Network Innovations’ technical team put the new HNS 9202 BGAN terminal through a series of tests and the results are very positive.  Some highlights from our testing:

Battery Life

A brand new Hughes 9202 was fully charged overnight and then connected to the BGAN network. The terminal was tuned to the highest possible signal strength and brought online with background IP services on a public IP addresses.  The public IP address was added to Network Innovations’ monitoring server to monitor latency, and the length of time the battery lasts. The DC power cable was removed, and the results were:

• The Hughes 9202 battery lasted for 7 hours and 34 minutes before the unit went offline.

The conclusion for battery life is that the Hughes battery lasted 38.5% longer than that of other BGAN terminals. This is mainly due to the fact that the Hughes battery is rated for 5000mAh at 7.4V.

Cold Weather Performance

Testing was done to the 9202 to ensure it would power up after continued storage at the rated storage temperature of -20C. The
device was placed in an environmental chamber at -20C for 8 hours, and then brought online. The device stayed online for exactly 2 hours before the battery died, compared to the test done at room temperature, in which the battery lasted 7 hours and 34 minutes before the unit went offline.

User Interface

The physical user interface on the unit requires the use of four buttons, these buttons are marked with icons for power, WiFi, an X and alarm. The buttons have multiple uses to navigate menus on screen.

The compass on the Hughes unit is designed as a flat disc and requires the unit to be totally level to determine orientation.

The 9202 has a web-based configuration/status dashboard, an improvement from the Hughes 9201. This feature is important for customers who do not have the Inmarsat LaunchPad installed on their computer.  Overall initial setup of the Hughes unit is quite simple and most users should have no problems.   Additionally the Hughes dashboard is accessible even when the unit is powering up.

Profiles & Administration

With the 9202, there are options for ranges of IP address to start a profile.  For example if an IP address between 192.168.128.200 to 205 were up on the network it would start profile A. If addresses 206 to 210 were up it could start another profile. Of course it can only do one at a time.  So for example, if the units between 200 to 205 were low data machines, then turn on network, start standard data session, turn off network.  If machines in the 206 to 210 range are high data then turn on network, start 32K streaming data, turn off network.

The 9202 also features a Streaming IP inactivity timer to prevent against unwanted usage costs due to forgetting to close a connection.  The timer is in either seconds or minutes and will tear down a streaming context after X seconds or minutes of inactivity.

The 9202 does not support port forwarding whereas other BGAN models do. This is important if you wanted to have multiple nodes (PCs) visible from the Internet using a static IP address. Port fowarding allows you to forward information to a specific PC (port).

WiFi Performance

The Hughes 9202 has a built-in WiFi access point, to allow computers to connect wirelessly to the internet via the BGAN network. Testing was done to determine a rough coverage area for the WiFi signal. Outdoors, with no obstructions, the WiFi signal was high (-85 dBi) at 200’ distance. Through walls, the signal was still useable (-82 dBi) at 80’ through three walls composed of cinderblocks and drywall. The access point is a useful feature for users who do not wish to be physically tethered to the BGAN unit.

Conclusion

In summary the Hughes 9202 is a capable unit which delivers fully to the manufacturers claims. The terminals long battery life and the availability of WiFi service are great enhancements for BGAN users.  Overall durability should not be an issue as the unit has an Ingress Rating of IP-55, meaning it is protected against objects as small as dust, and protected against water jets. The Hughes 9202 appears to be an excellent new BGAN terminal, adding some new connectivity features in a smaller form-factor.

Filtering – To ensure compliance with your corporate policies for Internet access and to eliminate unwanted usage, our filtering systems help to block traffic to specific websites or types of websites, restrict access to specific IP addresses, and protect against threats against your network.

Optimization – Through compression and caching solutions we help to improve the performance and throughput that you achieve over satellite networks.  Our solutions enable you to achieve better performance without upgrading your bandwidth and therefore we help to reduce your on-going monthly operating costs.

Packet Shaping – Through prioritization of your network traffic, our packet shaping solutions optimize performance, improve latency and increase usable bandwidth for critical applications (e.g. VOIP, business applications).  We can also control the amount of bandwidth available to specific types of applications or network traffic to ensure you maximize your bandwidth for your most important applications.

FortiGate

FortiGate appliances provide enterprise-class protection against network, content, and application-level threats. Each FortiGate includes the widest range of security and networking functions on the market, including:

• Firewall, VPN, and Traffic Shaping
• Intrusion Prevention (IPS)
• Antivirus/Antispyware/Anti-malware, Web Filtering, Antispam
• Integrated Wireless Controller
• Application Control & IPv6 Support
• VoIP Support
• Layer 2/3 routing
• WAN Optimization & Web Caching

Exinda

Exinda appliances maximize the speed and efficiency of applications over satellite networks.  Exinda’s unified performance management solution brings together a suite of advanced, best-of-breed, visibility, traffic-shaping and WAN optimization technologies into a single, easy to-use appliance designed to improve network productivity. Controlled through an integrated, unified management console, Exinda optimizes costs by allowing you to get the most out of your satellite network.

• Identification - Layer 7, Heuristic & URL Classification, Anonymous Proxy Detection, Citrix Published Applications, Active Directory User ID, VoIP Codec
• Performance - Application Performance Scoring, VoIP Mean Opinion Scoring (MOS), Service Level Agreements, Network Efficiency & TCP Health
• Reporting - Real Time Monitoring,  Top Talkers/Top Conversations, Automated PDF Reporting
• Quality of Service - QoS / Dynamic per IP / per User, Application Predictability, Bandwidth Guarantees & Limits, Prioritization, Traffic-shaping
• Fairness - Bandwidth Management, Active Directory Integration, Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation, Over-subscription
• Protocol & Application - Layer 4 TCP Optimization, Layer 7 Application Acceleration, SSL Acceleration
• Caching -  Universal Caching, Data Deduplication, Compression, Video Caching, Dynamic URL Caching, Software Update Caching, Web Object Caching

webXaccelerator

The webXaccelerator appliance provides fast, reliable data compression, enabling users to realize up to 5x faster satellite Internet browsing. Data caching and compression capabilities speed up network access to data files resulting in faster download times which can produce dramatic airtime savings. Standard controls prevent airtime abuse and unwanted, costly transmissions. Optional pin-code sales to passengers, crew and other end users enables control of usage by individuals.

Important factors for choosing the best phone for your needs are:

• Where will you need to use the phone geographically?
• What is the terrain that you will need to operate in – mountains, plains, deep in a tree canopy?
• Is it for emergency only use or will you use it on a regular basis?
• How many minutes of phone calling do you expect to do on a monthly basis?
• Will you require any type of data services for email, Internet access or GPS tracking?
• Will you want to operate the satellite phone while in a vehicle or inside of a building?

Comparing Satellite Phone Coverage

Each satellite operator has different coverage areas for the use of their technology.  Iridium is the only provider that offers complete global coverage, from pole to pole.  Inmarsat offers near global coverage but has limitations in the polar regions, such as northern Canada, Alaska, Greenland and parts of Russia.  Thuraya provides regional coverage for most of Africa, Europe, the Middle East and parts of Asia.  LightSquared provides regional coverage of North America, the Caribbean and parts of Central America. Globalstar coverage is limited, and often time of day based, due to issues with their satellite fleet.

Need To See the Sky

Even if your area of operation is within the coverage footprint of a satellite operator, the terrain in your area of operation will impact usage and should be factored into your decision making process.  All satellite communications operates on the premise of clear line of sight to the satellite(s).  Operating under a tree canopy or deep in a canyon can impede your look angles or line of sight.  With the GEO operators (Inmarsat, LightSquared, Thuraya) you are operating in a situation where, with only a few exceptions, you will only have one satellite that you can view.  So a mountain between you and your view to that satellite means that either you’ve got to move somewhere else to make your phone call or perhaps external antenna options mounted on poles may suffice.  Iridium’s LEO constellation consists of 66 satellites that orbit the earth with 11 satellites in each of six orbital planes that intersect over the north and south poles.  With Iridium a user can expect to be able to have line of sight to more than one satellite at a time which is helpful when operating in certain types of terrain.

Most all of the satellite phones have optional accessories for docking kits to enable the use of the phone in a vehicle or from inside of a building. There are also external antenna options available that can be mounted on a pole to improve look angles to satellites.

Surf The Web On My Satellite Phone

We are all used to Internet access on our cellular phones and so there is an expectation that you will be able to do the same things on a satellite phone.  Well, not so fast, literally.  Handheld satellite phones do have data services, but the average speed is 2.4-9.6 Kbps, meaning you can use them for text emails but not much else.  If you have the need for file attachments or full Internet access, then the next step up from a handheld phone is an Inmarsat BGAN terminal that provides both a telephone service and a broadband Internet connection.

Reliability

The different technologies, GEO versus LEO, have an impact on reliability from the perspective of calls dropping (unwanted disconnection).   You can look at reliability from a few angles; first, does the service reliably connect from your area of operation?  Second, when it does connect, how long can it keep a call connected without dropping?  Generally speaking, the GEO solutions tend to hold calls longer than the LEO solutions. However, as we’ve said with Iridium, if you are at the North Pole, your only choice is Iridium since they are the only operator that provides coverage of polar regions.

Specialized Services

The LightSquared service offers some unique capabilities that you won’t find on any other network.  Specifically, push-to-talk, two-way radio via satellite.  So, if your voice communications requirements include the need for broadcasting or dispatch operations, then the LightSquared service is a unique solution.  There are also other benefits of the LightSquared service related to Public Safety, specifically, interoperable communications for Public Safety agencies via SMART talk groups and integration with the GETS system.  Network Innovations SATRAD solutions operate on the LightSquared network.

The Bottom Line

There is no one right answer to which phone is the best choice, since it will depend upon your unique requirements.  Contact Network Innovations to talk with a specialist that can help you determine the best fit for your needs.

Network Innovations provided Jordan and his team with an Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone that they were able to use to send regular GPS updates via the GeoPro GPS tracking application, post text messages directly to Facebook and keep in touch with friends, family and fans. The Iridium satellite phone was also used to send voice messages to jordanromero.com and local radio stations to broadcast the teams success.

“Network Innovations helped Jordan not only to break the record as the youngest person in the World to climb the seven summits, but also to share his message to the world. Network Innovations allowed Jordan to tell kids around the world to set big goals, work together as a family and to work towards a healthy body and healthy planet. Pretty cool message that kids around the world are definitely picking up on. Jordan is changing the lives of kids and adults and it’s only with the support of companies like Network Innovations that Jordan can shout his message from Antarctica to the world.” – Karen Lungdren, Step-Mom and Antarctic Team Member.

“Iridium worked with a select group of portal providers who developed location tracking and messaging services for the launch of the Iridium Extreme. Since then, the Iridium Extreme has seen much greater demand from customers than we had anticipated and we wanted to provide them an additional level of protection. With the launch of the GEOS Emergency Response service, Iridium Extreme customers now have several options to manage their communications during an emergency situation. Since the SOS button is programmable, customers have the ability to use the GEOS service if their organization does not offer such a service. We wanted to ensure that anyone using the most rugged satellite phone on the planet had an option to reach a highly trained professional in an emergency situation.”
Joel Thompson, vice president, product management, Iridium.

This first-ever, integrated satellite phone emergency service sets the standard for providing ultimate peace of mind to lone workers and adventurers alike. A quick press of the SOS button automatically dials the GEOS emergency response center, providing a connection to a live support representative. Where the market used to settle for just one-way SOS alerting, customers now can maintain contact with the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC) during their emergency for reassurance that help is on the way. The GEOS service adds an important partner into the community supporting the Iridium Force vision. GEOS also adds a layer of performance to the dependable, reliable Iridium Extreme platform.

GEOS receives emergency alerts and notifies Response Search and Rescue (SAR) authorities via a global, 24/7/365 service through its IERCC in Houston, Texas. The IERCC has translation capabilities for up to 200 languages. It has coordinated thousands of responses in more than 100 countries since 2007.

“The GEOS IERCC has really raised the bar with respect to emergency response centers in terms of professionalism and reach,” said Mark Garver, CEO of the IERCC. “We staff it with qualified first responders, such as firefighters, paramedics, former military personnel and law enforcement professionals. These personnel have handled emergencies first hand. That is why we can truly stand by our motto, ‘So Others May Live To Tell About it’.”

Iridium Extreme customers must register at www.geosalliance.com/iridium to initiate this emergency response service. Through the service, customers can verbally provide crisis details to SAR professionals, as well as send location data for response coordination with local public authorities. The Iridium Extreme SOS button functionality meets international standards for satellite emergency notification devices (SENDs).

Although the GEOS service is included as an offering for Iridium Extreme customers who register, the programmable SOS button also can be set to instead call or message an alternate number. For instance, some corporations or organizations may prefer to have emergency calls routed to their internal response center or another SAR provider.

As a satellite phone, users can expect the same reliable and high voice quality Iridium products are known for. The Extreme allows for voice, SMS and data tethering on a global scale. In addition to standard data tethering, the Extreme will work in perfect coordination with the new Iridium AxcessPoint, allowing users to create Wi-Fi hotspots. These hotspots can then be used to provide internet access to cell phones, laptops and any other peripherals that might need it.

All these features are packed into the smallest Iridium phone ever. The Extreme is not only the smallest, but the most durable and reliable satellite phone available from Iridium. The Extreme is shock & jet water resistant, dust proof, and achieves military grade durability.

For more information check out Network Innovations’ page on the Iridium Extreme.

Telemetry or SCADA applications for oilfield equipment, pipeline control, Cathodic protection monitoring, tide gauges, waste water systems, compressors, generators and a host of other types of industrial devices, creates the need for reliable communications to those devices on a global basis.  While terrestrial communications offer connectivity to populated regions, it is satellite communications that organizations turn to when terrestrial services are unavailable, or when a consistent global communications solution is desired.

Benefits of Satellite Communications

A primary benefit of using satellite communications is the ability to have data communications virtually anywhere on the globe.  Terrestrial communications are primarily driven by the need for people, rather than devices, to communicate and thus they are prevalent in populated areas.  When it comes to communicating with a compressor or generator in the middle of nowhere, you are less likely to find terrestrial data communications.  Satellite communications provides communications in remote regions where industrial equipment is deployed.

In addition to global coverage, other benefits of satellite communications include:

Broadcasting

Some satellite technologies provide the ability to broadcast messages (point to multi-point) across a fleet of devices.  This can be beneficial for applications that require simultaneous synchronization across remote devices, e.g. close all valves now, as opposed to terrestrial links where routing paths can cause differences from milliseconds to seconds in remote devices receiving commands from a SCADA host application.

Less Susceptible to Natural Disasters

Terrestrial communications are often compromised by natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes or man-made issues through inadvertent error.  If your industrial equipment is deployed in an area known for poor weather, or if you want an ensured emergency backup option, then satellite communications may be the logical choice for you.  With satellite communications, you can deploy omni-directional or tracking antennas that will ensure communications when radio or cell towers are down or if fiber lines have been severed.

Reduction in Complexity through Deployment of a Single Technology

As a general rule of technology deployment, the more consistent you can maintain your deployments, the simpler and less expensive it will be to manage that technology on an on-going basis.  Satellite communications provides you with an option of one communications technology that can be deployed on a global basis.  Rather than building radio networks, or worrying if cellular coverage does or doesn’t exist in a given area, with satellite communications you can utilize a single technology to be deployed and managed regardless of where your remote equipment is deployed.

Integrated GPS for Mobile Asset Tracking

In some industries, such as oil and gas, a lot of the equipment deployed into the oilfield will move from site to site on a regular basis.  Keeping track of that equipment or routing equipment to the next closest job site can be accomodated through satellite communications.  Many of the satellite modems used for telemetry include GPS tracking capability allowing either regular GPS reports or the ability to demand poll a device to find its current location.

Faster Implementation Times

Building radio networks or negotiating with telecom companies to add cellular towers or fiber lines are all time consuming tasks.  With satellite communications you can leverage existing infrastructure rather than building terrestrial infrastructure.  That means you can deploy your systems faster and not have the burden of on-going management of a radio network since the satellite network is managed for you.  By simply subscribing to the appropriate service you can accomplish your SCADA or telemetry communications needs faster with satellite communications.

Optional Voice and Video Communications

Several of the satellite communications options for telemetry or SCADA can also support telephone or video communications.  Should you have technical staff travelling to sites for maintenance, a satellite communications system can provide telephone service for safety or to communicate with head office to discuss technical issues relevant to the site visit.  Beyond that, field staff can be deployed with video cameras and via a satellite system they could relay video back to head office to enable engineering or management teams to help in assessment or resolution of issues at the remote site.

When the prominent red distress button on the panel is pressed during an emergency, the service will interrupt any non-distress calls – either ship to shore or shore to ship – being made. The emergency caller will then be connected to an operator at one of three Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCCs) strategically located around the globe.

The SAILOR 3771 Alarm Panel enables a number of safety functions in the FleetBroadband service. Pre-emption and Priority Calls allow calling either to or from a vessel in distress even if the FleetBroadband voice line is already busy for an in or outbound call. If a Voice distress call is made, any existing calls will be terminated and allow the RCC to communicate with the crew using the FleetBroadband handset.

• Pre-emption – is for giving the RCC the ability to contact the vessel in distress or a vessel in close proximity even if the line is busy.
• Priority – is for giving the Distress call priority over any other call from the terminal.

For more information, have a look at our Thane SAILOR 3771 Alarm Panel page.

The GeoPro remote tracker is an affordable, rugged device that allows for two way text messaging, check-ins and emergency calls. The device is complemented by a complete web application that allows monitoring of field workers, allowing for quick and effective response when incidents occur.

The IsatPhone Pro makes satellite phone communications more affordable to mining companies and consultants who need reliable voice communications around the world. With the list of available accessories and docking stations for the IsatPhone Pro growing rapidly, it has quickly become the satellite phone of choice for professionals around the globe.

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