Astrium announces new SKYWAN 5G satellite modem platform at AfricaCom

November 12, 2013

Astrium, the world’s second-ranking space company, announces the upcoming launch of Astrium Services’ next generation SKYWAN 5G satcom modem. With this new modem Astrium brings simplicity to satellite communications.

The SKYWAN modem family is a reliable, flexible and versatile satellite communication platform for customer centric networks. It is a bi-directional MF-TDMA plus DVB system that supports voice, video and data applications in the most bandwidth efficient manner. The SKYWAN modem family is part of ND SatCom’s product range.

“SKYWAN 5G unlocks new business opportunities with improved total cost of ownership for service providers that need to leverage multiple hub or hubless network configurations – something that is not easily achieved by other vendor platforms” said Petra Visuri, Head of Product Management and Marketing at ND SatCom, Astrium Services. “The SKYWAN 5G modem is currently undergoing diligent customer tests and will be commercially available in Q2, 2014”.

Low cost of total ownership

The next generation SKYWAN 5G brings new benefits to its network operators. Total cost of ownership is significantly reduced thanks to the fact that only one type of device is needed for all roles in the network. This saves costs in terms of logistics, certifications, network configuration and maintenance.  

Enabling agile networks

SKYWAN 5G enables star, mesh, multi-star or hybrid topologies with Communications-on-the-move (COTM) support. No matter what type of network is requested, the unique hardware design of SKYWAN 5G reliably fits all existing topologies within the VSAT world. Each unit can act either as a hub or master station, therefore adding agility in terms of its network role. Geographical redundancy of the master station is already built-in. The device is so flexible that the customer can change the topology at a later point, use the unit for other networks or even split or pool networks together. Peak IP rates on LAN ports up to 20Mbps in transmit and receive direction is supported to cover current demands for network speed.

The smallest hub on the market
Measuring in at only 1 RU the SKYWAN 5G is the smallest hub device on the market that can also support its outdoor equipment using its own power supply. It offers the option of being either mounted in a rack or to be used as a table top device. Its light weight and slim dimensions contributes to cost savings on shipping and storage.

A SKYWAN 5G network requires no standard hub but enables high speed communication between remote network sites. With SKYWAN’s industry leading fully meshed network topology support, connectivity can be established between any two stations in the network with a single satellite hop. This capability allows deployment of remote to remote applications (such as video conferencing/collaboration, voice communications) between sites with minimal satellite bandwidth utilization and link delay. Up to 20Mbps bi-directional communication is supported by the TDMA system.

Through its ND SatCom product range, Astrium Services is a leading global supplier of satellite-based broadband VSAT, broadcast, government and defence communication network and ground station solutions. ND SatCom innovative technologies are deployed in government and defence, broadcast & media, enterprise and telecom environments worldwide. The ND SatCom technologies have more than 30 years of experience in the satellite networks and systems businesses, and provide a reliable source of comprehensive and secure turnkey and tailored system engineered solutions.