NSSL Innovation
Maximises Maritime Satellite Broadband Connectivity
(1 May 2008) NSSL, the international
satellite communications service provider, has developed an innovative new
solution designed to maximise broadband connectivity at
sea.
Many vessels, like super yachts and oil rigs, often have
large superstructures such as masts, which disrupt line of sight with the
satellite, causing a loss in connectivity while the vessel changes its heading
or turns around. To rectify this problem, NSSL has designed a fully automatic,
dual antenna selector that offers the coverage of two antennas on a single
airtime package.
CruiseIP is a non Inmarsat, non VSAT broadband maritime
solution. Established in 2005, CruiseIP provides a high speed, high quality
broadband communications solution to maritime users. Originally covering only a
small part of the world's oceans the service now covers the waters of the USA,
Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and most of Asia Pacific.
The
dual antenna selector box, designed by NSSL, maximises the airtime of the
CruiseIP broadband service by supporting the use of two antennas, and switching
automatically between the two as required. This solution negates the temporary
loss of connectivity caused by vessel orientation and blind arcs created by the
vessel's superstructure. The dual antenna selector automatically switches the
DVBS2-RCS satellite modem to the best antenna giving the user constant
connectivity without interruptions.
Andrew Sirkett, CruiseIP Product
Manager at NSSL commented: "One of the concerns about satellite maritime
broadband is that because it requires line of sight it is vulnerable to
disruption. This 'downtime' may be small and sometimes last only a few seconds,
but if, like many of our users, you have significant mainland interests which
require attention at a moments notice this can be serious issue." He went on to
say: "The dual antenna selector counteracts this problem, automatically
switching to the antenna with best coverage, ensuring an uninterrupted
connection and constant reliability for the user."
About
NSSL
Established in 1969, NSSL Ltd is an independent service provider
for satellite communications solutions. With a wide range of services and
extensive experience of systems integration, network management and application
development, our focus is on providing communication and IT solutions to the
maritime, government, energy, media, finance and corporate sectors. NSSL is
based in the UK and has a network of engineers and service agents world-wide to
provide in country support to its global customer base.
Most
importantly, NSSL prides itself as being at the forefront of technology with
service offerings for customers that want to stay ahead of the technology wave.
NSSL launched its broadband DVB-RCS2 Land Earth Stations in Florida and
California one year ago and has already achieved an installed base of hundreds
of customers in both the Maritime and Land markets globally. As a result of
owning and managing its own network it has allowed NSSL to further develop its
own service offering to its customers. 'Premium subscription' is just one of
many new innovations that NSSL will be announcing into 2008.
(source:
NSSL)
