iDirect Introduces New Features For Defense And Government Customers

March 29, 2011

iDirect announced that it has expanded its government and defense feature set. The iDX 2.3 release expands iDirect’s TRANSEC security capabilities, adds new FIPS 140-2 Level 2-compliant remote and line cards capable of supporting multiple return channels, and introduces a new feature that extends the battery life of portable satellite terminals. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

Combining TRANSEC with next-generation bandwidth availability  

iDX 2.3 brings together two significant iDirect platform capabilities: TRANSEC and DVB-S2 with Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM). iDirect’s TRANSEC-compliant software and hardware brings the highest level of security to a shared bandwidth system. ACM automatically optimizes link performance, balancing efficiency and availability as link conditions change due to adverse weather and satellite spectrum conditions. With iDX 2.3, iDirect has enabled TRANSEC over DVB-S2/ACM networks. Each remote deployed in a TRANSEC-secure network will be able to achieve optimal data throughput by utilizing the most efficient coding and modulation scheme at any moment in time. Networks that run DVB-S2/ACM typically experience bandwidth efficiency gains of 50% over non-DVB-S2 systems.

Extending battery power and mission life  

Through iDX 2.3, iDirect is adding a new capability to its e850mp satellite router board that significantly increases the amount of time an e850mp-powered terminal is able to operate on battery power for ultra-lightweight, man-portable applications. Called Transmit Key Line, the feature conserves power by turning off the BUC’s Power Amplifier (PA) when not in use. This innovation adds greater portability to Communications-on-the-Move units, as well as emergency response and command-and-control field applications.

Multi-channel demodulation, FIPS-compliant line cards

iDX 2.3 also introduces the Evolution eM0DM, a military-grade multi-channel demod- capable line card, as well as a full lineup of FIPS 140-2 Level 2-compliant line cards and remotes. The eM0DM line card will be available in two versions – non-FIPS 140-2 Level 2 and FIPS 140-2 Level 2-compliant. The line card can be activated to support up to 4 or 8 return channels through a future software upgrade, enabling service providers and end users to maximize hub chassis space and lower hardware costs. In addition, the eM1D1 line card, e8350, iConnex e800 and e850mp remotes are available in FIPS 140-2 Level 2-compliant versions.

“iDX 2.3 includes new features that make satellite communications more reliable in the harsh and remote field environments in which militaries operate. This release delivers improvements in security, scalability and availability – key attributes of the iDirect platform that have made it the de facto standard among government and defense customers worldwide.” Dave Bettinger, Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President of Engineering, iDirect