Harris CapRock Communications Delivering More Than 1.5 Gbps to Maritime Customers with iDirect Platform

Sept. 16, 2015

 VT iDirect, Inc. announced that Harris CapRock Communications is delivering more than 1.5 billion bits per second (1.5 Gbps) of traffic across its base of maritime customers using its iDirect network. The service provider is deploying iDirect X7 remotes in order to meet the growing demand for high-speed voice, video and data services from both passengers and crew. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

At any moment, Harris CapRock is leveraging iDirect to service more than 250 cruise and other ships sailing globally carrying in excess of 300,000 guests and crew. It is estimated that an average family uses approximately six devices to stay connected at all times — including aboard cruise ships — accessing social media network, streaming video and more. In addition, ship operators are turning to VSAT to improve operational performance of their fleets, implementing applications to help with equipment monitoring, IT integration, and remote access, among others. Such demand has resulted in Harris CapRock handling more than 1.5 Gbps of traffic to cruise customers over the iDirect Evolution platform. 

Harris CapRock utilizes features on the iDirect Evolution platform such as Group QoS in order to prioritize bandwidth allocation across its customer base, ensuring that business and customer application traffic can co-exist in the most efficient manner. Adaptive Code Modulation (ACM) is used in order to make the most efficient use of the satellite bandwidth with changing weather conditions and location of the vessels. As bandwidth demands for cruise ships outpace the performance of its current generation of remotes, Harris CapRock is deploying X7 remotes, which deliver the highest bandwidth per ship achievable, while allowing customers to gain deep visibility into ship and network performance.

"Our customers are in the business of providing exciting vacation experiences and outstanding hospitality services, all with hotel-like service at sea," said Rob McDermid, Chief Architect – Global Access Technology, Harris CapRock. "iDirect technology provides the flexibility we need to deliver high bandwidth over shared global networks, and its market-leading experience in maritime serves as the foundation that allows us to continually expand our services going forward."

"Harris CapRock is a true market leader across multiple industries globally, and now with over 100 vessels connected via its Evolution network, it becomes the largest single iDirect cruise network in the world," said Rob Kilroy, Regional Vice President, Americas, iDirect. "As bandwidth demands for its customers continue to grow in the future, we will continue to innovate our product portfolio to ensure Harris CapRock can always deliver that quality experience aboard their ships."