IPSTAR White Paper
March 2009
IPSTAR Disaster Recovery and Emergency Communications
COPYRIGHT THAICOM PLC 2009 PROPRIETARY
Empowering Asia-Pacific
Content Introduction
3
Advantages
4
Applications
5
Equipment
6-7
IPSTAR Enterprise Series IPSTAR Mobile VSAT Vehicle
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Introduction Communication outages caused by severe weather conditions, unexpected disasters and other telecommunication disruptions can occur in short notice and oftentimes without warning. The time it takes to restore damaged telecommunication lines may require days or even weeks, leaving first responders crippled without access to reliable communications. The lack of operable terrestrial infrastructure severely impedes the command and control functions, the situational awareness, and most importantly, the relief and recovery efforts of the first responders. Satellite platforms, like IPSTAR, can step-in to fill the communication, command and control gaps as a result of crippled terrestrial networks. IPSTAR can provide rapid, flexible disaster recovery and emergency communications in times of communication outages. The IPSTAR product and solution portfolio is designed to meet the precise needs of first responder teams in putting communication networks back on line in the event of man-made or natural disasters.
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Empowering Asia-Pacific
Advantages Since the launch of the satellite in August 2005, IPSTAR has become synonymous with cost-effective broadband services and solutions aimed at helping the community at large, especially in disaster-affected areas where no telecommunication infrastructure is able to support broadband access. The satellite's massive 45 Gbps bandwidth capacity, 20 times higher than conventional satellites, satisfies the enormous demand for broadband for millions of users consumers, administrations, corporate customers and telecommunication service providers. For first responders, communications are vital to effectively assist the situation of a disaster-affected area. Broadband satellites, like IPSTAR, can provide the highest bit rates in the industry and secure network connectivity for search and rescue operations. In times of disasters, IPSTAR is capable of: Delivering last mile broadband Internet connectivity Interconnecting widely distributed systems and networks Broadcasting on-the-spot news Delivering two-way, mobile telephone communications Allocating additional bandwidth to divert the traffic from heavily congested networks Providing flexible, short-term solutions for getting the necessary information in and out of the disaster area Allowing rapid ground network deployment and flexible service locations anywhere, anytime under its extensive footprint Providing nationwide coverage and consistent Quality of Service (QoS), regardless of location
Photo: Tsunami Emergency Communications in Khao Lak, Thailand, December 2004
IPSTAR is the only geostationary satellite designed for high speed communications over an Internet Protocol platform. IPSTAR delivers two-way, cost-effective satellite broadband solutions for any community lacking access to wired infrastructures and provides instant coverage for blind spot areas.
Photo: Tsunami Emergency Communications in Khao Lak, Thailand, December 2004
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Applications Communication satellites play a vital role in the search and rescue operations of the first responders. IPSTAR can deliver immediate, reliable communications to calamity-affected communities, regardless of location. The IPSTAR satellite platform provides video, voice and data services for recovery and emergency communications, such as: Cellular backhaul Wide Area Network (WAN) restoration Mobile Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Vehicle Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) backhaul Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Video conferencing Satellite News Gathering (SNG)
Photo: Tsunami Emergency Communications in Khao Lak, Thailand, December 2004
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Empowering Asia-Pacific
Equipment All IPSTAR products are designed in compliance with the IPSTAR system specifications. Fully IP compatible, the IPSTAR platform is capable of interfacing with a wide range of existing network applications, utilities and hardware. In addition, it enables cost-effective and rapidly deployable point-to-point and point-to-multipoint satellite communications. The IPSTAR network enables seamless broadband communication for hospitals, command posts, and search and rescue operation centers.
Energy-Efficient On-Ground Technology In disaster areas where terrestrial infrastructures are mostly damaged, first responder teams also face the added challenge of having no power line in place. Any emergency communication network requires electrical power to operate, calling for a reliable power source to avoid service interruptions. The IPSTAR disaster recovery and emergency communication solution employs a small-sized antenna and an IPX-9200 user terminal, making it possible for first responders to use solar panels as the main power source and a battery system for backup. The IPSTAR network can also use a generator as the power source to keep the system running during lengthy outages. Using solar panels as an alternative power source provides significant savings for first responder teams. In addition, generating electricity from the solar panels reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emission - an eco-friendly alternative technology that can be used for delivering disaster recovery and emergency communication solution to any affected area with damaged power infrastructure.
IPSTAR Enterprise Series Specially designed for rugged environments, the Enterprise Series is suitable for continuous, heavy-duty and unmanned operation in the field. The IPSTAR User Terminal has a rugged enclosure to withstand harsh environments, and comes with air ventilation and anti-dust features. With compact and robust design, it can be easily deployed in devastated areas, either for indoor or outdoor use. The user terminal also supports Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) for seamless, reliable operation under the most severe weather conditions - especially for heavy rains and snow. In combination of advanced power adjustment and bandwidth-efficient waveforms, ACM automatically adjusts modulation, coding and gain in response to changing link conditions.
Enterprise Series
Suitable for continuous, heavy-duty and unmanned operations Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) for seamless, reliable operation under the most severe weather conditions Low-cost and energy-efficient user terminal that can be operated by a solar panel, battery, or generator for lengthy electric outages Two-way broadband capacity for voice, video and data applications with up to 4 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload speeds
Technical Specifications Protocol
UDP/TCP/IP including TCP enhancements
Operating System
Windows XP/2000/ME/NT, Linux, Mac
Transmit Data Rate
Up to 2 Mbps
Receive Data Rate
Up to 4 Mbps
Modulation
QPSK, 8-PSK, 8-PAH
DLL Support
Yes
Dimension/Weight
160 x 460 x 55 mm/6.0 Kg
Form Factor
19" standard industrial rack
Network Interface
10/100 Mbps Ethernet (RJ-45)
AC Power Supply
90-360 V
DC Power Supply (optional)
12V
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Mobile VSAT Vehicle (MVV) The IPSTAR MVV can provide voice, video and data services while on the move. It is a rugged and easy-to-deploy technology that can deliver disaster recovery and emergency applications such as SNG, nano-Base Transceiver Station (BTS), video conferencing and TV backhaul.
Advantages of IPSTAR MVV Mobile command post while in-route to disaster-affected areas Two-way broadband capacity for voice, video and data applications with up to 4 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload speeds 802.11x wireless access support MPEG-4 streaming with up to 2 Mbps maximum speed Rapid deployment within minutes
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