broadband fixed and mobile satellite service for emergency preparedness and response activities, as well as for national security, homeland security, continuity and crisis management.”

Clearly, broadband IP Satellite SCADA services are fundamental to our nations foreseeable future, and needs to be looked at as the most effective solutions to permit the Smart Grid to function at optimum efficiency.

In remote locations around the world, Companies are looking at new and improved ways of upgrading their communications. High speed data is common place in the terrestrial sector however off the grid, it’s a rare commodity. Fast moving data is a necessity in remote areas to allow businesses to stay on top of potential network and/or equipment issues in real time. One of the most popular ways the satellite industry is impacting global business is via the BGAN Satellite Terminal, or Broadband Global Area network, a high speed satellite broadband modem that transmits simultaneous voice and data from anywhere, to any location on the planet when terrestrial connectivity is not an option.

We have put together a list of ten reasons why it’s should be a requirement of every business operating in remote locations of the world that need to access critical network and equipment data, to consider the BGAN Satellite Terminal.

Customization– The BGAN terminal comes in different styles and sizes of varying degrees of bandwidth capability depending on the requirements with the particular business application. In the Utilities or energy industry for example, a Wifi capable terminal is ideal for a Smart Grid Meter application that is often installed anywhere from 20 to 30 feet high. On the other end of the spectrum, an adventurer that is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and wishes to stay in contact with relatives and buddies and update his blog daily may only require to be hard wired in through an ethernet cable to his computer from the terminal.

Global Coverage – operates off of the I-4 satellites which are  geosynchronous birds that function via the Inmarsat network covering the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean Regions. This group of satellites covers the footprint of 95% of the earth?s surface. BGAN Satellite is truly a worldwide communications solution.

Simple-To-Use – BGAN terminals are developed to be a streamlined and user-friendly technology, making even complex data transfers a simple task. With no technical expertise required, and less than 5 minutes to establish voice or data communications, these terminals bring with them convenience and ease-of-use

Unobtrusive and Adaptable– There are many options when it comes to portable, fixed or vehicular BGAN terminals. This ability to decide the role the terminals will play, provides organizations with the features and performance options to suit many different operational needs. BGAN is extremely flexible in the various roles that it can play to meet the demands of unique organization applications.

Various Applications– It’s amazing how 1 BGAN unit, basically the size of an average laptop, can do so many things. Some of the applications that BGAN is most utilized for are email, browsing the web, secure VPN, SMS, videoconferencing, file transfers, live video streaming and remote surveillance, just to name a few.

Mobile Work Force– In big cities, WiFi does exist however it is the victim of range challenges. As long as the end user is outside, with direct line of site to the I4 satellites, broadband global area network is not plagued by these range issues.

Designed for All Industries– Developed with every possible scenario in mind, BGAN Satellite terminals have the potential to be used by any industry that has a need for remote communications where cell phones and Wifi access points don’t exist. Industries such as Mining, Oil/Gas and the Utilities, as well as for individual projects for journalists, aid workers, and engineers, everyone who requires dependable and secure broadband data and voice access.

Simultaneous Voice and Broadband Data– With a single BGAN terminal, you can access data applications in remote areas at high speeds, while making a phone call at the same time. You are able to select guaranteed data rates on demand with voice and data capability.

Performance – Data connection speeds of up to half a megabit are common in BGAN terminals. Add to that a portfolio of IP streaming rates of 32, 64, 128, 176, 256, and BGAN X-Stream, along with an ability to support ISDN at 64 kbps, you have some of the fastest world-wide communications technology around. This bandwidth capability is more than enough to meet the needs of most businesses that require a virtual remote office.

Network Reliability and Longevity -The geostationary location of satellites mean that service is not affected by typical terrestrial outages, which are commonly experience with cellular technology, particularly in extreme weather or when communications are compromised from a natural or man-made disaster for example. BGAN terminals provide the reliability you need to be confident in your business.

As you can see, there are many benefits to using BGAN terminals for your organization. To get more information on these systems

Industrial control systems generate huge amounts of data, traditionally monitored by information technology personnel. The introduction of BGAN M2M communication has made possible increased automation of monitoring and settings changes in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems used in factories, large office buildings, water and electrical utility systems and oil and gas pipelines and installations.

This automation can alleviate the necessity for often expensive and arduous travel to remote locations. BGAN M2M applications can link smart meters to a utility grid, collect oil well data, monitor the condition of oil and natural gas pipelines or communicate the equipment state of a wind farm to a central location. The increased flow of data allows a pre-emptive and pro-active approach to equipment maintenance which can only favor increased safety and security.

The BGAN network extends the reach of M2M communication to the entire globe, even to very remote locations where the communications infrastructure has failed or never existed. The BGAN satellite network offers simultaneous voice and data connections and covers the whole planet, except for its polar regions. This extensive coverage makes BGAN M2M devices ideal for disaster response and telemedicine programs, as well as for news coverage and business continuity after natural disasters and during periods of political unrest, when communications outages are likely.

Unlike previously bulky satellite terminals, BGAN’s highly portable receivers are rarely larger or heavier than a laptop and are extremely simple to install, point and activate. A Sky News correspondent used the BGAN Satellite network to cover the fall of Tripoli in August 2011, for example, much of it while in motion and from the back of a truck. Shipboard installations are also possible, and specialized BGAN M2M receivers exist as well for use in aircraft, overcoming the problems that doppler shifts pose for traditional receivers.

BGAN M2M models offer features specifically geared to SCADA installations, for instance automatic restart in the event of a power outage, keep-alive link supervision to maintain data connections even for periods of inactivity as long as 12 hours, and auto context activation allowing static orDHCP connections over either TCP or UDP networks. An optional battery provides power backup if needed.

BGAN M2M receivers do require a line of sight to one of the three I-4 geostationary satellites, most likely from out of doors. Assuming the user already knows the general direction of the satellite, a connection typically only requires about two minutes, one for experienced users. In addition, BGAN M2M receivers are ruggedly built and designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.

BGAN M2M devices can minimize travel needs for data collection and management, allowing information technology personnel to focus on the broader picture and implement planned maintenance strategies. Onsite personnel can transmit and receive data after only minimal training, improving communications with off-grid and other remote location. Field personnel like mining engineers and rescue workers can get information to base in a more timely manner, improving operational efficiency and the likelihood of desired outcomes.

Certainly the BGAN M2M along with the Inmarsat network deserves a look from any organization that operates in backcountry and remote locations, both from the point of view of safety and improved operational efficiencies.

Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) satellite terminals provide an effective meansof communication to remote locations where terrestrial connectivity may prove inefficient or inaccessible for use in such locales. Although BGAN devices are promoted for use in areas with underdeveloped or nonexistent telecommunications, these devices are also invaluable in situations that require prompt establishment of contact between those within the field and the base of operations. The following offers ten excellent reasons why BGAN satellite terminals are suitable for industries and organizations that rely on remote site monitoring and management of networks and equipment.

-BGAN satellite terminals offer reliable voice and data communication links between remote locations at a lower cost than other forms of terrestrial communication.

-BGAN devices can be configured to collect and transmit data for remote monitoring applications, as well as transmit command and control instructions to offsite equipment. Remote access can be facilitated without expending personnel or other valuable resources.

-Service coverage for a BGAN device extends globally, with exception to the poles. Maritime communication is also available via BGAN, with some limitations.

-BGAN terminals are built to operate under a wide variety of adverse weather conditions, providing reliable connectivity even in the most extreme weather.

-External battery devices allow the BGAN satellite terminal to continue operation after it loses its main power source in the field.

-BGAN terminals feature a compact form factor that allow for a greater degree of versatility regarding the placement of these devices. This compact form also allows for greater ease of deployment, as installers no longer have to deal with bulky equipment during the deployment process.

-Setup of a BGAN terminal only takes a matter of minutes to complete, making these devices valuable for disaster response, military operations and other applications where prompt deployment is critical. Many BGAN devices can connect to a nearby satellite signal and attain full connectivity with just the push of a button.

-BGAN terminals offer the fastest speeds of any satellite-based global data link, with a lower latency than most other systems.

-Users can connect to their BGAN satellite terminal using a wide array of devices, including Bluetooth, USB and Ethernet cables. Some terminals are also equipped to handle ISDN telephone calls, faxes and SMS text messages.

-The cost of purchasing and owning a BGAN terminal makes it worthwhile for organizations with strict fiscal budgets. BGAN Satellite terminals do not require a heavy initial investment, nor do they require expensive upkeep.

BGAN satellite terminals are a cost effective and flexible method of monitoring and communicating with remote work sites where ordinary terrestrial communications are simply not an option. Those within the oil, utility, mining and defense industries, as well as disaster response, telemedicine and world travelers have experienced the benefits of utilizing BGAN Satellite Communication Technology for effective and reliable communications in remote places around the world.

Race team uses connectivity to tackle the elements in the Solar Challenge.

National pride was at stake when students from the University Of New South Wales (UNSW) took their solar powered vehicle tom the ultimate test. Equipped with nothing more than a BGAN Satellite and an IsatPhone Pro, they drove 3,000km across the unforgiving Outback.

The drive was all part of the World Solar Challenge in which 37 teams, representing 20 different countries, made the trek from Darwin to Adelaide.

The partnership team with Sunswift IV

Addcom Contact Solutions were on board to support the solar efforts of UNSW’s Sunswift Team. Addcom provides Inmarsat services as solutions for businesses across the country.

The state-of-the-art vehicular terminal was comprised of a pair of IsatPhone Pro satellite phones, generously provided by Addcom, as well as an Addvalue Wideye Safari land vehicular BGAN terminal. Those items added a real touch of technology to the Sunswift IV carbon fibre vehichle.

Those additions were not just for show though, and were put in place to provide internet access and voice calls that were critical to running the race. This is especially true when you consider that 3G networks are virtually nowhere to be found in the Australian Outback.

The equipment was so efficient the team was able to stay connected even at speeds of up to 100km/h.

The Sunswift team used BGAN terminals to access a supercomputer located at the UNSW. From there they were able to access hourly weather data that helped them attain top speeds without killing their battery.

Other BGAN Satellite uses included Keeping race followers updated via social media, and Updating their web-based Sunswift Live map which allowed fans to track the team’s exact location

They were also able to use the IsatPhone Pro to keep in contact with their support team and the race HQ.

All the teams were forced to battle dust storms, bush fires and extreme temperatures. By the time it was all over only 7 of the original 37 teams made it to the end, with Sunswift taking sixth position.

Robert Lewis, national channel manager at Addcom Contact Solutions praised the team and the technology they used. He claimed that it was a credit to both that they were able to finish the races despite cloudy skies and temperature changes, pointing out that the data that the Sunswift team was able to download played a major part in their success.

The Satellite Optimizer Hotspot is a new product that might revolutionize the satellite communication industry. Far too many times we have wanted to slam our faces into the desk in desperation when things just wouldn’t load quickly enough. Fortunately, the satellite optimizer hotspot has introduced a whole new level of innovation. The benefits are endless. The whole concept just might be the greatest thing since sliced bread!

To begin with, the satellite optimizer hotspot practically travels at the speed of light. Your web browsing experience can load up to 3-5 times faster when in use with the product. Along with this, email can be accessed about 20 times faster than it would with a standard network. With all this speed and optimization, up to 85% of your airtime bill can be saved!

To begin with, the satellite optimizer hotspot practically travels at the speed of light. Your web browsing experience can load up to 3-5 times faster when in use with the product. Along with this, email can be accessed about 20 times faster than it would with a standard network. With all this speed and optimization, up to 85% of your airtime bill can be saved!

In addition, The Satellite Optimizer Hotspot can be used with satellite phones such as the IsatPhone Pro, the Iridium 9505A, and the Iridium 9555. It can also be used with certain types of devices via BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network.) BGAN is a global satellite network that operates through terminals, which are portable, reliable, and efficient. The Satellite Optimizer Hotspot uses BGAN to the advantage of its user, enhancing it for incredible speed and liability. When using BGAN through these kinds of handhelds with the hotspot, the odds of dropping calls is significantly reduced. There is no doubt that the Satellite Optimizer Hotspot has the advantage when it comes to convenience and stabilization.

Also, the Satellite Optimizer Hotspot can also be used globally with maritime services such as FleetBroadband. The service is cost-efficient, using a compact antenna to connect with satellites. The Optimizer Hotspot is not only used for luxury, though. It can be used in the time of emergency. There are phone tracking stations available such as MSAT-G2 (which is provided by various organizations), that feature a dispatch push to talk option via satellite. Through these stations, you can communicate through a reliable connection when networks on land are unavailable.

In times of need, you can be assured a stable method of communication. Who knows- the Satellite Optimizer Hotspot might just save your life!
All in all, the Satellite Optimizer Hotspot is an extraordinary, innovative product. It is the solution to enraging lag, pricey bills, and so much more! So what are you waiting for? Call ISS for more information today, you don’t want to miss out on this technology.

On many vessels in this day and age communication in offshore waters is essential to the smooth function of the ship. The Oceana 800 helps simplify this ease of remote communications by providing a efficient, fast, easy way to communicate via satellite an all-in-one IP54 maritime interface. It’s adaptable to take anywhere from two to five corded/cordless phone or integration into a PABX system which also includes built-in intelligence to support standard ring, busy, and dial tones via an intelligent RJ11/POT interface. The Oceana 800 provides options for Bluetooth capabilities, as well as a full color LCD screen for easy viewing of information such as phone numbers stored on the device. The system includes up to 2000ft of cabling so placing it on hard to reach places such as lower decks isn’t a problem. Ease of installation means that even the least technically savvy individual can install this system.

This satellite phone comes equipped with a internal SIM for easy storage of phone numbers and SMS messages as well as a secondary SIM socket for easy transfer of information that overrides the internal memory. It also includes such amenities such as hands-free speaker phone, wall-mounting, USB data ports, and a privacy handset. This phone is aimed at larger vessels such as cargo haulers or pleasure ships but even in the smallest fishing ship could find it’s use invaluable. This all-in-on system operates with Inmarsat “Fleetphone” telephony service that includes a dedicated marine class antenna system for instant use at anytime.

Fleet calls are as low as 55 cents per minute which incorporate 505 emergency calling, a complete set location tracking information as well as periodic location messaging (including heading, speed, and speed) with the ability to send and receive e-mails via the LCD screen by using an intergrated GPS engine system. The system helps provide crews with an additional safety net when operating on the high seas by allowing communication with emergency services when out of the range of terrestrial services such as land-based cellular towers that provides an unprecedented reliability in ship-based communications that can save your life in the event of an emergency.

Overall this phone provides excellent value (only retailing 2,300 USD)for a wide-range of applications and uses. From the smallest tug to the largest freighter the Oceana 800 has a place and use on any vessel with value that’s pretty unprecedented in phones of it’s class.

Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) is a broadband satellite internet network providing connectivity via portable and fixed terminals. International Satellite Services, Inc is introducing the BGAN 9502 satellite IP solution. The BGAN 9502 provides real-time high-speed access for fixed locations through the Inmarsat service. This BGAN 9502 Satellite terminal is best suited for Machine to Machine (M2M), Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) specifically designed for TCP-IP applications.

The BGAN 9502 Satellite SCADA terminal is ideal for applications in environmental monitoring, video surveillance, Smart Meter, pipeline monitoring, compressor monitoring and any other projects which involve communication with remote assets. This terminal is power consumption friendly as it only draws 3 – 4 watts for an always open TCP-IP network connection. In idle or hibernation mode the terminal’s power consumption can be as low as 0.01 watts. Given that most of these applications are located in remote locations, power consumption is a major priority. With this model, it is easy to use solar power which can be installed at a very low cost to power the device.

Apart from savings in power consumption, the airtime costs are specific to SCADA applications and competitive with terrestrial service plans. Unlike other service providers where connection charges include overhead from registering and other network costs, this service is only billed according to actual data transferred.

Installation of the 9502 is quite easy especially given that no technical expertise is needed to establish connection with the stationary Geo-satellites. Any experienced technician can set-up the system. The only requirement is that the antennae is placed out in the open. Connection to the satellite is established when the antennae is positioned relative to the location of the satellite. The installer will hear an audible sound and the faster the beeps, the closer the terminal is to locking onto the BGAN satellite network. The terminal includes a 10 meter RF antennae cable for flexibility in positioning the unit.

One of the greatest concerns in M2M communication is data security. Many VSAT options and other non L – Band solutions can be vunerable to hacker attacks. The first level of protection on this SCADA Satellite terminal has security enhancements with extended layers of security.