Intellian is leading the evolution of satellite communications. Matthew Humphreys, EMEA Sales Director, answers some of the most typical questions received about connectivity
With multiple charter guests on board, all demanding connectivity, can satellite communications hardware meet the demand?
Yes. For downlink, it pays to maximise available bandwidth by choosing the largest antenna you can install, but the outstanding RF performance delivered by all our antennas makes certain that you will always get the best possible connection allowed by the available satellite coverage. If you need high uplink speeds, as required for onboard office applications, our entire VSAT range is fully upgradeable to deliver a significant bandwidth increase to the user.
Can I check the status of onboard satellite equipment from my phone or laptop?
Yes, with our patented APTUS NX software, you can access, control and troubleshoot your system via our simple web interface.
What options are there for getting TV on board, and can any extra antennas match my VSAT installation?
We can adapt any TVRO system into any similar-sized VSAT radome to ensure the design of the vessel is aesthetically correct. We also provide matching radomes off the shelf.
How does a system for use on a commercial or oil & gas vessel, for example, differ to a system for a yacht?
It doesn’t. All systems on board marine vessels are essentially the same and use the same satellite service providers. Intellian’s core business is in the commercial shipping industry where we provide thousands of antennas per year, which are identical to those we provide for the yachting market. We also have the majority of the market share in the cruise business, where installed systems are comparable with those on the world’s largest mega yachts.
With space and cost no object, what is the best setup I can install to ensure maximum bandwidth and uninterrupted connectivity?
We always recommend that the user installs the largest antenna size for their budget. A larger antenna will not only provide you with wider geographical coverage and higher bandwidth capabilities, it will also reduce your airtime costs. A larger antenna can utilise more of the signal that it is working with therefore reducing costs and increasing the potential for higher data speeds.
Typical installations on cruise vessels and the world’s largest mega yachts use our 2.4m multiband antennas. These offer exceptional performance and are able to track and switch between Ku band, Ka band and C band automatically with the capability to track Geo and Non-Geo satellite constellations, being fully future proof with an incredible level of flexibility. Our 2.4m and NX Series antenna systems have the ability to seamlessly switch between dual antennas built in, helping to ensure that the link is not interrupted if the satellite is shadowed by the vessel’s superstructure. For optimum connectivity, we can also offer our proprietary Intelligent Mediator, which can switch and manage up to eight antennas and eight modems, all on different networks, providing the industry’s highest level of performance and redundancy.
Two of the most popular bands used in VSAT connectivity is Ku band and Ka band. Which is best and why?
Ka band operates at a higher frequency than Ku band and can therefore carry more data. However, it is also more susceptible to signal loss in severe weather conditions. As a result, there is no clear advantage between the two bands in terms of what you get for your money, although Ka band does have more potential for increasing bandwidth in the future.
I’ve heard about GEO, MEO and LEO satellites. What’s the difference and how can I make sure my vessel is ready for the next generation?
The majority of VSAT satellites today are geostationary (GEO). As the name suggests, these satellites appear fixed from the ground. To do this, they are launched into an equatorial orbit 35,786km above the Earth’s surface, so that their orbital speed matches the planet’s rotation.
GEO satellites are very easy to track with an antenna, but the distance introduces a significant delay to the signal, known as latency. MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) and LEO (Low Earth Orbit) networks solve this by using satellites much closer to the ground – as low as 160km for LEO – but the consequence is that the satellites pass rapidly overhead. Antennas therefore need to actively track them at all times, and a dual antenna system is essential to ensure seamless handover between one satellite and the next. MEO networks are currently available but limited to specific regions and data rates; LEO networks are just around the corner.
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www.intelliantech.com
