High-Level Description

Newtec Dialog®
R2.4.1

Version 1.0
March, 2021

Dialog High-Level Description

© 2021 ST Engineering iDirect (Europe) CY NV and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Information contained herein is subject to
change without notice. The specifications and information regarding the products in this document are subject to
change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the statements, information
and recommendations in this document, they are provided without warranty of any kind, express, or implied.
Users must take full responsibility for their application of any products. Trademarks, brand names and products
mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. All such references are used strictly in an
editorial fashion with no intent to convey any affiliation with the name or the product's rightful owner.
ST Engineering iDirect is a global leader in satellite communications (satcom) providing technology and solu-
tions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their satcom net-
works. Through the merger with Newtec, a recognized industry pioneer, the combined business unites over 35
years of innovation focused on solving satellite’s most critical economic and technology challenges, and expands
a shared commitment to shaping the future of how the world connects. The product portfolio, branded under the
names iDirect and Newtec, represents the highest standards in performance, efficiency and reliability, making it
possible for its customers to deliver the best satcom connectivity experience anywhere in the world. ST Engin-
eering iDirect is the world’s largest TDMA enterprise VSAT manufacturer and is the leader in key industries includ-
ing broadcast, mobility and military/government.
Company Website: http://www.idirect.net | Main Phone EU +32 3 780 6500 | Main Phone US +1-703.648.8000
Newtec Product Support: Email customersupport@idirect.net | Website www.idirect.net/support-and-training

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Revision History

Version Date Reason for New Version

1.0 March, 2021 Initial version of this release

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About this Guide
The High-Level Description provides an introduction to the Newtec Dialog® platform. It serves both cus-
tomers that are new to the technology, and engineers who will work with the Dialog system.

This guide will cover the following chapters:

l In chapter About Newtec Dialog, you can find general information about the Newtec Dialog system. It
provides the concepts, characteristics, and advantages of Dialog.

l In chapter Building Blocks, you can read about the building blocks of Dialog, such as terminals, hub mod-
ules, the NMS, satellite resources and management tools.

l In chapter Technologies, you can find information about Dialog technologies, such as quality of service,
IP optimizations, networking and satellite link optimizations.

l In chapter Markets, you can find information about the different markets where Dialog provides a com-
petitive advantage.

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Contents
Dia lo g Hig h -L e v e lDe s c r ip tio n

1 About Newtec Dialog® 1

1.1 Overview of Newtec Dialog 2
1.2 Features of Newtec Dialog 3
1.3 Newtec Dialog in Detail 4
1.3.1 Flexible Business Models 8
1.3.2 Multi-service Operation 9
1.3.3 Anywhere, Anytime Service 10
1.3.4 Streamlined Operations 11
1.3.5 Maximizing Availability 12
1.3.6 Multiple Return Link Technologies 14
1.3.7 Newtec Private Cloud Infrastructure 16
2 Building Blocks 19
2.1 Hub Modules 20
2.1.1 1IF Hub Module 20
2.1.2 4IF Hub Module 21
2.1.3 XIF Hub Module 22
2.2 Terminals 23
2.2.1 Modems 23
2.2.2 Outdoor Units 28
2.2.3 Point&Play® 28
2.2.4 Terminal Installation Certification and Validation 29
2.3 Dialog Satellite Resources 30
2.3.1 Forward Link 30
2.3.2 Return Link 31
2.4 Network Management 37
2.4.1 Dialog NMS 37
2.4.2 NMS Applications 39
2.4.3 REST Application Programming Interface 44
2.4.4 Inventory Management 45
3 Technologies 47
3.1 Waveform Optimization 48
3.1.1 FlexACM® 48
3.1.2 Clean Channel Technology® 50
3.1.3 Equalink® 51
3.1.4 Automatic Uplink Power Control 52
3.2 Advanced Mobility 53
3.2.1 Spread Spectrum and VL-SNR 54

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 3.2.2 Beam Selection Process 55
3.2.3 Doppler Effect and Skew Angle Mitigation 55
3.2.4 OpenAMIP 56
3.3 Quality of Service 57
3.3.1 Cross-Layer-Optimization 58
3.4 Traffic Optimization 60
3.5 Security 62
4 Markets 65
4.1 Enterprise and Broadband 66
4.1.1 Overview 66
4.1.2 Corporate Network 67
4.1.3 Broadband 67
4.1.4 Narrowband 68
4.1.5 Last Mile 68
4.1.6 Key Features 69
4.2 Cellular Backhaul and Trunking 70
4.2.1 Overview 70
4.2.2 Applications 71
4.2.3 Key Features 71
4.3 Maritime 73
4.3.1 Overview 73
4.3.2 Commercial 74
4.3.3 Passenger 74
4.3.4 Key Features 75
4.4 Aeronautical 76
4.4.1 Overview 76
4.4.2 Applications 77
4.4.3 Key Features 77
4.5 Land Mobility 78
4.5.1 Overview 78
4.5.2 Connected Rail 79
4.5.3 Connected Vehicles 79
4.5.4 Agriculture and Mining 79
4.5.5 Key Features 80
4.6 Defense and Government 81
4.6.1 Overview 81
4.6.2 Defense 82
4.6.3 Government 83
4.6.4 Humanitarian & NGO 84
4.6.5 Key Features 84
4.7 IoT 85
4.7.1 Overview 85
4.7.2 Transportation Markets 86
4.7.3 Energy, Mining and Utilities 86

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4.7.4 Construction and Agriculture 87
4.7.5 5G Future 88
4.8 Media and Broadcast 89
4.8.1 Overview 89
4.8.2 Distribution 90
4.8.3 Contribution 91
4.8.4 Key Features 92
Glossary 95

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Newtec Dialog®
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1 About Newtec Dialog®

Newtec Dialog is a scalable and flexible multi-service satellite communications platform that allows service
providers to access a wide range of markets, manage operational and capital costs effectively, and create
unique value for customers. Dialog provides the scalability and flexibility required to run highly efficient satel-
lite networks successfully, and allows satellite service providers to build and adapt their network easily as
their business grows, setting them up for long-term growth and success.

In this chapter:

l Overview Newtec Dialog

l Features Newtec Dialog

l Newtec Dialog in Detail

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1.1 Overview of Newtec Dialog

Dialog is built for flexibility allowing the service provider to address multiple markets by optimizing the
usage of infrastructure and satellite capacity. The scalability of the Dialog platform allows service pro-
viders to easily adapt Dialog to their specific needs. End-users can be served with the optimal Service
Level Agreement or SLA for the right price. The operational and technological level of the Dialog platform
are designed to be highly efficient. Service providers can select the best transmission technology for their
particular application.

The Dialog product line consists of:

l Dialog Hub System: Modular, flexible hub system in various sizes allowing customers to operate a
shared bandwidth platform spanning multiple satellites, bands, transponders and topologies from small
networks, with five remotes, up to the largest networks, having hundreds of thousands of remotes, from
single coverage to multisport.

l Modem Portfolio: A versatile modem portfolio providing the right performance and applications-spe-
cific characteristics for a wide range of applications. Featuring highly efficient waveforms with DVB-S2
and DVB-S2X forward link technology and four highly efficient return link technologies:

l MF-TDMA with 4CPM,

l SCPC with DVB-S2, S2 Extensions, or HRC

l Mx-DMA with HRC

l NxtGen Mx-DMA with MRC

l Dialog Network Management System: Manage small or complex networks, featuring APIs for easy
expansion and added flexibility.

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1.2 Features of Newtec Dialog

Flexible, Efficient Core Architecture

The hub system can connect to the customary satellite frequencies C-band, Ku-band, and Ka-band on all
satellite architectures. Dialog's forward satellite link is built on DVB-S2/S2X with FlexACM, and Clean
Channel Technology to allocate bandwidth efficiently over distributed networks, while automatically adjust-
ing to dynamic traffic demands and changing network conditions. On the return link, different access and
coding technologies can be chosen:

l MF-TDMA with 4CPM,

l SCPC with DVB-S2, S2 Extensions, or HRC

l Mx-DMA® with HRC

l NxtGen Mx-DMA® with MRC

Modular Design for Scalability

The modular hub system enables operators and service providers to minimize initial capital costs, offer
multiple service types from a central hub, and scale business one network at a time in a pay as you grow
manner. Networks can be scaled from a few to hundred of thousands of terminals. Advanced Network
Management System capabilities with GUI and extensive open API support allow for ease of use as your
network grows.

Reliable and Cost-effective Services

Our innovative satellite technologies such as MF-TDMA with 4CPM, SCPC with DVB-S2, S2 Extensions
or HRC, Mx-DMA with HRC, and NxtGen Mx-DMA with MRC provide unprecedented bandwidth usage
efficiency resulting in the lowest possible OPEX while at the same time assuring the best-in-class service
reliability required by end-users.

Security

Satellite connections are considered a vulnerable link, as wireless media are open to be listened. Dialog
provides several security features to protect the system, network and programs from digital attacks.
These attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing or destroying sensitive information; extorting
money from users or interrupting normal business operation.

ST Engineering Europe is compliant with ISO/IEC 27001.

Advanced Quality of Service

Nowadays, with the increasing trend of convergence towards all-IP networks, ensuring QoS is particularly
critical. A correct definition and application of QoS policies provides the end-user a greater Quality of
Experience (QoE).

Dialog's QoS technology allows for several hierarchical QoS classes. QoS provides network operators a
significant increase in bandwidth management capabilities when prioritizing traffic for customers in a
shared network environment.

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1.3 Newtec Dialog in Detail

Dialog is a single-service and multi-service VSAT platform that allows operators and service providers to
build and adapt their infrastructure and satellite networking according to business or missions at hand.
Based on the cornerstones of flexibility, scalability and efficiency, the Dialog platform gives the operator
the power to offer a variety of services on a single platform.

Key characteristics are:

l Flexible Business Models

l Multi-service Operation

l Anywhere, Anytime Service

l Streamlined Operations

l Maximizing Availability

l Multiple Return Link Technologies

l Newtec Private Cloud Infrastructure

The Dialog platform fully manages all aspects of a service: bandwidth usage, real-time requirements, net-
work characteristics and traffic classification. The platform offers these services with carrier grade reli-
ability through full redundancy of the platform components.

The Dialog platform supports multiple traffic types, such as the following:

l Video and audio

l Data

l Voice

l Data casting

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The core of the Dialog platform is the Hub, which is located at a physical gateway site. A Dialog platform
can consist of one or more hubs, located at one or more gateways.

A hub consists of one or more hub modules. A hub module contains all hardware and software required for
aggregating and processing traffic of one or more satellite networks.

Following types of hub modules exist:

l The 1IF hub module serves one satellite network and is suited for small networks. It provides less
scalability and flexibility than the next hub modules. It is also referred to as HUB6501.

l The 4IF hub module serves up to four satellite networks and is suited for medium to large networks. It
provides flexibility and scalability. It is also referred to as HUB6504.

l The XIF hub module is suited for very large networks and provides full flexibility and scalability. It can
serve up to 18 satellite networks. It is the combination of one or two baseband hub modules, and one
processing hub module.

l The XIF baseband hub module holds the RF devices. It is also referred to as HUB7208.

l The XIF processing hub module holds the processing servers. It is also referred to as HUB7318, and
is deployed on the Newtec Private Cloud Infrastructure or NPCI.

Equipment redundancy is supported for all devices in the hub module. A hub module may be implemented
fully redundant, non-redundant or partially redundant.

The Terminal is the equipment located at the end-user’s site. It consists of the outdoor unit (antenna, LNB
and BUC) and the indoor unit, the modem.

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A hub module is connected to an IP backbone at one side and to an RF interface at the other side, estab-
lishing the Satellite Network.

A satellite network is associated with forward link capacity from one physical or virtual (in case of DVB-
S2X Annex M) forward carrier and with the corresponding return link capacity.

The forward link is based on one of the following technologies:

l DVB-S2

l DVB-S2X

l DVB-S2X Annex M

The return link supports multiple return link technologies:

l MF-TDMA with 4CPM

l SCPC with DVB-S2, S2 Extensions or HRC

l Mx-DMA with HRC

l NxtGen Mx-DMA with MRC

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Network resources are configured on top of the physical satellite networks and are isolated from each
other using VLAN identifiers. The network resources can be grouped into:

l Layer 3 network resources

l Layer 2 network resources

Layer 3 network resources consist of one or more virtual networks. A layer 3 virtual network is an isolated
IPv4 or IPv6 network. Devices within the same virtual network can directly communicate with each other.
A virtual network can independently use its own addressing scheme and the same addressing schemes
can be reused in different virtual networks.

Layer 2 network resources consist of one or more point-to-point virtual connections. A layer 2 point-to-point
virtual connection can be considered as a virtual Ethernet pipe, which establishes isolated communication
between two devices.

The Dialog platform is managed through a single Network Management System or NMS. The NMS can
be embedded in a hub module or it can be a standalone hub module, which is deployed on a Private Cloud
Infrastructure or NPCI. The standalone NMS on NPCI is referred to as HUB7318.

The NMS provides a unified management interface to monitor, manage and control the Dialog platform. It
serves as a single point of access and embeds the following configuration and management interfaces:

l Satellite resources

l Network resources

l Service and classification profile management

l Terminal provisioning

l Fault (alarms) and performance (metrics) management

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1.3.1 Flexible Business Models

Satellite operators have been successfully offering managed services to service providers looking for solu-
tions with limited upfront investment

The proliferation of High Throughput Satellites or HTS has significantly impacted the way services and
infrastructures are managed. Satellite operators alleviate the need to invest in the initial network infra-
structure but still provide a significant level of independence for service providers using their infrastructure.
At the same time, an operator can share his network investments over multiple service providers by
addressing various markets. Finally, satellite operators have also evolved their traditional capacity offer-
ings to include infrastructure as a service model. In this case, the satellite hub infrastructure and operation
cost is included in the monthly capacity fees.To conclude, there could be several reasons why a satellite
network service provider opts not to operate his own satellite hub. To this end, the Dialog Network Man-
agement System or NMS features a wide portfolio of managed-service business models for VNOs or Vir-
tual Network Operators. The model allows optimal sharing of hardware and satellite capacity resources.

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This enables business models in which the satellite network operator offers dedicated capacity to a VNO,
or in which a VNO acts as reseller for predefined profiles.

Up to 256 VNOs can co-exist on the same multi-service platform with different access rights and tools to
operate their services.

1.3.2 Multi-service Operation

The global VSAT market has traditionally consisted of specialized service providers, each focused on spe-
cific vertical markets and regions. For example, a service provider could offer enterprise services (a ver-
tical market) specifically for the African continent (a vertical region or region on earth). Until now,
specialization and customer intimacy have been the key differentiators for most vendors. However, as the
industry consolidates and bandwidth demands skyrockets, economies of scale are set to become the
primary competitive advantage. In addition, with the advent of HTS, satellite operators will be compelled to
start offering managed services across multiple spot beams and vertical markets.

Exploiting Application Synergies

Dialog is capable of offering a mix of services within geographical footprints over a single platform. Multi-
service offerings provide risk mitigation and CAPEX/OPEX reduction. OPEX reduction can be achieved
by exploiting the complementary of peak hours within the different services. For example business users
during office hours versus consumers during leisure time.

Risk Reduction

Multi-service networks offer a way to keep service revenues on par when broadband infrastructure
changes in a certain region. At first, the network offers services to individual end-users when no terrestrial
infrastructure is available in a certain region. Later, when, for example, a terrestrial broadband infra-
structure is introduced, the need for backhauling increases and the same network offers backhauling ser-
vices.

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Key Features

l Wide band outbound carriers: Support for wide band carriers shared across multiple markets.

l Wide range of modems: Designed to meet diverse technical requirements and price points.

l Multiple return technologies: Optimized for various traffic patterns and data rates.

l Rich API: Application programming interfaces to allow automation and customization.

l Market specifics: A feature set supporting dedicated markets via one platform, like mobility, cellular
backhaul, broadcast and government.

1.3.3 Anywhere, Anytime Service

Providing a plethora of services anywhere, anytime completes the multi-service paradigm.

The Dialog platform combines all required functionality to offer mobile services with the flexibility to man-
age beam switching in a global network. The Dialog modems can move up to aeronautical speeds for Mx-
DMA® (Cross-Dimensional Multiple Access).

The terminals have the capability of entering the network at any location within the coverage area. This
coverage area can consist of multiple beams of one or multiple satellites. Lowest acquisition times are
achieved by an intelligent selection of the initial beam based on location and beam contours.

Moving across the service area has minimal impact on service availability during the switch from one
beam to another. Management of the SLAs and cost control can be a big challenge for mobile network

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operators facing changing traffic demand from mobile terminals and varying capacity availability in dif-
ferent locations. Dialog enables beam switching logic and has the ability to make decisions based on
numerous inputs ranging from flight plans and beam fill rates to gateway backhauling cost.

1.3.4 Streamlined Operations

An effective NMS is a vital tool for operating any network service provider. Maximum operational effi-
ciency and service delivery assurance are key network operational concerns. Addressing both concerns
through a single management interface provides a key advantage over a plethora of management tools.

Based on insightful resource performance trends provided by the NMS, a service provider can optimize the
network and plan possible extensions. Given the technical expertise and CAPEX investment required to
operate a satellite hub, a flexible VNO model enables service providers to offer services with limited invest-
ment. The integration of the NMS with other OSS and BSS elements optimizes a company’s overall
business and operational processes.

The rate at which a network can grow is driven by how easy it is to configure and install additional ter-
minals. In addition, accurate terminal installations result in operational efficiency and interference risk
reduction.

Efficient and Effective Service Assurance

The Dialog NMS performs both short and long term trending to assess the performance of Dialog network
services and resources. To react to degradations of the network, the NMS features alarming capabilities.

Streamlined Service Activation and Configuration

An essential ingredient to efficient operations is the capability of configuring and activating new services
with ease. To this end, the Dialog NMS allows new services to be provisioned over the platform through an
easy-to-use, workflow-based Graphical User Interface or GUI. Satellite terminal configuration is made
easy through use of profiles and duplication.

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Installation of satellite terminals is made extremely simple by over-the-air provisioning functionality.

Besides simplicity, it also ensures end-to-end consistency for services running over a Dialog network.

Network Optimization Enabler

The roll-out of a satellite network often starts off with an initial assumption of link budgets, and traffic pat-
terns. As the network further expands, it is vital for network operators to be able to monitor how efficiently
and effectively services are being delivered. The Dialog NMS comes with a breadth of long-term Key Per-
formance Indicator or KPI trends on satellite link efficiency, traffic usage, and congestion level. This
enables a network operator to optimize the efficiency of the network, while still maintaining an effective ser-
vice.

OSS and BSS Integration

The Dialog NMS comes with a full set of APIs. This enables service providers to easily integrate OSS and
BSS tools with the Dialog platform. These can be:

l Billing and revenue management systems

l Provisioning systems

l Reservation systems, such as the SatLink Manager or other third-party tools

Fast Network Roll-out

All modems are available with unique Point&Play® easy installation technology, supporting the install-
ation of the complete terminal without any specific qualification or expensive tooling.

Point&Play provides correct satellite identification and facilitates pointing.

The Terminal Installation Certification enables an operator to measure, certify and monitor the terminal
installation quality in an automated way. End-users want good service and swift access. The self-install-
ation capabilities of the terminal enables this demand. On the other hand, the service providers want to
know if the terminal is installed correctly to guarantee the quality of their service.

1.3.5 Maximizing Availability

The Dialog geographic redundancy or geo-redundancy solution facilitates servicing a terminal population
from either one of two geographically dispersed Dialog platforms. The solution ensures replication of Dia-
log provisioning data between the two sites at regular times so that operations can switch from one site to
another at any time.

The geo-redundancy controller (GRC) is at the heart of the geo-redundancy service and has the following
responsibilities:

l Synchronize the provisioning data between the two sites at regular intervals.

l Perform the switchover from the original (failing) active to the new active site without any manual oper-
ator intervention.

The trigger for a switchover is a manual action of the operator, who optionally has a user interface (dash-
board) with all necessary active / passive hub module KPIs to make an informed decision to trigger the
switch over.

Dialog's geo-redundancy solution can be used for:

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l Disaster recovery

l Mitigating severe weather conditions

l Service impacting maintenance or upgrades

The following geo-redundant Dialog deployment scenarios are supported:

l Full hub geo-redundancy consists of two geographically distant located hubs, including both a set of
hub modules and an (embedded) NMS. The hub modules are exact copies of each other.

l NMS geo-redundancy consists of a set of hub modules located at one or more teleports and a 1+1
redundant set of external NMS, typically at different locations than the hub modules.

NOTE - Geo-redundancy with mobility is supported using a Mobility Manager with R1.4.1 or
higher.

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1.3.6 Multiple Return Link Technologies

The return link is defined as the link from the terminals over the satellite to the hub:

The return link in Dialog supports following access and coding and modulation technologies:

l MF-TDMA with 4CPM

l SCPC with DVB-S2, S2 Extensions, or HRC

l Mx-DMA with HRC

l NxtGen Mx-DMA with MRC

The access technology allocates the return link resources to the terminals. The coding and modulation
technology transform the data into a satellite signal.

The Dialog platform supports four return access technologies:

l Single Channel per Carrier or SCPC. SCPC can be considered as an always-on, dedicated, high-
bandwidth communication channel that provides high efficiency. SCPC has applicability in very high
data-rate return links, for applications such as high-speed IP backbones, cellular backhauling, trunking,
maritime mobility, and file or video contribution.

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l Multi Frequency Time Division Multiple Access or MF-TDMA. MF-TDMA consists of dividing the
return link capacity in frequency and time. Remote terminals are assigned to time slots spread over mul-
tiple frequencies which they use to send their data. MF-TDMA typically targets applications with very
bursty traffic patterns, such as Internet access for consumers, Small and Medium Enterprises, Busi-
ness-to-Business, or very low data rate, such as ATM and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition or
SCADA. This technology enables operators to share the bandwidth with a very high amount of users at
the expense of the overhead of the TDMA scheme (guard times, synchronization overhead).

l Cross Dimensional Multiple Access or Mx-DMA. Mx-DMA cross-correlates and assigns frequency,
symbol rate, power, modulation and coding rate in real-time, basing on the return traffic demand, QoS
management and channel conditions. Changes are seamless without any packet loss or additional jit-
ter. This allows services with continuously changing rates to run as they would with MF-TDMA, but at
SCPC efficiency. Mx-DMA allows network operators to deploy anything between dedicated to low-to-
medium overbooked services at any given time and minimum space capacity cost.

l Next Generation Cross Dimensional Multiple Access or NxtGen Mx-DMA. NxtGen Mx-DMA is
based on Mx-DMA. NxtGen Mx-DMA works with a flexible time-frequency plan. Slots of terminals with
higher capacity can be grouped, decreasing synchronization overhead and optimizing the transmission.
Thanks to that, MRC offers very efficient return frequency usage with high order constellation and high
spectral efficiency. NxtGen Mx-DMA unites SCPC efficiency and MF-TDMA scalability with new
dimensions of adaptability, allowing the technology to perfectly fit different use cases in a single return
link technology, efficiently sharing the satellite capacity. High efficiency allows bandwidth savings,
higher throughputs, and better network availability, making this technology optimal for all VSAT ser-
vices.

NOTE - For more information about the return link technologies, refer to the Newtec
Dialog Functional Description document.

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1.3.7 Newtec Private Cloud Infrastructure

The Newtec Private Cloud Infrastructure or NPCI is a private cloud solution based on off-the-shelf carrier-
grade software, consisting of:

Cloud hardware including:

l Enclosures and blade servers

l Network switches and cabling

and based on HPE and Dell EMC hardware:

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l HPE hardware: only in legacy deployments of standalone NMS

l Dell EMC + HPE hardware: all new deployments of standalone NMS and Dialog XIF processing hub
module

Cloud infrastructure software with following key features:

l Carrier-grade

l High flexibility

l High scalability

l High performance

l High availability

Cloud management layer, which hosts custom developed components to perform specific cloud man-
agement functions, such as the Virtual Network Functions Manager or VNFM. The VNFM communicates
with the cloud infrastructure software to deploy an NPCI product, such as the XIF processing hub module.

On top of the NPCI, different products can be deployed.

l XIF processing hub module

l NMS hub module

l Solutions applications, such as the quota manager.

These products are entirely based on virtual machines.

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2 Building Blocks
The Dialog building blocks seamlessly integrate a wide variety of hardware, software and technologies into
a complete satellite communications solution. They combine innovative technology to support all your net-
working requirements.

In this chapter:

l Hub Modules

l Terminals

l Dialog Satellite Resources

l Network Management

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2 Building Blocks

2.1 Hub Modules

The Dialog hub module series can be configured to match the size and satellite network configuration for
any customer application; a vast choice is available in terms of satellite bands, transmission speed,
power, modulation and amount of forward and return links.

The hub module scales easily and cost effectively from small (few terminals) to large networks (hundreds
of thousands of terminals) and from single coverage area to multiple coverage areas on any frequency
band. The Dialog hub modules provide flexibility to easily add high capacity multicarrier demodulators
which support SCPC, MF-TDMA and our patented Mx-DMA and NxtGen Mx-DMA return link tech-
nologies. It can serve one or multiple satellites, including high-throughput spot beam configurations.

The hub modules can be deployed remotely in different teleports while being managed centrally via a
single Dialog Network Management System (NMS). Three types of hub modules are available. The 1IF
hub module for small scale, dedicated networks, the 4IF hub module for small gateway deployments and
the XIF hub module for large gateway deployments.

2.1.1 1IF Hub Module

The HUB6501 or 1IF hub module is designed to address small and dedicated networks. It can support a
single satellite network, up to 250 terminals and up to 150 Mbps of traffic processing, including QoS and
congestion management, acceleration, compression and encryption. The hub module easily integrates
with the backbone router and the RF gateway up/downlink.

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Features

l Multiservice platform
l Small networks
l Supports DVB-S2/DVB-S2X ACM with modulation from
QPSK to 256APSK
l Support for SCPC, MF-TDMA and Mx-DMA return links
l Modem hardware: M6100 modulator, MCD7000 multi-car-
rier demodulator, MCD7500 multi-carrier demodulator
l One satellite network, up to 250 terminals
l Up to 150 Mbps of satellite capacity
l Includes all traffic processing functionality
l Optional redundancy can provide better than 99.99% avail-
ability
l Including all traffic processing, such as quality of service
(QoS) and congestion management, acceleration, com-
pression and encryption

The HUB6501 hub module is delivered without a rack. Instead, the customer receives a bundle of devices
including a cable set and installation instructions. These instructions and cable set are designed in such a
way that the customer can easily self-install the 1IF hub module as well as extend it afterwards.

2.1.2 4IF Hub Module

The HUB6504 or 4IF hub module is designed to support up to four satellite networks in a single rack and is
the ideal solution for service providers looking for small gateway deployments. The modularity of the hub
module gives service providers agility to respond to their customer and market needs in a fast and cost-
effective way. Additional satellite networks can be added easily and rapidly, simply by adding additional
modulators, multi-carrier demodulators and blade servers into the preconfigured rack slots and activating
in the Dialog NMS.

Features

l Supports up to four satellite networks

l Supports DVB-S2/DVB-S2X ACM with modulation from
QPSK to 256APSK
l Up to 800 Mbps of satellite capacity, up to 60,0000 terminals
l Up to 133 Mbaud DVB-S2X forward carriers
l Support for SCPC, MF-TDMA and Mx-DMA return links
l Modulator/demodulator units: Up to 18 slots
l Modem hardware: M6100 modulator, MCD7000 multi-carrier
demodulator, MCD7500 multi-carrier demodulator
l Modulators: 1 + optional redundant per IF
l Carrier grade reliability with built-in redundancy
l Low initial cost, pay-as-you-grow

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In the pre-cabled rack of the HUB6504 hub module, all cabling for RF and Ethernet is integrated up front.
This allows to install hub module extensions in the easiest possible manner. All is integrated in a 19-inch
rack, providing the required cables on each position and allowing easily inserting and connecting new
devices.

2.1.3 XIF Hub Module

The Dialog XIF hub module is the solution for gateway deployments, serving a multitude of beams,
transponders or satellites and is designed for operators seeking high throughput through its 10 Gbps Eth-
ernet switching infrastructure. Capacity can be extended easily and rapidly, simply by adding additional
multi-carrier modulators, demodulators and blade servers and activation in the Dialog NMS. The use of
Private Cloud technology enables flexible VNF deployment based on scalable compute and storage
resources.

Features

l Highly flexible and scalable hub architecture

l Optimized baseband density & flexibility with baseband
matrix
l Supports DVB-S2/DVB-S2X ACM with modulation from
QPSK to 256APSK
l Up to 480 Mbaud forward carriers
l Data throughput: 2 Gbps
l N:M redundancy for up to 32 multicarrier modulators
and/or demodulators in one rack
l Modem hardware: MCM7500 multi-carrier modulator,
MCD7000 and MCD7500 multi-carrier demodulator
l Carrier grade reliability with built-in redundancy
l Support for SCPC, MF-TDMA, Mx-DMA and NxtGen
Mx-DMA return links

The XIF hub module consists at a minimum of two 19-inch racks, holding the processing and baseband
hub module. The racks are pre-cabled. This allows to install the hub module extensions in the easiest pos-
sible manner. All is integrated in the 19-inch racks, providing the required cables on each position and
allowing easily inserting and connecting new devices.

HUB7208 is the baseband hub module. HUB7318 is the processing hub module. HUB7318 is based on
the Private Cloud Infrastructure or NPCI.

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2.2 Terminals

The terminal is an equipment package designed to serve applications and services like Internet/intranet
access, VoIP, enterprise connectivity, backhauling, broadcast contribution/distribution and multicast ser-
vices.

A Dialog terminal consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

l The indoor unit is the modem.

l The outdoor unit is a combination of an antenna, an LNB signal receiver, and a MUC or BUC signal
transmitter. In case of a MUC, the LNB and MUC are combined in one device, which is called the
iLNB.

The terminal portfolio is fitted for consumer markets, small and medium Enterprises, as well as large enter-
prises or organizations. Different terminal types can be used on the same platform sharing the outbound
carrier. Management of the modems is done by a single management system. The service activation flow,
the corresponding configuration and performance management is tailored to the business needs.

It is also possible to enable automatic pointing. This implies that the modem needs to be connected with
an Antenna Control Unit or ACU. The ACU is not part of the terminal package.

NOTE - The automatic pointing feature is available for all modem types, except for the
MDM2000 series.

In this section:

l Modems

l Outdoor Units

l Point&Play

l Terminal Installation Certification and Validation

2.2.1 Modems
The Dialog modem series match the market and application requirements. The modems share key fea-
tures and can be easily mixed in a single satellite network. Modems have been certified with several applic-
ation-specific antennas for maritime and Communication On The Pause (COTP) and Communication On
The Move (COTM).

In this section:

l MDM2210 Satellite Modem

l MDM2510 Satellite Modem

l MDM3310 Satellite Modem

l SMB3310 Satellite Modem Board

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l MDM5010 Satellite Modem

l Which Modem in which Market

MDM2010 Satellite Modem

The MDM2010 is a compact, lightweight desktop modem. It is

bundled with a range of different antenna sizes and interactive LNBs
forming an affordable satellite terminal on the Dialog platform. Its
ease of installation and high-performance modulation techniques
enable network operators to offer IP broadband services in a cost-
effective way. The MDM2010 Satellite Modem operates with New-
tec Dialog patented NxtGen Mx-DMA MRC return technology.

Features

l DVB-S2X support up to 480 Mbaud in the forward link

l High throughput, up to 100/5 Mbps, 10 Mbps

l Optional Wi-Fi and advanced routing support

l Support for single cable outdoor units

l Unique Point&Play easy-installation capability

l Easy to use multilingual web GUI for installation, diagnostics, and troubleshooting

l Adaptive return link based on MF-TDMA and NxtGen Mx-DMA channel access technology and multiple
channel bandwidths

MDM2210 Satellite Modem

The MDM2210 is a compact, lightweight desktop modem with very low power
consumption. The MDM2210 is bundled with a range of different antenna sizes
and interactive LNBs forming an affordable satellite terminal on the Dialog plat-
form. Its ease of installation and high performance modulation techniques enable
network operators to offer IP broadband services in a cost-effective way.

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Features

l DVB-S2X support up to 480 Mbaud in the forward link

l High throughput, up to 100/5 Mbps, 10 Mbps

l Optional Wi-Fi and advanced routing support

l Support for single cable outdoor units

l Unique Point&Play easy-installation capability

l Easy to use multilingual web GUI for installation, diagnostics and troubleshooting

l Adaptive return link based on MF-TDMA channel access technology and multiple channel bandwidths

MDM2510 Satellite Modem

The MDM2510 is a compact, low power consumption
modem, perfectly suited to service Small Office and
Home Office (SOHO) customers and Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs). The MDM2010 Satellite Modem
operates with Newtec Dialog patented NxtGen Mx-DMA
MRC return technology.

Features

l DVB-S2 (up to 64 Msps) / DVB-S2X (up to 480 Mbaud) outbound

l Supports DVB-S2X MODCODS up to 64APSK

l Support for MF-TDMA, Mx-DMA and NxtGen Mx-DMA return technologies up to 20 Msps

l OpenAMIP and GXT file support for mobility

l Embedded TCP acceleration, compression, encryption

MDM3310 Satellite Modem

The MDM3310 Satellite Modem is a compact, high
throughput modem supporting a wide range of fixed IP
services, including Internet/intranet access, VoIP,
enterprise connectivity, maritime and multicasting ser-
vices.

With data rates over 150 Mbps, the MDM3310 can

also be used in backhauling applications. The wide-
band receive capability makes the MDM3310 a perfect
fit for usage on HTS satellites.

The MDM3310 modem is also offered as a board level

variant, the SMB3310.

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Features

l DVB-S2 (up to 45Msps) / DVB-S2X (up to 480 Mbaud) outbound

l Supports DVB-S2X MODCODS up to 64APSK

l Return max rates up to 40 Msps (SCPC), 20 Msps (MxDMA)

l Ideal for both fixed and mobility applications with throughput rates up to 100/25 Mbps

l OpenAMIP and GXT file support for mobility Security features with 256-bit AES Link Encryption

l Embedded TCP acceleration, GTP acceleration and header compression

SMB3310 Satellite Modem Board

The SMB3310 Satellite Modem Board is

suitable for integration into highly compact
COTM terminals for the government and
defense, broadcast and mobility markets. It
offers unprecedented performance in a
modem board, supports a broad array of
mobility capabilities and is fully equipped to
operate on HTS spot beams satellites.

The SMB3310 is also available in a desktop

form, the MDM3310.

Features

l DVB-S2 (up to 45Msps) / DVB-S2X (up to 480 Mbaud) outbound

l Supports DVB-S2X MODCODS up to 64APSK

l Return maximum rates up to 40 Msps (SCPC), 20 Msps (Mx-DMA).

l Ideal for both fixed and mobility applications with throughput rates up to 100/25 Mbps

l OpenAMIP and GXT file support for mobilitySecurity features with 256-bit AES Link Encryption

l Embedded TCP acceleration, GTP acceleration and header compression

MDM5010 Satellite Modem

The MDM5010 Satellite Modem is the very high
throughput modem capable of handling traffic up
to 480 Mbps. It supports a wide range of IP ser-
vices including internet/intranet access, Voice
over IP (VoIP), backbones for mobile back-
hauling and trunking, fiber restoral/backup ser-
vices, contribution and multicasting services.

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The high spectral efficiency, high packet and bit

rate capability makes the MDM5010 ideal for
the most demanding customers with very band-
width-intensive services in the enterprise, back-
hauling, offshore and maritime markets. Service
providers can have a business model with max-
imum flexibility in supported applications,
responsiveness to new market opportunities
and Service Level Agreement (SLA) schemes
that fit customers’ needs.

Features

l DVB-S2 (up to 64 Msps) / DVB-S2X (up to 480 Mbaud) outbound

l Supports a full range of DVB-S2X MODCODS up to 256APSK

l Return maximum rates up to 133 Msps (SCPC), 20 Msps (MxDMA)

l OpenAMIP and GXT file support for mobility

l Embedded TCP acceleration, GTP acceleration and header compression

Which Modem in which Market

The table below shows which markets the different modem types serve:

Market / Modem MDM2x10 MDM2510 MDM3310 MDM5010

Consumer broadband x

Community broadband x x

SME connectivity x x

Mobility fishing x x

Mobility vessels x x

Offshore O&G x x

Backhaul 2G/3G x x

Corporate network x x x

Backhaul 4G x x

Mobility cruise x x

Broadcast x x

Fiber restoration x

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2.2.2 Outdoor Units

The modem is connected to equipment that is located outdoors. All terminal parts that are used outdoors
are part of the Outdoor Unit or ODU. Each modem type has its own supported outdoor units combination,
and the differentiation is mainly in the used antenna and iLNB or BUC/LNB.

ST Engineering iDirect offers a broad range of C, Ku and Ka-Band BUCs and LNBs that are high-per-
formance, reliable, cost-effective and designed for satellite communications with scalable low to high
speed transmission capabilities. These BUCs and LNBs can also be combined with our modem portfolio.
The BUCs and LNBs have been designed to provide optimal performance.

2.2.3 Point&Play®

Point&Play® is an easy-to-use self-installation

solution for Dialog modems which enables the
end-user to accurately position the antenna
towards the correct satellite providing feedback
on both signal quality and lock. This can happen
without any support from professionally trained
satellite installers.

Features

l Easy pointing and line-up

l Accurate terminal installations with low adjacent satellite interference

l Highest service satisfaction through optimal signal quality

l High installation success rate

l Lowers the operational cost

l Differentiates and improves the competitiveness of the service provider

l Uses the Point&Play® Application

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Point&Play® Application

The Point&Play® application satisfies the increasing demand for efficient,

accurate terminal installations with low adjacent satellite interference. It is a
smartphone application that connects to the modem through Wi-Fi. It supports a
number of key functionalities required during an antenna installation: site
acceptance, polarization adjustment, fully aided antenna pointing, storm testing
and more.
The application is supported on Android & iOS smartphones.

2.2.4 Terminal Installation Certification and Validation

The Terminal Installation Certification System (TICS) enables the operator to measure, certify and monitor
the terminal installation quality in an automated way. Based on thresholds defined by the network operator,
terminals may or may not be allowed into the network. Verification of the installation quality during the life-
time can be monitored using verification policies, such as measuring all terminals once every month.

Features

l Real-time certification

l Footprint agnostic operation

l Maximal efficiency guarantee

l Reduced interference risk

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2.3 Dialog Satellite Resources

To transport data from a terminal to the hub via the return link or from the hub towards the terminal via the
forward link, it is required to use resources on a satellite. These resources are usually defined as a set of
carriers within a frequency band for the return link as well as the forward link. The system can operate in C-
Band, Ku-Band and Ka-Band radio frequencies.

2.3.1 Forward Link

The forward link is defined as the link from the hub over the satellite to the terminals. The forward link can
be use the DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X standard, as well as DVB-S2X Annex M.

TIP - Annex M describes how to perform timeslicing. Use this technique for wideband
operation. Wideband operation enables you to use a bandwidth of 480 Mbuad, or a
throughput of ~2 Gbps per forward carrier. All MDMxx10 series support wideband.

NOTE - Information about the DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X standards are widely available on
the Internet.

Each satellite network or SatNet uses one forward link, also known as virtual carrier. The forward link is
segmented into forward pools, which divides the total bandwidth of the forward link. A terminal is asso-
ciated with a forward pool during the provisioning action.

The advanced waveform technology implementation DVB-S2X offers improved performance and fea-
tures compared to its predecessor DVB-S2.

The DVB-S2X standard includes:

l Smaller roll-offs

l Advanced filtering of satellite carriers

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l Increased granularity in MODCODs

l Higher order modulation including 64/128/256APSK support

l Linear and non-linear MODCODs

l Better implementation of MODCODs

l Wideband support

l Very low SNR or VL-SNR support for mobile applications

l Channel bonding

l Additional standard scrambling sequences to mitigate Co-Channel-Interference or CCI

DVB-S2X is particularly beneficial for powerful satellite capacity such as High Throughput Satellites or
HTS.

The efficiency technologies contributed by ST Engineering iDirect to the new DVB standard boost the
satellite link up to 20% in DTH networks and 51% in other applications when compared to DVB-S2. When
adding wide band to the equation, an extra 20% can be added to the total.

Applications of the DVB-S2X standard include trunking, broadcast contribution and exchange, back-
hauling and professional IP access networks, as well as applications within the government and defense
market like for example ISR, MWR, and disaster recovery. These are applications that typically require
higher throughput or need better margins to remain profitable.

2.3.2 Return Link

The return link is defined as the link from the terminals over the satellite to the hub. The return link in Dialog
supports following access and coding & modulation technologies:

l DVB-S2 and S2 Extensions with SCPC

l 4CPM with MF-TDMA

l HRC

l NxtGen Mx DMA - MRC

The access technology allocates the return link resources to the terminals. The coding and modulation
technology transforms the data into a satellite signal.

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The Dialog platform allows terminals to easily switch from one return technology to another. Having the
choice between the return technologies in a network within a single modem guarantees network operators
a business model with maximum flexibility in supported applications, responsiveness to new market oppor-
tunities and Service Level Agreement or SLA schemes that fit customers’ needs.

This switch requires nothing more than a simple hub provisioning configuration change of the cor-
responding terminal. The traffic impact of a switch to a different return technology is limited to a couple of
seconds.

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Depending on the modem type, one or more return technologies are supported. This allows the network
operators and service provider to choose the optimal modem type and return link technology combination
for each end-user.

The supported return technologies per type of modem are the following:

Modem Type SCPC MF-TDMA Mx-DMA NxtGen Mx-DMA

MDM2010 x x

MDM2200 x

MDM2210 x

MDM2500 x

MDM2510 x x x

MDM3100 x x

MDM3300 x x x

MDM3310 x x x

MDM5000 x x x

MDM5010 x x x

DVB-S2 and S2 Extensions with SCPC

DVB-S2 is the most accepted and widely spread standard in the satellite market. Still, satellite world has
changed a lot since DVB-S2 was first published in 2005. Higher speeds, more efficient satellite com-
munication technology and wider transponders are required to support the exchange of large and increas-
ing volumes in data, video, and voice over satellite. For that reason, a newer DVB standard, called DVB-
S2X (or extension to DVB-S2), with improved efficiency give the satellite industry more breathing space to
increase profitability and allow form business growth throughout all applications, from High Speed IP to
Broadcast to VSAT.

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The access technology that is used with DVB-S2 and S2 Extensions is SCPC. A Single Channel Per
Carrier or SCPC can be considered as an always-on, dedicated, high-bandwidth communication channel
that provides high efficiency.

DVB-S2 and S2 Extensions with SCPC fit the needs of services requiring high speed return links from the
terminals, such as broadcast contribution, IP trunking or backhauling services.

4CPM with MF-TDMA

Quaternary Constant Phase Modulation or 4CPM is a modulation technology that allows to saturate the
outdoor unit without generating distortion. It allows transmitters to operate in full saturation. 4CPM

Multi Frequency Time Division Multiple Access or MF-TDMA is a bandwidth allocation mechanism,
which consists of dividing the return link capacity in frequency and time. Consequently, remote terminals
are assigned time slots spread over multiple frequencies which they use to send their data. Time-slot
assignment is regulated by a burst time plan, which is calculated by a device in the hub based upon capa-
city requests coming from the remote terminals.

As capacity requests are random or on-demand, MF-TDMA uses the concept of statistical multiplexing.
This means dynamic allocation of resources based on analyzed statistics, such as peak data rates and
percentage of time a terminal is sending and receiving data. In other words, a terminal is assigned to time
slots according to priority and need.

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HRC
High Resolution Coding or HRC technology has a similar efficiency that DVB-S2 but is optimized for lower
rate return links. HRC can be used with two different channel access technologies:

HRC with SCPC

Compared to DVB-S2 and S2 extensions, the HRC modulation in SCPC mode is suited for applications
that require low to medium return throughput rates and low to medium rate broadcast, while assuring excel-
lent delay and jitter performance.

HRC with Mx-DMA

ST Engineering iDirect patented Mx-DMA or Multiple Dimension Division Multiple Access is the
access technology that incorporates the best features of MF-TDMA and SCPC technologies, solving the
difficult choice of having to select one or the other.

Mx-DMA is an efficient and dynamic multiple-access waveform which enables service providers to share
satellite capacity more efficiently over a group of satellite terminals.

The Mx-DMA return technology adjusts the frequency plan, symbol rate, modulation, coding, and power in
real-time for every terminal in the satellite network. These adjustments are based on the return traffic
demand, network QoS management and channel conditions for the terminal population in the network.

Within the Mx-DMA return link, each carrier is assigned to only one terminal, achieving SCPC-like max-
imum return efficiencies. At the same time, the flexibility of MF-TDMA can be maintained as Mx-DMA
allocates bandwidth based on real-time demand from each terminal and QoS profile.

In other words, as the traffic demand for a remote terminal changes, bandwidth is allocated on the fly. If
the traffic within the terminal becomes more important, extra bandwidth is assigned to the carrier assigned
to the terminal based on QoS and priority rules. The entire allocation operation is performed seamlessly
without any data packets being lost.

MRC with NxtGen Mx DMA

In Multi-Resolution Coding or MRC, multiple channel coding options are available per setting, optim-
izing the coding and modulation for the different user needs and channel conditions. MRC is used with
NxtGen Mx-DMA.

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ST Engineering iDirect patented Next Generation Multiple Dimension Division Multiple Access or
NxtGen Mx-DMA is a Next Generation, flexible satellite return technology. It offers service agility, extend-
ing the availability of Mx-DMA to very large networks and expanding the applicability and use of the tech-
nology to include a full spectrum of use cases.

NxtGen Mx-DMA access technology cross-correlates and assigns frequency, symbol rate, power, mod-
ulation and coding rate, transmission length and code length in real-time, basing on the return traffic
demand, QoS management parameters and channel conditions. Therefore, designing a NxtGen Mx-DMA
MRC link does not require precise knowledge of the traffic and terminal mix as the link self-optimizes in
real-time. The high efficiency enables bandwidth savings, higher throughput, better network availability,
and substantial terminal cost savings.

NxtGen Mx-DMA MRC works with a flexible time-frequency plan. Slots of terminals with higher capacity
can be grouped, decreasing synchronization overhead and optimizing the transmission. Thanks to that,
NxtGen Mx-DMA MRC offers very efficient return frequency usage with high

order constellation and high spectral efficiency.

Customers are served with a single return link for most of their use cases, minimizing operational com-
plexity and maximizing statistic multiplexing.

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2.4 Network Management

In this section:

l Dialog Network Management System

l NMS Applications

l REST Application Programming Interface

2.4.1 Dialog NMS

The Dialog NMS provides a single, unified inter-

face for all configurations, monitoring and
troubleshooting operations on the whole Dialog
platform. It is made with the scalability of the Dia-
log platform in mind. Whether a small, dedicated
private hub or a large HTS network with teleports
at different geographical locations, the Dialog plat-
form can handle all operations whatever their
size. This means network operators can handle
their globally distributed Dialog platform all from
the same NOC.

In this section:

l Embedded NMS and Central NMS Module

l NMS Management

l Features

Embedded NMS and Central NMS Module

Depending on the number of satellite networks that need to be configured on the Dialog hub, the NMS can
be deployed as follows:

l Embedded NMS. This type of deployment is used when a limited number of satellite networks is
deployed.

l For 1IF: the NMS is an application that runs on the hub module server.

l For 4IF and XIF: The NMS servers are housed in the same enclosure as the hub module servers.

l Central NMS module. This type of deployment is used when a large number of satellite networks are
deployed. A standalone NMS module also allows to spread the NMS functionality and the hub module

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functionality over different locations like another rack, room or gateway.

The NMS functionality is housed in a separate rack. The NMS hub module is based on the Newtec Priv-
ate Cloud Infrastructure or NPCI.

NMS Management
The centralized Dialog NMS provides a unified management interface to monitor, control, and obtain the
status of the platform. It serves as a single point of access for Dialog users and embeds the following con-
figuration and management interfaces:

l Configuration and Operation Management, where it is possible to provision terminals, and manage
attachment, classification, service, and firewall profiles, forward and return link resources, network
resources, user profiles and virtual network operators.

l During terminal provisioning, operators can create, edit, and delete terminals. When creating ter-
minals, they can link these with forward and return resources, to different profile and network
resources. It is also possible to perform actions on several terminals using bulk actions.

l Attachment profiles are used for mobile or roaming terminals, which move across multiple spot
beams during operation. The profile contains the information for all the spots beams. Including the
definition of the beam, the satellite network and the forward and return pools. Attachment profiles can
also be used for fixed terminals, for which their physical locator which location is not known upfront.

l Classification Profiles are used to classify the ingress unicast traffic into QoS traffic classes.
For more information, refer to Quality of Service.

l Service Profiles are a set of parameters which control how the available bandwidth is used. The ser-
vice profile shapes, controls, limits, and guarantees the traffic of the user.

l Firewall Profiles allow to block undesired incoming traffic.

l Return Resources management is used to plan the capacity, the frequency and the QoS of the return
link for each return link technology.

l Forward Resources management is used to edit carrier settings, such as ACM and MODCOD set-
tings, edit the encapsulation parameters and edit the forward QoS plan.

l In the Network Resources web interface, operators can define and manage layer 3 and layer 2 net-
works. These networks are defined on top of a satellite network and are isolated from each other
user. A terminal is linked to at least one network via the terminal provisioning interface.

l It is possible to create and manage Virtual Network Operators (VNO) and corresponding User
accounts on a Dialog platform. This allows an HNO (Hub Network Operator) to grant access to a
VNO and its resources. It is possible to distinguish roles and set permissions.

l Fault and Performance Management. All resources, such as forward link, return link or network
resources, modem data, and hub module equipment data are stored in the NMS database. Statistics
and KPI can be monitored and alarms can be managed.

l Inventory Management. As Dialog is a dynamic, flexible, and scalable system, it is possible for the
customer to add or remove hardware from the hub. Inventory management is used to reconfigure the
system, so it reflects the new hardware setup. Inventory management defines:

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l Number and location of gateways in case of multi gateway solutions

l Number and type of hub modules (1IF, 4IF, XIF)

l Number of satellite networks

l Number of demodulators and spare demodulators, and their supported return link technology

l Number of modulators and spare modulators

l Number of blade servers

l Type of redundancy and details related to redundancy

Features
l Maximal operational efficiency and service delivery assurance

l Optimization of the network and plan possible extensions

l Feature-rich performance trending and analysis tools

l Bubble-up & drill down alarm identification flow

l Comprehensive alarm lifecycle management

l Streamlined service configuration & activation

l Single management interface

l Scalable for a small private hub to a global HTS network

l APIs for OSS/BSS integration

l Flexible VNO model

2.4.2 NMS Applications

The NMS Applications are software applications that extend the capabilities of the Dialog NMS by lever-
aging its extensive API.

The NMS applications are optional. They are not part of the standard Dialog NMS.

In this section:

l Satellite Network Calculator

l SatLink Manager

l File Exchange Manager

l Quota Manager

l Integrated Management System

l Mobility Manager

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Satellite Network Calculator

The Satellite Network Calculator is a network
simulation tool which is hosted on the Dialog®
hub. It can be accessed via an intuitive graphical
user interface on the browser or via an API. It
provides instant insight in performance and poten-
tial of the satellite network, represented in a
highly graphical and intuitive manner. Network
configurations can range from single beam to
large multi-beam constellations.

The modules available in SNC are:

l Link Budget Calculator. It allows to calculate a full single link budget or an ACM table of link budgets per
MODCOD supported by the selected technology, based on the actual transmitted power or power cap-
ability of the transmit earth station.

l MODCOD Calculator. It allows to calculate the relation between bandwidth, symbol rate and info rate of
a carrier. It shows the thresholds which must be achieved in the link to be able to maintain a certain
MODCOD, based on the selected modulation technology and modem version.
In other words, the MODCOD calculator can be used to size the carrier as optimal as possible.

Features

l Examine network business benefit evaluations with fast iteration on CAPEX/OPEX

l Simulate different scenarios without creating any manual link budgets

l Simple way of weighing up costs and benefits of simulated networks

l Single network performance reference to support sales and operational workflows

l Easy capacity sizing in line with network growth

l Intuitive web-based graphical user interface

l Support for single beam up to large multi-beam satellite networks

l Single information database for network planning and network operational phases

l Seamless integration with Dialog operational networks

l Open API for other workflow integration

SatLink Manager

The SATLink Manager software module allows

broadcasters and telco operators to efficiently
manage the transmission resources and capacity,
and guaranteeing error-free link setups by auto-
mation of satellite ground equipment.

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Features

l Multiple data and broadcast services support on single platform

l Versatile modem portfolio support

l Possibility to integrate with integrated NMS, to allow support of flexible transmission work-flows and
hybrid connectivity

l Scales from small to large networks

l Support for capacity pools over multiple transponders, frequency bands and satellites

l Scales with the number of supported services and throughputs

l Low upfront CAPEX requirements, invest as your business grows

l Support for DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X

l Optimization of bandwidth allocation through optimal MODCOD selection and pooled capacity support

l FlexACM support

File Exchange Manager

The File Exchange Manager application is a ver-

satile solution for the non-linear contribution, dis-
tribution and exchange of file-based digital assets.
It provides bandwidth-efficient, reliable and
secure data transmission over satellite as well as
hybrid IP networks.

Features

l Highly reliable and guaranteed file reception

l Encrypted transmission to ensure content privacy

l Supporting a wide range of applications and services on a single platform

l Interoperability with any transport system: Dialog, HUB6000, 3rd party SCPC/VSAT system or ter-
restrial/hybrid IP network

l Versatile platform support

l Possibility to integrate with integrated NMS, to allow support of flexible transmission work-flows and
hybrid connectivity

l Scales from small to large networks

l Scales with the number of supported services and throughputs

l Satellite-bandwidth efficient file exchange

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l Full utilization of available satellite capacity

l Fully automated file workflows

l Easy self-deployment and operation

Quota Manager

The Quota Manager or QM provides the ideal

monetization tool for ISPs by providing a cost-
effective, flexible and high-performance policy
management solution. To effectively serve the
end consumer as well as effectively manage
and monetize the services delivered, ISPs need
to consider:

l the Service offering – the ability to offer time

and volume based data services;

l the Service enforcement – the automatic

change of policy based on existing sub-
scriptions;

l the Service monetizing – the ability to gen-

erate events for invoicing and billing.

There are commercial-off-the-shelf products available for these areas. However, most of these products
are designed with terrestrial internet service in mind. Considering the lower number of subscribers for an
ISP using satellite as the channel, the price per subscriber for these solutions can be too high. Combine
this with the high maintenance costs, these products often become unavailable for satellite based ISPs.

Features

l Lower Total Cost of Ownership or TCO or Pay as you grow model

l Flexibility of offer management

l Daily, weekly or monthly bill cycles

l Overlapping policies

l Day-of-the-week or Time-of-the-day policies

l Accounting interface

l Full-fledged accounting interface to provide Usage Data Records or UDRs for third party billing plat-
forms

l Lower implementation and maintenance costs

l Ready integration with Dialog leads to low implementation costs

l REST API based integration with OSS/BSS systems

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l Optional full-fledged VNO management. For example, the HNO can control whether VNOs can access
QM to manage its own offers, policies and subscriptions

l Optional integration with a common Identity store for user management with Dialog CROWD integ-
ration, allowing the operator to create a user only once across all applications

l Optional redundant deployment architecture for high availability

Integrated Management System

Our complete VSAT Integrated Management
System or IMS ensures end-to-end integration
with the customers’ infrastructure and ser-
vices, as well as providing enhanced services
for guaranteeing customers’ operations. IMS
acts as a “manager of managers” for the end-
to-end Dialog® VSAT solution. It provides met-
rics for Quality of Service or QoS monitoring,
visualizes system availability and associated
Service Level Agreement or SLA compliance,
and provides operator tools for monitoring
traffic distribution and congestion. Additional
integration includes third party components
such as RF Network Management Systems or
NMSs and integration with OSS/BSS com-
ponents.

Features

l An end-to-end, integrated view of the total solution which provides pure element and network oper-
ational state monitoring, operational views on the service and business aspects of the entire solution

l Single user interface that can be fully tailored to the needs of the satellite operator

l Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance and Security or FCAPS Management on element, net-
work and service level of Dialog VSAT solution

l Sophisticated alarming and trending of monitored parameters

l Optional modules for service-based SLA monitoring and reporting

Mobility Manager
The Dialog® Mobility Manager is a turnkey
solution for managing mobility networks. The
Mobility Manager switching policies are con-
figured through a powerful rules-based engine.
In addition to standard location-based logic,
the Mobility Manager rules can also incor-
porate other factors such as network load,
beam cost and real-time terminal per-
formance. The multilayer map-based GUI

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enables intuitive global network management.

Mobile network operators can customize beam switching logic to match their business needs and priorities
with powerful scripting capabilities that allow external factors such as weather, vessel itineraries and cus-
tomer preferences to be considered.

Features

l Guarantee a consistent service across the whole network, meaning a consistent service over a specific
region, number of cruise ships or plains

l Provide the best connectivity experience to your most demanding customers

l Have control on when a ship or plain switches from one beam to another

l Minimize the need for excess capacity to serve as a margin of error, as terminals move around in unpre-
dictable ways

l Easily include additional business parameters in the beam switching

l Streamlined service activation and configuration

l Customizable mobility management policies

l Web-based GUI with multi-layer maps

l Key Performance Indicator trending

l Unprecedented control over beam switching logic minimizes OPEX

l Exploit the benefits of HTS without beam switch control headaches

2.4.3 REST Application Programming Interface

Apart from using the graphical user interfaces or GUIs of the NMS, it is also possible to load resources into
a Dialog system using a Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface or REST
API.

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An Application Programming Interface or API is a software intermediary that allows two applications to
talk to each other.

The REST technology is a style of software architecture for distributed systems such as the World Wide
Web. REST has emerged over the past few years as a predominant web service design model. REST has
increasingly displaced other design models such as SOAP and WSDL due to its simpler style.

Dialog uses REST to improve user experience and allow an easier backward compatibility on the future
releases. Clients are minimally impacted by changes in the back-end or interface, which is an advantage
of using this type of API on top.

The API is implemented as a server-client model. All server functionality is located within the Dialog hub.

2.4.4 Inventory Management

Customers can easily add or remove hardware from the hub to adapt their network as business grows.
Inventory management is used to reconfigure the system to reflect the new hardware setup.

Inventory management enables the custiomer to (re)define:

l Number of gateways in the multi gateway case, including the location of each gateway

l Hub module type: 1IF, 4IF or XIF

l Number of hub modules

l Number of satellite networks

l Type of return technologies per satellite network

l Number of demodulators and redundant demodulators

l Number of modulators and redundant modulators

l Type of redundancy and details related to redundancy

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This chapter describes Dialog technologies, such as quality of service, IP optimizations, networking and
satellite link optimizations. These technologies add value, and secure and enhance the operation of the Dia-
log platform.

In this chapter:

l Waveform Optimization

l Advanced Mobility

l Quality of Service

l Traffic Optimization

l Security

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3.1 Waveform Optimization

In this section:

l FlexACM®

l Clean Channel Technology®

l Equalink®

l Automatic Uplink Power Control

3.1.1 FlexACM®
FlexACM® or Flex Adaptive Code Modulation offers an end-to-end solution to optimize satellite chan-
nels suffering from variable link conditions.

FlexACM® is the innovative and award-winning solution from ST Engineering iDirect for efficient satellite
communications. The technology doubles throughput in satellite networks that suffer from variable link con-
ditions both in the forward and return satellite channel. At the same time maximum service availability can
be achieved in any fading condition (inclined orbit, weather, dust, interference) to keep mission-critical
communications running at all times.

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This unique and market-proven end-to-end solution combines a set of technologies, such as ACM, Noise
and Distortion Estimation (NoDE), and predictive tooling on upcoming variation, to bring the satellite link to
full efficiency.

ACM allows the network operator to automatically turn to more robust modulation to maintain the link ser-
vice availability during fading conditions. Once the link conditions improve, the ACM system will imme-
diately change to higher modulation coding without package drops and increase the data throughput to
maximum levels again.

By measuring distortion with NoDE and taking the measurements into account, rather than keeping a
safety margin, the excess link margin is decreased, leading to higher throughput in the same bandwidth.

The Thin Margin Manager or ThiMM predicts link behavior so FlexACM can even be used at its fullest
power in very rapidly changing link conditions, such as those experienced in Ka-band.

FlexACM is the only system in the world that can guarantee Committed Information Rate or CIR in a
dynamic adaptive environment, even allowing multiplexing fixed rate E1 circuits with regular IP traffic.

The gain of FlexACM can range from 30% to 50% depending on the type of traffic and the satellite link con-
ditions.

Features

l Doubles throughput

l Optimal availability

l Cuts OPEX costs

l Suitable for inclined orbit satellite operations

l End-to-end efficiency

l Proven Return on Investment or RoI

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l Flexible business models

l Best-of-trade Satcom equipment with large install base

3.1.2 Clean Channel Technology®

Clean Channel Technology®improves DVB-S2 efficiency with small roll-offs and advanced filtering
technology.

Clean Channel Technology® further improves satellite efficiency by up to 15% compared to the current
DVB-S2 standard for trunking, backhauling and government networks, as well as broadcast contribution.

Clean Channel Technology® applies a range of small

roll-off percentages to leave maximum flexibility when
designing the satellite network. In previous DVB-S2
standards, the 20% and 25% roll-off percentages were
common, which basically means these percentages
need to be added to the desired bandwidth over satellite.
Reducing these roll-offs to 5%, 10% and 15% results in a
direct gain in bandwidth. Looking at the spectral image
when implementing smaller roll-offs, the slope of the car-
rier becomes steeper when compared to DVB-S2 but still
fits nicely in the allocated bandwidth.

The Clean Channel Technology® feature also allows flex-

ibility when adjusting the noise levels or side lobes on
both sides of the carrier. These side lobes prevent satel-
lite carriers being put close to each other. Applying
advanced filter solutions has an immediate effect on
bandwidth savings as the spacing between carriers can
be put as close as 1.05 times their symbol rates.

Clean Channel Technology® can be applied in satellite

links with single carriers, multiple carriers or carriers shar-
ing the same transponder with other providers.

Benefits

l A combination of improved roll-offs (5%, 10%, 15%) for DVB-S2 and advanced filtering technologies to
allow optimal carrier spacing

l Improves satellite efficiency by up to 15% when compared to the DVB-S2 standard and ensures an
optimized modulator output spectral shape

l Applications include all multiple carriers per transponder scenario. Also single carrier per transponder is
included in case the service provider or network operator needs to optimize the carrier size

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3.1.3 Equalink®
Equalink® offers pre-distortion compensating filter and amplifier effects.

As a revolutionary linear and non-linear pre-distortion technology implemented in the modulator, Equalink®
provides breakthrough performance gains on DTH satellite links.

Operators can increase the link margin of all set-top

boxes in the field by simply enabling Equalink® at the
modulator side. This extra link margin can be used to
improve the coverage and availability or it can be used
to increase the symbol rate in combination with a
lower roll-off factor.

To mitigate linear and non-linear distortion effects,

Equalink® advanced digital filters and algorithms are
implemented in the modulator.

Benefits

l Equalink® for VSAT systems provides typical throughput gains from 7 to 25% and availability gains
from 1 to 8 dB in the forward link, even for linearized channels.

l Live satellite tests have demonstrated 0.4 dB gain for QPSK 5/6 (10% throughput gain) and more than
0.6 dB gain for 8PSK 5/6 (15% throughput gain).

l For DTH applications: additional data traffic of up to 15% in the same satellite capacity or a link margin
improvement of up to 0.6 dB.

l For professional applications: similar efficiency gains and up to 4dB link margin improvement.

l Easy operation in conjunction with any standard satellite receiver.

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l Applications include all single-carrier per transponder scenarios, in particular DTH carriers, professional
distribution carriers and VSAT outbound carriers.

3.1.4 Automatic Uplink Power Control

Automatic Uplink Power Control or AUPC is a link-based automated feature intended to maintain a con-
stant receive level over a satellite return uplink that suffers from terminal uplink fading, while
respecting the contractual Bandwidth Equivalent Power Density or BEPD limit of the satellite.

Especially Ku/Ka band satellite links suffer from varying amounts of loss, due to weather and rain con-
ditions on one or both ends.

AUPC can be used with the HRC, MRC and 4CPM return technologies and is only supported when using
the following Outdoor Unit or ODU types:

l BUCs using modem output power control : MDM3xxx, MDM5xxx, MDM25xx.

l iLB2220 (MUC) using modem output power control: MDM2210 and MDM2510 .

Other combinations in ODU will ignore the AUPC related signaling from the hub.

When AUPC is enabled and fade occurs at the uplink of the terminal, the controller in the hub will detect
the fade and will command the remote terminal to increase its transmit power to compensate for this fade.
When AUPC is disabled, the terminal uplink rain fade is not compensated.

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3.2 Advanced Mobility

Mobile terminals are terminals that move during operation. They have a certain speed and optionally an
acceleration and they can pass multiple satellite beam areas during their journey.

Mobile terminals operating in multiple beams can move from one beam to another.

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The terminal should be able to switch between different satellite beam areas without losing the satellite
connection. This can be done using a Mobility Manager. The mobility manager decides to switch beams
based on the position of the terminal and some specific beam information, such as contours, cost, and
load.

Dialog provides two types of mobility manager:

l The Central Mobility Manager located at the hub side. The Central Mobility Manager can be the ST
Engineering iDirect Mobility Manager or a third-party application. In both cases the modem sends its
GPS coordinates over the satellite link to the mobility orchestrator. The central mobility manager gets
the GPS coordinates of the terminal from the Mobility Orchestrator and applies the configured beam
switching logic and business rules to make a beam switching decision if needed. For more information,
refer to Mobility Manager.

l The Remote Mobility Manager located at the terminal side. In this case, the modem does not send its
GPS coordinates over the satellite link, since they could be considered as sensitive information. The
remote mobility manager, which is integrated in the modem, periodically monitors the position of the ter-
minal and applies the locally configured beam switching logic to make a beam switching decision if
needed.

In this section:

l Spread Spectrum and VL-SNR

l Beam Selection Process

l Doppler Effect Skew Angle Mitigation

l OpenAMIP

3.2.1 Spread Spectrum and VL-SNR

Spread spectrum and VL-SNR enable efficient and reliable transmission from small antennas.

Providing high-speed connectivity through small mobile antennas can prove to be a challenge. The form
factor of the antenna plays a major role in the integration, aerodynamics and fuel costs. The use of smaller
antennas, such as flat panel becomes more prevalent, but it also comes with the risk of creating adjacent
satellite interference when transmitting from the moving remote to the satellite.

One solution comes in the form of spread spectrum, which diffuses high rate signals by “spreading out”
the transmissions over greater bandwidth so less power density is required. This minimizes the inter-
ference to adjacent satellites without limiting connectivity to the target satellite.

Very Low Signal-to-Noise Ratio or VL-SNR MODCODs lend an additional level of efficiency to the
spread spectrum implementation.

The Mx-DMA waveforms also incorporate VL-SNR spreading MODCODs. These facilitate the use of
small and phased array antennas, counter deep fading effects and secure communications when the car-
riers are hidden in the noise.

Benefits

l Reduces the spectral density of the transmission

l Facilitates the use of small antennas for Communications-On-The-Move or COTM applications

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l May allow carriers to be hidden under the noise to conceal traffic activity during stealth operations for
secure communications

3.2.2 Beam Selection Process

The mobile terminal operating in multiple beams can come online in any beam it supports. As it is not pos-
sible to predict in which beam the mobile terminal will become operational, Automatic Initial Beam Selec-
tion and Automatic Pointing is used. Automatic Initial Beam Selection (AIBS) controls the initial network
acquisition process for the terminal, and selects a beam using the geographical position of the terminal.
Automatic pointing will make sure that the terminal antenna is optimally pointed towards the beam. AIBS
and automatic pointing are entirely terminal-side driven.

One of the most challenging aspects of Communication On The Move or COTM modems involves
switching from one beam to another. Beam switchover requires both the ability of the modem to determine
when and to which beam to switch to as well as communication with the COTM antenna.

ST Engineering iDirect has developed a number of features and partnered with a number of antenna man-
ufacturers to optimize this process.

On Dialog, the Mobility Manager provides a centralized beam switch decision logic, giving flexibility to
mobility network operators to bring specific business logic in the beam switching decision. The Mobility
Manager allows network operators to customize mobility management policies depending on SLA or ter-
minal type. It provides efficient and effective service assurance by beam, terminal, and geography. It
allows to streamline service activation and configuration directly from the provisioning work flow from the
NMS.

Benefits

l Select the most optimal beam for each terminal automatically

l Minimize service outage during beam switches

l Set priorities to meet Service Level Agreements or SLAs on various parameters

l Ensure compatibility between the antenna controller unit and the satellite

l Streamline service activation and configuration

3.2.3 Doppler Effect and Skew Angle Mitigation

Efficient waveforms are critical for offering a bandwidth efficient and cost-effective service, but satellite
transmissions to fast moving antenna are a challenge. Doppler compensation and skew angle mitigation
capabilities can help overcome the challenges of antennas on a fast moving platform such as an airplane.
Fast beam switching and fast (re)aquisition are additional capabilities that help maintain a seamless con-
nectivity onboard an airplane.

The Doppler Effect is the change in the frequency of a wave, as perceived by a receiving station, as
either the transmitter or the receiver moves. Historically, the Doppler Effect in satellite transmission has
been a secondary consideration arising from the satellite’s motion in its station-keeping box. With aircraft,
however, the Doppler Effect has a great impact on the effectiveness of antennas. Dialog manages the
Doppler Effects caused by aircraft movements.

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Skew angle refers to the angle at which a beam from a terminal location hits the satellite. Skew angle mit-
igation allows a terminal to take advantage of high skew situations while ensuring compliance with adja-
cent satellite interference limits.

Mounted antennas, such as those on the fuselage of an aircraft or the roof of a vehicle, require special pro-
visions to comply with regulatory off-axis limits. Skew angle support is needed for proper and efficient oper-
ation of terminals with radiation patterns that are not circularly symmetric.

Depending on the location of the antenna and the oval shape of some antennas, the beam will leave a
vehicle or aircraft in a wide direction vertically and a narrow direction horizontally and with a wider beam hit-
ting the adjacent satellites with more power. The ST Engineering iDirect platform includes Skew Angle Mit-
igation to help adapt to the skew angles of such antennas. This allows a terminal to take advantage of high
skew situations while ensuring compliance with the adjacent satellite interference limits.

Benefits

l Compliance with adjacent satellite interference regulations

l Efficient operation of mobile terminals subject to high skew situations

3.2.4 OpenAMIP
OpenAMIP is an IP-based protocol that
facilitates the exchange of information
between an antenna controller unit and a
satellite without proprietary coding.

Features

l An IP-based protocol facilitates the exchange of information between an Antenna Controller Unit or
ACU and a satellite, allowing the router to command the antenna without proprietary coding

l An industry-wide, open-source standard

l Antenna agnostic and works with all major stabilized VSAT manufacturers’ products

l Allows maritime organizations to choose from a wider selection of hardware to best suit their needs

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3.3 Quality of Service

Quality of Service or QoS refers to the ability to differentiate traffic types with the objective to apply dif-
ferent policies to the different service flows running through a network.

Nowadays, with the increasing trend of convergence towards all-IP networks, ensuring QoS is particularly
critical. A correct definition and application of QoS policies provides the end-user a greater Quality of
Experience or QoE.

Packets traveling over the air from origin to destination may result affected due to the channel conditions,
the transmission time through the media or the processing time of the equipment, resulting in the following
problems:

l Packet Loss: From source to destination, packets might be dropped. The receiving application may
ask for this information to be retransmitted, possibly causing severe delays in the overall transmission.

l Delay: In some cases, excessive delay can make an application, such as VoIP, unusable. For inter-
active real-time traffic, for example VoIP, the transportation delay is an important factor. Since a single
satellite hop has already a significant delay contribution, it is important to keep the delay to an accept-
able level.

l Jitter: Data is typically chunked into pieces when transmitted over the satellite link. Reassembly is
done by the receiver. These chunks of data coming from the source reach the destination with different

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delays. This variation in delay is known as jitter and can seriously affect the quality of streaming audio
or video. Apart from delay, jitter also influences the quality for real-time traffic.

Different services must get different policies applied. These policies have the intention to minimize the neg-
ative impact of packet loss, delay and jitter to the experience of the user. Classification is therefore
required to organize traffic into traffic categories. Ingress traffic is classified into different classes basing
on rules. Dialog supports 18 user QoS traffic classes:

l Real-Time: Intended for traffic that requires very low delay and jitter. Traffic profiles for real-time traffic
are typically tailored in such a way that the quality of service of these selected uses is guaranteed, or at
least prioritized over other classes of traffic.

l Critical-Data: Intended for traffic that requires low delay and loss. Such traffic profiles are also tailored
to guarantee and prioritize data, but its priority is lower than real-time traffic. There are up to 14 critical-
data traffic classes depending on the used shaping model and return technology. All CD classes have
equal priority but can be differentiated by their individual weight.

l Best-Effort: Intended for traffic that does not require prioritization or guarantees. Therefore, such traffic
is treated with the lowest priority.

In this section, you can find information about Cross-Layer-Optimization.

3.3.1 Cross-Layer-Optimization
Cross-Layer-Optimization offers an automated end-to-end optimization technology between the RF
and the IP layers.

Cross-Layer-Optimization™ or CLO is an optimization mechanism which is designed to control the rate of

satellite network traffic and avoid congestion-based packet loss. The purpose of CLO is to provide a chain
of control loops to inform the traffic sender the amount of traffic which can be handled by each terminal.
Therefore, the rate of transfers can be controlled and overloading satellite links can be prevented.

In an environment of variable satellite IP bandwidth, Cross-Layer-Optimization continuously fills the avail-

able satellite capacity, while following QoS rules, and avoids packet drops by controlling the rate at which
end-user applications send data in real time.

Cross-Layer-Optimization allows operators to fully use the available satellite capacity while still offering
flexible Service Level Agreements or SLAs depending on the different customer requirements. The
shortened response times and reduced file transfer durations also maximize the end-user Quality of Exper-
ience or QoE.

Benefits

l Full use of available satellite capacity

l Controlled rate of transmission of end-user applications, such as web browsing for maximized QoE

l Real-time feedback to the shaping and QoS function on the available variable bandwidth

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3.4 Traffic Optimization

Traffic optimization techniques enhance the user experience by compressing the data sent over the satel-
lite, and therefore increasing the bandwidth efficiency.

Thanks to satellite communications, people all over

the world can access the Internet. However, the
Internet's most common communication protocols
TCP and HTTP have been designed for terrestrial
networks. When used over satellite networks the
user will experience a lower performance without
the right technology.

To avoid poor performance over satellite networks,

for example slow download speed and web surfing,
ST Engineering iDirect has developed a combined
set of traffic enhancement technologies that speed
up the underlying communication protocols TCP
and HTTP. With these technologies the user will

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have a better Quality of Experience (QoE) when

using Internet or enterprise applications.

TCP/IP Optimization

The TCP/IP optimization protocol stack or Enhanced TCP enables full usage of the available satellite
capacity instantly and at any time, even if the effective bandwidth changes dynamically as a result of
Cross-Layer-Optimization. The HTTP acceleration speeds up end-users’ web application experience by
up to 60%. This is achieved by combining interception, caching, scheduling and prefetching techniques at
the same time. Even if several IP services – be it a file download or web browsing – share the same virtual
circuit, the web surfing is fast and the download uses the remaining capacity.

Acceleration

TCP Acceleration aims to minimize the drawbacks of TCP over high latency networks. In Dialog, the
Enhanced TCP or eTCP protocol is used to tunnel all traffic over the satellite link. This protocol is optim-
ized to handle the huge round trip time and reduces the amount of control traffic over the satellite link.

eTCP first establishes an association between the two communicating peers, negotiating protocol cap-
abilities, encryption parameters and performing authentication. On top of this association context reliable
(TCP-like) and unreliable (UDP-like) streams can be established. For TCP-based traffic, eTCP protocol
significantly reduces the amount of control data overhead.

GTP Acceleration in the Dialog platform allows for traffic optimization (TCP acceleration and header com-
pression on UDP, IP and RTP traffic) inside GTP-U tunnels between a terminal and the hub when using
the Dialog solution in a mobile backhauling set-up.

Compression

Header Compression reduces the size of one or more protocol headers of a packet. Dialog supports IP,
UDP, TCP, RTP and GTP header compression of unicast IPv4 as well as IPv6 traffic. It also supports Eth-
ernet header compression of layer 2 point-to-point virtual connections.

The type of header compression can be set per QoS class in a service profile. This is useful as different ter-
minals may have different QoS class settings.

Packet Aggregation

With packet aggregation several packets are aggregated into one packet, saving overhead. Packet aggreg-
ation is typically used for backhauling systems where there are several simultaneous phone calls. Packet
aggregation optimizes the frame rate and the satellite bandwidth usage. Bandwidth savings can go up to
20% on the forward and up to 90% on the return link.

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3.5 Security

Satellite connections are considered a vulnerable link, as wireless media is open to be listened. Dialog
provides several security features to protect the system, network, and programs from digital attacks.
These attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information; extorting
money from users or interrupting normal business operation. ST Engineering Europe is certified compliant
with ISO/IEC 27001.

The security features of Dialog can be divided into two different security areas:

Cyber security, which focuses on securing systems and distributed processes within Dialog. To that end
the following mechanisms are put in place:

l Authentication. Centralized authentication management, role-based authentication and HNO/VNO

separation for the NMS ensures resource separation on user level, according to the principles of least
privilege. All system passwords are configurable by the customer. Dialog allows to set length and com-
plexity as per customer needs. Each access to the management applications is executed across an
authenticated session. The NMS applications verify user credentials. Next to the credentials stored for
each user, information about each group of user or domain related to authorization is contained. The
authorization information defines:

l The association of users with a domain

l The access policy to specific system resources, associated with this domain

l The actions a specific user can perform on the system, based on his role
Authentication can be enabled for terminals which want to establish a connection with a platform. In
that case, X.509 certificates are used. STE acts as Certification Authority (CA) and generates mas-
ter private/public key pairs as well as individual X.509 certificates/private keypairs for every legit-
imate terminal manufactured by STE.

l Access control. Access to the system management functions and the Dialog devices is restricted. At
the NMS and hub side, devices are firewalled and the "trusted hosts" concept ensures only the neces-
sary ports are exposed to the operators.

l Auditing. Logs in Dialog are maintained at each level ranging from Server to VM and DataMiner mon-
itoring system to promote ownership, transparency, historical information, ease of troubleshooting and
security audit. From security perspective it is very important to identify the user that did the action, the
domain he belongs to within NMS, time and date when the action was performed, and which interface
was used by the user for that action.

Transport security, which focuses on securing the OSI layers. The objective is that no meaningful inform-
ation can be retrieved by a third-party. To that end the following mechanisms are put in place:

l Integrity, by encrypting and decrypting one or more layers. In Dialog, encryption can be performed in dif-
ferent levels:

l Encryption of forward and return layer 2 and layer 3 unicast user traffic, enabled per satellite network.
User Data traffic is encrypted using AES128 encryption and it is by default enabled.

l Encryption of forward and return management traffic, enabled per satellite network. Management
traffic is encrypted using AES128 encryption and it is by default enabled.

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l Encryption of forward control and user traffic, on a baseband level. Dialog allows AES-256 encryp-
tion with GCM operation mode on the forward link.

l Integrity of the data is also safeguarded by obfuscating interaction patterns:

With Mx-DMA HRC return link, through carrier randomization. A jammer who sits at the geographical
location of the terminal, can learn the frequency at which this terminal is bursting, and uplink an inter-
fering carrier of high power at that frequency. By randomly assigning Mx-DMA carrier frequencies and
changing them with regularly, the impact of signal jamming is minimized.

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This chapter covers the different markets where the Dialog system and technologies can be used.

In this chapter:

l Enterprise and Broadband

l Cellular Backhaul and Trunking

l Maritime

l Aeronautical

l Land Mobility

l Defense and Government

l IoT

l Media and Broadcast

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4.1 Enterprise and Broadband

Today’s enterprises are fully dependent on reliable connectivity at all corporate locations for faster, more
secure transactions and improved productivity that results from the ability to share information between
entities. More and more applications are moving from centralized data centres to the cloud, which requires
a reliable and efficient. Satellite by its high availability and reliability has become a key component in
designing these intelligent cloud centric networks.

The success of today’s organizations and enterprises require networks that are easy to plan, install and
operate, with quick deployment for fast revenue generation and OPEX reduction.

In this section:

l Overview

l Corporate Network

l Broadband

l Narrowband

l Last Mile

l Key Features

4.1.1 Overview
ST Engineering iDirect develops carrier-grade satellite communications technology and solutions for broad-
band access services and enterprise applications, serving a wide range of markers from narrow band
IoT/SCADA to high-speed cloud access and from broadband internet access to highly secure VPN/IPSec
networks across many enterprise segments.

Service providers need platforms that can scale to add new locations or applications to enable more future-
proof solutions. Our solutions enable service providers to extend connectivity into previously unreachable
areas, unite dispersed workforces, provide broadband access, improve productivity and safety, expand
business services and gather data and sensor information. An integrated VSAT and LTE network provides
a seamless backup to ensure essential business continuity.

On a VSAT platform, different network architectures can coexist to provide service diversification. Service
providers can optimize CAPEX and OPEX by offering enterprise connectivity services for multiple entities

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in a shared platform. This helps strike a balance among capacity, scalability, customer satisfaction and
cost.

4.1.2 Corporate Network

Enterprise & Hybrid Networks

Secure, reliable connectivity is critical for global and regional businesses. Linking an institution’s headquar-
ters, data centers and branch offices requires a network infrastructure which can ensure complete security
and integrity of data and transactions, and meet corporate requirements with industry best practices. The
move from privately held data center to shared cloud service requires multiple access network able to
adapt quickly to the evolving needs of the corporation. Constant demand for more sites and more band-
width to support operational data and business transactions necessitates scalability and a future-proof
plan. Additionally, innovations such as mobile applications are creating new network requirements, espe-
cially in emerging markets.

Business Continuity

Many agencies and enterprises simply cannot afford to have any downtime. The continuity of the network
infrastructure is crucial. Because traditional terrestrial backup systems are often susceptible to the same
events that can affect primary lines, mission critical systems need an alternative that can handle typical
land line volumes in case of an emergency. These systems must be available anywhere and be cost com-
petitive to alternatives. They need to work seamlessly with the rest of the land line network and handle
existing and new corporate applications.

IP Infrastructure Extension

Enterprises are looking for ways to streamline their organizations and provide remote locations with the
same level of access and identical support for business critical applications. High speed connections with
central management, 24/7 network availability, high-performance delivery of voice, video and data, two-
way transmission to support interactive communications, and a small equipment footprint are essentials
that often cannot be provided through traditional means.

4.1.3 Broadband
Broadband Access for SME, SOHO, Consumer, Community & Education

Bridging the digital divide is a high priority for decision makers because broadband penetration has a large
economic impact on a country. As a result, service obligations for Internet Service Providers or ISPs cov-
ering the whole territory of a country or region require broadband access to extend beyond cities, to rural
and remote areas. Running these services in an economically viable way is a major challenge. However,
lower priced terminals mixed with dramatic reduction in bandwidth pricing due to the explosion of HTS
satellite are re-invigorating this market.

ST Engineering iDirect provides affordable two-way satellite broadband platforms that have been designed
for service providers wanting to offer broadband access. We provide all necessary infrastructure to receive
and transmit IP data from and to our terminals with redundancy on all layers (user, control, management),
equipment, RF signal and main supply inputs. The key success factor for launching broadband services is
a low customer acquisition cost and CAPEX aligned with network growth.

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Video Collaboration

Organizations increasingly recognize the benefits of video conferences to enable training and distance
learning between locations around the world. However, many organizations are limited in their ability to
benefit from these services by the lack of availability of broadband access in remote areas. Any video con-
ferencing and streaming media in these locations must fully integrate with existing applications and infra-
structure, and end-user access must be simple, straightforward, secure and cost-effective.

4.1.4 Narrowband
Narrowband Access for Retail, PoS, ATMs

The flow of business and customer satisfaction depends on a reliable connectivity solution. Immediate
connectivity can protect against lost revenue from terrestrial outages, provide training on demand from one
central location while reducing costs, better manage pricing, promotions, and inventory from one central
location, and more effectively protect assets and inventory. A network outage can bring retail transactions
to a standstill, disrupting business, interrupting point of sale, and creating unhappy shoppers.

IoT / SCADA

Satellite VSAT can deliver simultaneous SCADA and broadband connectivity, enabling both secure, low
data rate M2M communications and real-time, high-quality video backhaul or remote software upgrades.
ST Engineering iDirect offers sophisticated Quality of Service or QoS management and scalability in con-
nection speeds which extend the SCADA connectivity beyond the typical best effort low data rate.
Throughputs can instantly increase from kbps to Mbps.

4.1.5 Last Mile

Oil and Gas

Energy companies rely on dependable, high speed communications to support their mission critical oper-
ations in remote environments, both as the primary communications link and as independent back-up for
sites which can be served by terrestrial connectivity. The bandwidth demand for corporate and crew wel-
fare applications must be balanced by managing congestion and prioritizing traffic.

Utilities

It is more challenging than ever to monitor, control and integrate operations using legacy communications
network infrastructure. Yet many utility companies have to upgrade their large and often dispersed network
and remote sites. Today’s utility companies must support operations at remote substations, improve and
strengthen communications and network security, invest in smart grid initiatives to support energy con-
servation, and ensure businesses operations through any threat or disaster.

Mining

The future of mining is smart and collaborative. New technology is required to operate in an environment
where commodity prices and scarce resources are driving the need to lower operational costs and gen-
erate more value from existing assets. Digital technologies—including real-time data visualization, ana-
lytics, automation, and virtual and augmented reality—offer the potential for improved safety, efficiency,
and profitability.

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4.1.6 Key Features

Easy Integration into Corporate Networks

Primary or back-up satellite connectivity based on our technology, easily blends into corporate IT net-
works. We bring networking flexibility – using layer 3 and layer 2 networking – which is combined with our
sophisticated Quality of Service management to provide easy integration into the corporate network.

Scalable and Future-proof Connectivity

Our technology allows users to address both current and future connectivity needs. Using our remote
modem portfolio, any throughput requirement – from low data rate transactional connectivity to as high as
hundreds of Mbps – can be easily addressed. Our latest generation of terminals can operate with GEO
satellite now as well as MEO and LEO satellite of the future.

Reliable and Cost-effective Services

Our innovative satellite technologies such as DVB-S2X, Adaptive TDMA, Mx-DMA® and NxtGen Mx-
DMA provide unprecedented bandwidth usage efficiency, resulting in the lowest possible OPEX while at
the same time assuring the best-in-class service reliability required by end-users.

Security

Our solution supports Advanced Encryption Standard or AES and IPSec for secure connectivity solutions
such as Point of Sale or POS, ATM and corporate communications.

Advanced Quality of Service and Reliability

Our QoS features allow for countless possibilities of quality of service levels, bandwidth management and
traffic prioritization resulting in higher QoE.

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4.2 Cellular Backhaul and Trunking

Today, more than half of the world’s population still does not have access to the Internet. The opportunity
for expansion of the number of sites that could be economically served using satellite backhaul from cur-
rent levels of coverage is huge.

Mobile operators require reliable service to easily extend connectivity and integrate seamlessly with their
terrestrial networks. Cost efficiencies are key to connect the lower ARPU regions. MNOs are looking for
multi service capabilities, access to multiple market verticals, and scalable solutions for large point-to-mul-
tipoint networks and for demanding high-speed trunks.

In this section:

l Overview

l Applications

l Key Features

4.2.1 Overview
ST Engineering iDirect, a leader in satellite ground infrastructure and solutions for the cellular backhaul and
trunking market, helps mobile network operators grow their subscribers in previously unreachable areas,
maintain mobile connectivity in emergency situations, and build 5G-compatible and hybrid networks that
combine satellite and wireless connectivity for multiservice operations.

Today, ST Engineering iDirect is one of the top three modem vendors in the satellite backhaul market, hav-
ing deployed 80+ mobile backhaul networks. We hold the largest network, with 1500 cellular sites. Twelve
of the top 25 telcos are ST Engineering iDirect customers.

Our efficient, high-performance platform enables mobile network operators and service providers to cost-
effectively manage a multitude of small, medium, or large networks, including 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE. We
enable a high-quality end-user experience through advanced acceleration and compression technologies
while maximizing an operator’s business profitability, encouraging the critical expansion of mobile con-
nectivity around the world.

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4.2.2 Applications
To keep pace with growing demand and handle the massive amount of traffic coming their way, mobile net-
work operators must look outside of their own networks. This is where satellite connectivity’s inherent cap-
abilities, strengthened by recent innovations, can help mobile operators address key challenges posed by
growing demand.

Mobile Network Expansion

Considering that 4 billion people remained offline in 2018, there’s an incredible amount of room for mobile
demand to multiply from 2G to 4G and feed the growth of traditional backhaul. These growth projections
stem from advances in ground segment satellite technology and lower-cost access networks.

Traffic Offload

Satellite connectivity and hybrid networking can help relieve congestion in densely-populated urban areas
where demand during peak hours is too high for terrestrial networks alone.

OTT Content Distribution

When satellite multicasting is paired with edge computing and local content storage for on-demand and
bandwidth-heavy content, it can free up terrestrial networks for other traffic and save time and money over
traditional unicast.

Critical Connectivity

With satellite connectivity, mobile operators can offer first responders and government agencies critical
communications immediately following a disaster for first response efforts, ensuring relief teams can con-
nect residents, coordinate aid, and maintain the continuity of government as communities recover.

Fiber Restoration/Backup

Satellite is the ideal solution to provide backbone connectivity to regions that have no access to a fiber or
undersea cable infrastructure, or when the backbone link needs to cross regions that cannot be secured. It
is also the fastest method to recover from a loss of connectivity due to a cable failure or natural disaster.

IP Trunking

Satellite trunking networks provide local and mobile networks with access to the Internet backbone or to
the mobile core. Providing IP trunking and backbone services to ISPs and telecom operators requires con-
stant scrutinizing of the operational expenses due to a highly competitive market with razor thin margins.

4.2.3 Key Features

Bandwidth Efficiencies

Satellite networks have made significant gains in performance and efficiency through DVB-S2X and HTS.
The use of the latest DVB-S2X standard and FlexACM® doubles the data throughput in IP Trunking and
Backbone networks over satellite at optimal availability. FlexACM and DVB-S2X standard doubles the

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throughput over satellite in the same bandwidth, with the capability to combine different services (video,
voice, data, internet access, VoIP, WiMAX, GPRS, 3G, etc.) within the same satellite carrier.

Superior Quality of Service

Our bandwidth-allocation algorithm also allows for various possibilities of Quality of Service levels, band-
width management, and traffic prioritization. Mobile network operators can map their core networks to
satellite networks to prioritize traffic and maintain distinct Quality of Service settings by remotes, band-
width groups, and applications to satisfy Service Level Agreements.

Layer 2 Over Satellite (L2oS)

Mobile network operators can run an ST Engineering iDirect network in a Layer 2 bridging mode with high
efficiency as an alternative to traditional Layer 3 mode architecture. By doing so, they can implement a vari-
ety of modern, converged network architectures; pass any Layer 3 protocols; and more easily integrate
into hybrid network scenarios.

Security

A standard LTE implementation will use IPsec to secure all communications by authenticating and encrypt-
ing the data from the LTE eNodeB through the network to the Security Gateway within the Mobile Network
Operators Core Network. Our system optimally handles end-to-end IPSec optimization with the use traffic
optimization technics.

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4.3 Maritime

Maritime vessel operators rely on VSAT broadband networks to improve ship-to-shore communications,
boost business productivity and improve the quality of life for seafarers. VSATs are deployed for crew con-
nectivity, operational efficiency, and greater access and interaction with resources onshore.

Throughput and coverage continue to be the primary concerns for maritime service providers. Increasingly,
passengers and crew expect an experience similar to that found on land. Customers also want long-term
solutions that don’t require excessive and expensive maintenance.

In tis section:

l Overview

l Commercial

l Passenger

l Key Features

4.3.1 Overview
ST Engineering is the market leader in delivering superior ground infrastructure, modems, and solutions
across the mobility sector. Our mobility solutions deliver the high performance, efficiency, and bandwidth
management that customers demand. Our platforms enable maritime and vessel operators to improve ship
to shore connectivity, create a more rewarding travel experience aboard passenger ships, improve the qual-
ity of life for the crew, and power onboard operational applications.

Today, more than half of all VSAT remotes deployed on maritime vessels are manufactured by ST Engin-
eering iDirect, and nine of the 10 largest maritime VSAT service providers rely on our platform to run their
networks.

For service providers, managing a global wireless network across the ocean is increasingly complex as
more vessels, applications, and types of connectivity become available. Service providers need a solution
that can select and pool satellite capacity across multiple spot beams and satellite constellations. The
combined bandwidth pool must be leveraged across their global customer deployments and include dynam-
ically configured SLAs to prioritize traffic. Service providers want to reduce ship visits, installs and modem
updates, ultimately looking for a total value that combines throughput, efficiency, scalability (TCP ses-
sions, network size, network throughput), automatic beam switching, advanced mobility features and
security.

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The VSAT modem is a technology linchpin for delivering maritime service across vessels, applications
and end-user types. ST Engineering iDirect’s modems can be continually upgraded over-the-air to increase
network capabilities and throughput levels, while dramatically extending the deployment life and min-
imizing installation costs and downtime. The decision to install or replace a terminal system must factor in
considerable CAPEX, OPEX and product longevity.

4.3.2 Commercial
Merchant

VSAT is needed to enable greater operational agility and intelligence to cargo vessels navigating through
busy shipping lanes. Shipping sector customers rely on ST Engineering iDirect platforms to meet a wide
range of needs:

l Cargo tracking: monitoring, surveying, asset management, regulatory compliance and theft protection

l Fleet monitoring: high value asset management, predictive maintenance, optimization of operations and
logistics

l Smart Shipping: tracking, route information, imagery, and monitoring

l Crew welfare: access to connectivity WiFi /Internet, email, chat applications, social media

Fishing

The fishing segment’s primary use cases for VSAT connectivity include crew welfare, ship tracking, oper-
ational updates, weather, navigational maps, and regulatory compliance... Today, regulatory pressure on
fleets and smaller, better-priced terminals are driving fishing market adoption of VSAT. A variety of new
onboard, VSAT-enabled applications such as online sales of catches and auctions, vessel monitoring and
telemedicine are poised to bring new sources of customer revenue—and demand for VSAT.

Offshore

Offshore markets today are confronted with increased demand for higher data throughputs to support band-
width intensive services such as video conferencing, remote operations, Internet access, VoIP, e-mail
and media streaming. These services come on top of the standard communications on offshore platforms
and are required to increase operational efficiency, improve crew welfare, and drive revenue. ST Engin-
eering iDirect technology overcomes multiple challenges associated offshore environments while sim-
ultaneously maximizing spectral efficiency and service availability for video, data, voice traffic, and real-
time operations.

4.3.3 Passenger
Cruise & Ferry

Demand in maritime passenger markets is expected to reach 47 Gbps by 2026. HTS services are pre-
dicated to drive significant adoption with better coverage, more affordable bandwidth and lower-cost equip-
ment.

As traffic demands surge, the number of vessels per passenger per ship increases, and vessel numbers
grow, value-added connectivity services are becoming a bigger selling point for the cruise market than

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ever before. Cruise ships are demanding hundreds of Mbps for the many passengers connected to their
personal communications devices.

While passengers expect bandwidth for entertainment, such as streaming video and high-speed internet,
the crew and captain require more bandwidth for applications such as telemedicine, crew welfare, nav-
igational charts, weather pattern monitoring, mechanical system monitoring, POS and inventory man-
agement, and more.

Leisure

The leisure market represents the second largest market in maritime and market expansion is largely driv-
ing growth. Vessels rely on VSAT connectivity primarily for TV, live video streaming, video conferencing,
passenger connectivity, crew welfare, and ship tracking. According to analysts new ship orders in the
superyacht and general leisure markets remain strong demanding higher bandwidth options.

4.3.4 Key Features

Waveform Innovation

ST Engineering iDirect’s platforms feature DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X and choice between SCPC, MF-TDMA,
Mx-DMA and NxtGen Mx-DMA return link technologies on Dialog platform. These gives the operator the
power to offer a variety of network configuration from single to multiple service areas.

Maritime Mobility Management

ST Engineering iDirect has proven mobility solutions optimized for high-throughput satellites and HTS plat-
forms plus system architecture for large-scale, multi-beam networks.

Advanced QoS

Our Advanced QoS maximizes the value of a shared bandwidth pool for traffic prioritization, bandwidth
management, and better SLA management.

Automated Beam Switching

Integrated mobility management technologies enable Automated Beam Switching that allows a vessel to
automatically connect to satellite beams as it travels across multiple footprints guaranteeing a seamless
connectivity without any IP session interruptions.

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4.4 Aeronautical

Airlines are seeing record commercial passenger traffic and increasing their aircraft orders to meet
demand. Smaller, regional airlines , emerging market airlines which have been slow to adopt InFlight Con-
nectivity or IFC, and business jets also present a significant market opportunity as passengers increas-
ingly expect access and better service.

In this section:

l Overview

l Applications

l Key Features

4.4.1 Overview
ST Engineering iDirect, the market leader in satellite ground infrastructure across the mobility sector, has
been in the business of delivering mobility solutions for more than 20 years.

Our platforms enable IFC networks for the top three global high-throughput satellite (HTS) operators and
top service providers. We are serving more than 50% of the market today, based on more than 3,400 act-
ive aircraft.

Our platform enables airlines and service providers to build IFC solutions that support passenger con-
nectivity, crew communications, flight operations, and maintenance applications. We are committed to
delivering advanced performance through key innovations, such as support for electronically steered anten-
nas and 5G architectures.

The Service Provider Opportunity

With nearly every major airline rolling out or considering some form of IFC, service providers must work
with a flexible technology solution built to maximize value and minimize the total cost of ownership.
Today, HTS are positioned to dramatically improve performance for the commercial airline market.
However, aero VSAT network operators need to think beyond data rates on individual airplanes and plan
how they source, integrate and manage a global pool of bandwidth to automatically allocate resources as
they are needed.

Service providers that can enable airlines to best leverage in-flight connectivity and gain a clear business
advantage in terms of customer loyalty, crew productivity and company profitability will be at an advant-
age.

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Revenue models that can entice passengers is still one of the biggest IFC obstacles. While the retail busi-
ness model is the most prominent, passengers have largely demonstrated that they do not want to pay for
onboard Wi-Fi. Some airlines are experimenting with a hybrid model with success. Additional revenue
opportunities exist for satellite operators and service providers to develop big data solutions for customers
to control, analyze or improve existing business processes including aircraft telemetry, health monitoring,
passenger applications, real-time navigation and traffic optimization.

4.4.2 Applications
Airlines around the world are striving to achieve the fully connected aircraft, spanning across cockpit, main-
tenance, passengers and crew. Passengers want high-quality, seamless and free IFC to power personal
devices onboard. Operations requirements such as maintenance, crew communications and applications
also require high-bandwidth IFC.

The widebody airframe market is traditionally a first adopter of IFC and an indicator of overall market
trends. Smaller regional jets have not yet adopted IFC due to the need for a smaller for factor antenna.
While regional airlines and narrowbody airframes are addressed with the existing antenna set rep-
resenting a “greenfield” opportunity.

Airlines that can best leverage IFC will gain a strong business advantage in terms of customer loyalty,
crew productivity, and company profitability. The airline industry wants a solution that “just works” while
meeting specific aero certifications and standards.

The market for business jets is cost conscious, yet willing to pay for service as long as it is high quality
and always available. Similar to the yachting market in the maritime world, quality of service (QoS) expect-
ations are much higher than on commercial passenger aircraft. Smaller business jets could eventually be
customers of satcom via smaller form factor equipment.

4.4.3 Key Features

Advanced QoS

Our Advanced QoS maximizes the value of a shared bandwidth pool for traffic prioritization, bandwidth
management, and better SLA management.

Fast Reacquisition

Re-establish the whole link quickly with fast reacquisition and minimal authentication steps.

Flat-panel Antennas

ST Engineering iDirect is working with several flat-panel antenna manufacturers who are producing smal-
ler, thinner and more aerodynamic antennas. Our waveform technology integrated with the system con-
trols help mitigate common satellite interference and enable satellite transmission to fast moving aircraft,
while maintaining a reliable and efficient link.

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4.5 Land Mobility

Trains, buses, cars, government vehicles, and agricultural equipment are relying on greater connectivity
capabilities than ever before. The speed and volume of data being transferred by these vehicles is increas-
ing across terrestrial, wireless and more and more satellite networks. And the proliferation of 4G LTE and
the upcoming expansion of 5G technology are driving a broader connectivity ecosystem enabling more
applications.

Combined with advancements in satellite ground infrastructure, the ability to have satellite terminals that
can meet land mobility requirements will open up new opportunities for service providers and create new
solutions for those that rely on connectivity while on the move.

In this section:

l Overview

l Connected Rail

l Connected Vehicles

l Agriculture and Mining

l Key Features

4.5.1 Overview
ST Engineering is the market leader in delivering superior ground infrastructure, modems, and solutions
across the mobility sector. With our solutions we are enabling the growing number of land mobile applic-
ations that require VSAT connectivity with high performance, efficient, global coverage and bandwidth
management, whether that’s in a car, on a train or enabling commerce through trucking or agriculture
vehicles.

As we look toward the future, a combination of technologies—new satellite constellations, flat panel
antenna designs and intelligent ground infrastructure —must work together in a coordinated way to deliver
the user experience that customers will expect. To enable high speed, broadband connectivity in land
mobility markets requires a balance of performance, form factor and cost.

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4.5.2 Connected Rail

Satellite connectivity can offer some unique capabilities to meet the connectivity needs on trains. It can
support operational efficiency, with fleet management, tracking and condition monitoring, or improve tick-
eting, passenger engagement and passenger tracking. VSAT technologies will also enable passenger con-
nectivity services such as on-board entertainment and internet connectivity for personal devices.

VSAT provides an attractive solution when moving between urban and rural areas because it offers com-
plete coverage across countries and regions and the availability to quickly deploy.

4.5.3 Connected Vehicles

Coach / Bus

VSAT-supported connectivity is the best option for customer entertainment on buses in operation around
the world, especially for longer distance and intercity transport on roads and in regions that don’t have con-
sistent connectivity. Broadband will strengthen operational efficiencies in safety and security, fleet man-
agement, telemetry and on-board diagnostics helping to extend the life of these vehicles. As the costs of
VSAT technology and bandwidth become more attractive this market has great potential to benefit from
satellite connectivity.

Commercial Trucking

Satellite communication already delivers fleet tracking and monitoring applications to major national and
even international truck fleets. As new applications like video surveillance, fleet automation and driver
safety applications increase data requirements more advanced satellite technologies like VSAT will better
enable the trucking industry for future growth.

Emergency Response

Government and military vehicles require satellite connectivity to operate in difficult or hostile envir-
onments. When terrestrial or wireless communications have been destroyed or when organizations oper-
ate in areas or countries where the communications infrastructure does not exist, satellite is essential.
First responders who manage rescue and relief efforts have an immediate requirement for basic voice and
data connectivity to find and save people that are in life threatening situations.

Connected Car

VSAT technology will provide value to the connected car market that other wireless technologies cannot.
Satellite is a great option for applications that are not latency sensitive but require broad coverage such as
infotainment and distribution of software and firmware updates to the vehicle. The range and coverage of
satellite make it a great complementary technology to cellular solutions being deployed.

4.5.4 Agriculture and Mining

Many agriculture and mining operations take place away from major metropolitan areas in very low density
areas. This doesn’t lessen their need for modern communications technologies and in many cases actu-
ally makes it more important. The operational efficiency of these sites and the increasingly complex
pieces of equipment are driving connectivity. To improve yields through precision agriculture, companies

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are developing intelligent equipment to optimize production. The tracking of equipment and personnel at
mine sites is improving worker safety and improving productivity as all companies look for new ways to
optimize volume, cost and capital expenditures.

4.5.5 Key Features

Bandwidth Efficiencies

ST Engineering iDirect’s platforms feature DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X on the outbound and a choice between
SCPC, MF-TDMA, Mx-DMA and NxtGen Mx-DMA return link technologies on our Newtec Dialog product
line. These advances give the service provider the power to offer a variety of network configurations from
single to multiple service areas.

Flat-panel Antennas

ST Engineering iDirect is working with several flat-panel antenna manufacturers who are producing smal-
ler, thinner form factor antennas. Our waveform technologies help mitigate common satellite interference
and enable satellite transmission to fast moving remotes, while maintaining a reliable and efficient link.

Advanced QoS

Our Advanced QoS maximizes the value of a shared bandwidth pool for traffic prioritization, bandwidth
management, and better SLA configuration.

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4.6 Defense and Government

An exceptional communications solution means secure, reliable and dedicated networks that are inter-
operable with existing communications infrastructure to ensure persistent and resilient connectivity. Com-
prehensive, end-to-end networks provide real-time information sharing for situational awareness.

New government and defense use cases mandate efficient, flexible and secure platforms that handle huge
amounts of data and high-bandwidth applications including bandwidth-hungry ISR sensor dissemination,
the connected soldier, smart nation and smart defense initiatives, Internet of Things (IoT) and AI applic-
ations. Satellite architecture must leverage network orchestration, software-defined technologies, vir-
tualization and slicing functions to offer a truly seamless connectivity service anywhere in the world.

In this section:

l Overview

l Government

l Defense

l Humanitarian and NGO

l Key Features

4.6.1 Overview
Our platform features superior standards for performance, efficiency, security and mobility for government
and defense agencies that rely on satellite to achieve mission success with the highest degree of situ-
ational awareness, coordination and safety.

Today’s adversaries are becoming more sophisticated. Cybersecurity protocols such as transmission
security, or third-party assurance such as the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) Publication
140-2 are new requirements for critical communications. Additionally, newer constellations like LEO,
MEO, HEO and HAPS will cater to the bandwidth-hungry sensors and increased volume of mission critical
communications. The ground and space segment technology combined with the services they deliver
must work hand-in-hand to provide seamless and agile communications. In the near future, satellite 5G
use cases such as smart nation and smart defense applications will require close interworking with ter-
restrial mobile networks.

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4.6.2 Defense
Fixed Communications

To support mission-critical applications across all sites and to remain interoperable with other networks,
militaries require an IP-based solution that provides uniform connectivity whether a unit is stationary or on
the move. Classified military communications traffic needs to be protected by the most stringent security
standards. The fixed communication infrastructure is the permanent or semi-permanent satellite link
between headquarters and remote operation sites.

Mission/Operation Support Networks

ST Engineering iDirect enables military formations to deploy secure, high-speed connectivity anywhere,
delivering immediate access to mission-critical information. Maintaining connectivity in a military envir-
onment requires a network that can be rapidly set up and scaled without distance or terrain restrictions,
and managed from a centralized location to monitor troop locations, gather intelligence, communicate tac-
tical plans and advantageously allocate resources in the field.

Communications on the Move/Pause/Halt (Aero/Naval/Land)

The ST Engineering iDirect remote portfolio features rackmount modems, aero solutions and modem
boards optimized for size, weight and power that can be integrated by our partners into specialized port-
able systems. Embedded mobility and security enable secure communication for military applications, in
any environment, fixed and mobile.

Situational Awareness & Intelligence Gathering

The same mobility that maintains IP-satellite connectivity for vehicles, vessels and aircraft on the move,
provides individual soldiers the ability to communicate with command. Thanks to smaller antenna and low-
power terminals, warfighters can carry communications systems with them to receive battlefield imagery,
to transmit situational video to base and receive telemedicine consultation for soldiers.

Manned Aircrafts, ISR, Border Patrol, UAV

With the flexibility and reliability offered by satellite communications, troops can gather and share intel-
ligence from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ground vehicles and sensors. They can transmit a high
volume of surveillance data from an airborne platform to the command and control in an adaptive envir-
onment at optimal service availability.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation

The availability of always-on voice, video and data services also serves to boost troop morale by allowing
communication with friends and family back home and the participation in online training and distance
learning. Personal communications and training exercises will not interfere with mission critical applic-
ations due to ST Engineering iDirect’s ability to prioritize data across applications.

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4.6.3 Government
Civil & Government Networks

Governments must respond to the needs of citizens at all times and in all places with reliable and secure
high-speed broadband that extends from urban centers to the outer edges of domestic borders and
embassies abroad. Today, IP-based satellite communications plays a critical role in connecting gov-
ernment. The fixed communication infrastructure can be a permanent or semi-permanent satellite link
between headquarters and remote operation sites.

Border Security

To fully support surveillance and security efforts along a nation's border, broadband connectivity has to
expand to checkpoints and outposts. While terrestrial infrastructure would be cost prohibitive and difficult
to build out, ST Engineering iDirect's platform can be extended to any location without expensive rollouts.
CCTV feeds along the border are transmitted towards the central control center and remote sites get
instant access to the network to enable database searches, biometric information exchange, and face or
number plate recognition services.

Education

Faced with the challenge of providing equivalent health and educational services to citizens in both urban
and rural areas, governments need a communications system that can bridge the digital divide and bring
high-speed connectivity to every corner of the country. ST Engineering iDirect supports multiple satellites
and network configurations to ensure a uniform broadband experience.

Blue Light Services

Vehicles must be empowered to become mobile command centers, with access to real-time voice, video
and data communications. ST Engineering iDirect’s modems can be easily deployed in the field to support
both communications on the pause and communications on the move. And modem boards can also be
integrated into third party systems, such as mobile fly-away units, to make satellite connectivity portable
and deployable in any environment.

Diplomatic Networks

Internationally, satellite is pivotal for supporting diplomatic communications and ministries of foreign
affairs. Nations can set up a private, global, terrestrial-grade network to connect all their embassies, sup-
porting highly secure strategic information exchange and enabling broadband applications across every loc-
ation.

National Election Networks

Reliable VSAT networks link polling stations with the central coordination centers to exchange election res-
ults and transmit video surveillance feeds for transparency and security.

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4.6.4 Humanitarian & NGO

Emergency Response, Disaster Recovery

Satellite connectivity is critical for first response and emergency workers’ efforts, especially when ter-
restrial networks are destroyed or are unavailable. First response teams may use satellite connectivity on-
the-move to build situational awareness, at a disaster site to coordinate lifesaving efforts, and after a dis-
aster to assist recovery operations.

As emerging technologies are introduced to disaster response—such as drones and IoT devices—greater
bandwidth is needed. Technology that is easy to use, adheres to SWaP requirements, and multipurpose
(such as hybrid networking platforms) is especially valuable.

NGOs

Non-governmental organizations leverage on satellite communications in rural or remotes areas to improve

economic, social, political, and cultural situations. Whether sharing information and coordinating oper-
ations or ensuring the safety of personnel abroad, reliable communications is essential in successful mis-
sions.

4.6.5 Key Features

Advanced Mobility Features

Automatic beam switching

Enables remotes to travel across satellite footprints and maintain seamless connectivity without the need
for manual intervention.

OpenAMIP

Allows the choice of antenna to be agnostic due to the protocol that facilitates the exchange of information
between the antenna controller unit and a satellite router.

Spread Spectrum

Helps mitigate satellite interference common with ultra-small antennas or phased-array antennas, while
maintaining a reliable and efficient link.

Portability

Our man-portable terminals with reduced SWaP are making it easier for teams on the move to transport
and quickly deploy a communications center to stay connected. The ability to provide high broadband
speeds and auto-acquire VSAT signals make man-portable terminals a powerful solution.

Next Generation Waveforms

ST Engineering iDirect is prioritizing waveform development, innovation and efficiency. We are leading a
consortium of European companies to design and develop the European Protected Waveform (EPW)
under the 2019 European Defense Industrial Development Program (EDIDP).

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4.7 IoT

At its core, the Internet of Things or IoT is the network connecting software-enabled smart devices. The
IoT segment is being driven by vertical market applications for companies undergoing digitization for
greater efficiency and transparency, as well as emerging applications such as smart cities, smart agri-
culture, tracking, automation, connected manufacturing, smart communication and more.

There are two type of connectivity requirements: those users that need to collect ongoing IoT and M2M
data for information and data gathering (i.e. sensor, environmental, maintenance, surveillance, etc), and
those that need the data for smarter operations and decision making (smart devices, smart city, tracking).

In this section:

l Overview

l Transportation Markets

l Energy, Mining and Utilities

l Construction and Agriculture

l 5G Future

4.7.1 Overview
In the connectivity cases, emphasis is placed on affordable, ultra-reliable, low latency connectivity sys-
tems with greater transparency and ease of operations.

The success of today’s organizations and service providers require networks that are easy to plan, install
and operate, yet provide affordable connections made possible by highly efficient, small and very inex-
pensive satellite terminals with quick deployment for fast revenue generation and OPEX reduction.

That’s why ST Engineering iDirect has launched flexible IoT Solutions to supplement our highly suc-
cessful platforms and to ease the entry of service providers into the IoT market by reducing the upfront cap-
ital investments and operational complexity usually required to launch an IoT platform and service. Our IoT
Solution provides customers with a complete connectivity solution that’s built on a flexible service enable-
ment platform paired with IoT-as-a-service options for fixed and mobile IoT environments.

Our solution serves a variety of connectivity needs for a multitude of markets and use cases.

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4.7.2 Transportation Markets

Transportation, which includes land, rail, maritime and aero, is by far the largest satellite IoT vertical due to
satellite’s reach, reliability, and added security benefits.

Within the IoT Transportation, market cargo and asset tracking management applications are the greatest
drivers, due to the growing number of sensors and terminals combined with the associated analytics and
insights.

Land Transport Use Cases

l Asset Monitoring: truck, trailer and cargo tracking

l Fleet management: for delivery efficiency, fuel savings, idle time reduction, and payroll reduction

l Telematics: measure driver performance, truck / engine health, cargo integrity, Electronic Logging
Devices

l Mobile Workforce: capture and analysis of inspection of cargo and equipment

Rail Use Cases

l Telematics: engine performance/health and fuel consumption

l Cargo Integrity: temperature of food/perishable goods and hazardous material transport

l Asset Monitoring: tracking railcar location and monitor critical component

l Drone Beyond Line of Sight: for rail inspection

Maritime Use Cases

l Vessel Monitoring: Maritime, Fishery vessel location, tracking and logging

l Telematics: Vessel engine performance/health, fuel consumption, and cargo integrity

l Cargo Tracking: cargo tracking for vessels traveling overseas, along coastal waters, or through ship-
ping channels. Logistics & Supply

l Safety: alarms, tracking, border security

l Ocean Monitoring: water quality, wind, seismic data, fishing stock

4.7.3 Energy, Mining and Utilities

Energy exploration, production, refineries and pipeline monitoring, SCADA services are largest use cases
and drivers. Most of the IoT data collected today is used for real-time control or anomaly detection. The col-
lected data is also being used for predictive maintenance or to analyze workflows to optimize operating effi-
ciency by direct interactions, to control industrial processes and monitor, gather, and process real-time
data.

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Energy/Oil & GAS Use Cases

l SCADA Pipeline Monitoring: visibility of flow meter, pressure and temperature readings along the
pipeline

l Equipment Telematics: event notifications based on user-defined thresholds and criteria

l Predictive/Preventive Maintenance: optimizing asset performance management

l Drone Beyond Line of Sight: for pipeline inspection

Mining Use Cases

l Asset tracking: Trucks, trailers, and heavy equipment, engine hours, mileage report alerts, fuel con-
sumption and location

l Site Operations: Safety, security and focus on critical areas of excavation sites

l Drone Beyond Line of Sight: for inspection, survey

Utilities Use Cases

l Network Monitoring - Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA): Continuously monitor dis-
tribution network for voltage fluctuations, outages and peaks in service demand. Also applies to water
flow and pressure

l Advanced Meter Reading: replaces need for on-site technicians

l Asset tracking: trucks & crews

l Drone Beyond Line of Sight: for power line inspection

4.7.4 Construction and Agriculture

In Agriculture and Construction, equipment and resource management through sensor data collection and
tracking are driving revenues and growth. Other basic requirements and use cases are telematics, meter
reading, livestock tracking, weather conditions and employee tracking for safety and security.

Construction Use Cases

l Asset Tracking: engine hours, mileage report alerts, fuel consumption and location

l Site Operations: safety, critical area monitoring, track progress and security on site

l Drone Beyond Line of Sight: for inspection, survey

Agriculture Use Cases

l Precision Farming: soil, harvest and crop management, humidity, fertilizer monitoring and man-
agement, greenhouse management, open field management

l Environmental: precipitation, temperature, humidity, CO2, wind speed, monitoring of power

l Production/ consumption of solar panels

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l Water Telematics: visibility of flow meter, pressure and temperature readings, automatic irrigation con-
trol and monitoring systems

l Livestock Tracking: visibility of herd management

l Asset tracking: fuel consumption, maintenance and location transmission for tracking of light / heavy
machinery, supports anti-theft and vandalism of security systems

l Drone Beyond Line of Sight: for crop inspection, high value crop monitoring and maintenance

4.7.5 5G Future
5G will accelerate massive machine-to-machine (M2M) connectivity to support IoT, whether that com-
prises sensors, surveillance systems or automated teller machines (ATMs) across an array of converged
connectivity platforms capable of bringing together some or all of the following: Wi-Fi, LPWAN, cellular
and satellite (could be GEO, MEO and LEO). The use of a converged platform or hybrid network, from an
integrator’s perspective, simplifies the solution building, reduces the overall cost of connectivity while
increasing and optimizing the overall coverage capabilities. We believe that satellite will play an important
role in the 5G-converged world not only for backhauling these massive amounts of data from aggregation
points but with today’s innovations in space and ground segments the opportunity lies in providing afford-
able connectivity in remote places for both fixed and mobility use cases.

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4.8 Media and Broadcast

Our solutions for traditional and converged broadcast infrastructures and IP-based work flows cover a
whole range of satellite broadcast transmission applications from contribution to exchange and dis-
tribution. Our products meet the high operational requirements for professional reliability and service avail-
ability.

In this section:

l Overview

l Distribution

l Contribution

l Key Features

4.8.1 Overview
The Media and Broadcast market is growing and so are its applications. ST Engineering iDirect offers a
wide variety of products for distribution and contribution as well as turnkey broadcasting solutions.

Distribution

Content drives pay-TV and advertising revenues. Hence the consumer demands more content, consumed
at a higher quality. Both the amount of TV channels and higher quality of those (HD and imminent Ultra
HD), create the need to distribute more data over satellite. In many regions of the world, the affordable
satellite capacity is not available Service Providers need platforms that are very efficient and use the most
advanced transmission technologies.

As a market share leader of 80% in DTH, ST Engineering iDirect’s large installed base proves that end-
users and professional users benefit from its efficienct technologies and mature product range. Our DVB-
S2X transmission capabilities results in 15-30% efficiency gain in a typical distribution network. Combined
with other advanced transmission technologies, such as Equalink® pre-distortion and DVB multistream
operation, network optimizations can result in doubling the capacity at the same OPEX.

Contribution

Just like other businesses, broadcasters are also faced with increasing pressure on operating margins,
while also having to retain the high expectations in service availability and reliability (Service Level

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Agreement compliance). To evolve with the changing technologies, broadcasters must have solutions that
are flexible and scalable, and at the same time guarantee bandwidth efficient, OPEX friendly trans-
missions.

Modern newsgathering is not only about live video. Today’s news crews require access to many applic-
ations, including Voice-over-IP (VoIP), video clip transfer, web and archive browsing, email and social
media. All these applications require a reliable bi-directional IP “multiservice” communication link of a size-
able bandwidth, which allows news crews to operate as if they were in the studio. As the event may not be
planned ahead of time, it is often unclear which type of IP connectivity will be available and reliable during
the entire duration of the coverage.

Broadcast Turnkey Solutions

By offering broadcast turnkey solutions we are able to design, develop and deliver state-of-the-art hybrid
satellite /terrestrial network infrastructures which support the contribution and distribution of news material
in multiple live and file formats. These media networks connects broadcasters and media service pro-
viders all together. This way services are run much smarter leading to benefits like reduced OPEX and
CAPEX but most important it provides a timely response to the changing and growing needs of customers.

4.8.2 Distribution
Direct-To-Home (DTH)

With over 3 billion viewers today, the DTH market is not dead. In fact in some regions it is still growing.
Optimizing revenue from DTH services consists of offering the DTH end customers additional services
over the satellite channel. An obvious target is interactivity combined with broadband access. Content dis-
tribution to professional users can be easily combined with DTH. As video content is abundant in the video
headend, it’s the right place for distributing content rights to, for example, cinema venues via file transfer.

In a lot of cases, the DTH operator owns the rights on the distribution of the video content to professional
users. As content is abundant in the video headend, it’s the right place for distributing this content to, for
example, cinema venues via file multicasting.

Primary Distribution to Headends

The consumer has the choice to receive a full set of TV channels from many service providers, be it telco,
cable, terrestrial or DTH operators. Those service providers aggregate all information required to offer a full
media experience to the consumer. This not only includes linear TV channels, but also increasingly import-
ant non-linear content, applications and meta-data creating a better user experience. One important step in
the content distribution network, is the primary distribution of TV channels from the content provider’s
video headend and uplink (programmer video headend), to the headends of each of the service providers.

Distribution to DTT Transmission Towers

Satellite links have the advantage not to depend on any telecom infrastructure on the ground and certainly
are the fast-track option to deploy a digital terrestrial TV network over entire countries. With the right tech-
nology and equipment, satellite ensures a very economical way to perform the primary distribution of TV
content. The operational costs do not increase with the number of towers and repeaters in the network,
and last but not least, satellite also provides very efficient methods to synchronize and manage towers
remotely.

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Multiservice Broadcast Networks

These networks are specifically designed for evolving broadcast transmission services to meet high oper-
ational requirements for reliability and service availability. These address the needs and challenges of the
broadcast transmission market.

MENOSPLUS+ represents the second generation of the innovative Multimedia Exchange Network over
Satellite (MENOS) system, which was the first platform to use satellite for a broadcast exchange and con-
tribution network, allowing content to be moved between broadcasters using central hub mechanism. Intro-
duced in early 2017 and powered by Dialog®, MENOSPLUS+ is the evolution of the MENOS concept and
is designed to cope with the ever-growing amount of content and terminals by enhancing the network
through increased automation and improved ground segment technologies.

Satellite & Over-The-Top (OTT) broadcasting

Broadcasters need to meet the demands of their viewers and share important real-time events with the
best image quality, low delay and buffering to a global audience over the internet, no matter where the
event is taking place. The Dialog multiservice platform, for example, which features ST Engineering iDir-
ect’s unique, award-winning, dynamic MxDMA® bandwidth allocation technology is an IP solution that
enables on-demand bandwidth and reliable connectivity for seamless live streaming and general broad-
band applications. Satellite allows to scale fast, cost-effective and easy:

l Deliver multicast content over a vast geographical area

l Address a growing population of receivers

l Address growing amount of content ever increasing resolutions and bitrates

l Available when no other communication path exists

l Return path for DRM & CDN Analytics

l Blend satellite/terrestrial distribution backbones

l Offload congested terrestrial backbones

4.8.3 Contribution
Satellite Newsgathering and Fixed Broadcast Contribution and Exchange

The emergence of single all-IP connectivity for both broadcast and data services can address more flex-
ible, scalable and efficient operations, opening the possibility to use a single multiservice infrastructure for
live content, file exchanges, remote monitoring and control, broadband access, access to content
archives and media asset management systems. ST Engineering iDirect has solutions enabling traditional
broadcasting workflows, as well as solutions to handle the more complex and customized workflows.

IP Newsgathering

IP satellite links boost connectivity for crews, providing high availability and throughput while remaining
flexible, cost-effective and addressing QoS challenges. Newsgathering crews rely on an IP satellite con-
nections when:

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l Terrestrial links are unavailable or don’t provide enough uncontended bandwidth

l Cellular connections suffer from too much jitter

l Terrestrial links are not cost-effective

l Higher quality content required from remote locations

4.8.4 Key Features

Broadcast Distribution

ST Engineering iDirect has a track record of reliable satcom IP networks deployed around the globe. Its
technologies provide a wide range of benefits:

Flexibility

l Breadth of choice of satellite RF interfaces as well as audio/video interfaces in the uplink

l Agnostic to video compression technology (MPEG-2, H.264, HEVC)

l Agnostic to video format (SD, HD, Ultra HD)

l Supports video, audio and data distribution

l Interoperates with all DVB Receivers and set-top boxes

l Integrated with all leading manufacturers of video head ends and distribution systems

l Choice between standard M6100 and dense MCX7000 broadcast satellite modulators

Scalability

l Expands the DTH business to consumer broadband

l Expands the DTH content rights for distribution to professional customers such as digital cinema

l Quad iLNB is a cost-effective manner to add broadband services on orbital position that is the same as
the DTH bouquets

Efficiency

l Highest number of channels in any given transponder

l Efficient transponder utilization using linear and non-linear Equalink 3

l Use highest modulation efficiency including SW upgrade to DVB-S2X

l Integrated MPE opportunistic data insertion for set-top box software upgrades

l Fastest redundancy switching and highest uptime in the uplink

l Fast troubleshooting of video headend using real-time transport stream analyser in all modulators

l With DVB-S2X channel bonding, the accumulated gain provided by statistical multiplexing will allow
broadcasters to host up to 11 channels on three transponders.

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Broadcast Contribution

ST Engineering iDirect’s technologies contributes to the efficiency and ease of use of fixed contribution,
all-IP newsgathering and the coverage and remote production of sports and events.

l The Dialog product line combines both SCPC and VSAT connectivity, supporting multi, low bitrate data
services over an MF-TDMA, Mx-DMA or NxtGen Mx-DMA link, combined with high throughput linear
and non-linear broadcast services over DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X SCPC links.

l The all IP infrastructure of the Newtec Dialog platform ensures multiplexing of multiple services on the
same capacity.

l Support for multiple access technologies, modulation schemes and satellite ground equipment, provid-
ing the connectivity and associated QoS tailored to the service.

l SATLink Manager: this software module provides session and resource management and automated
link setups for occasional use exchanges. Broadcast sessions can be booked form a central newsroom
or booked decentralized by the terminal operator.

l File Exchange Manager software: a versatile solution for the non-linear contribution, distribution and
exchange of file-based digital assets.

l A satellite-provided IP-pipe needs to provide a similar level of flexibility as terrestrial networks, creating
the need for a multi-level deterministic QoS model such as that delivered by the Dialog product line.

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Glossary

4CPM Quarternary Continuous Phase Modulation

ACM Adaptive Code Modulation
ACU Antenna Control Unit
AES Advanced Encryption Standard
AIBS Automated Initial Beam Selection
API Application Programming Interface
ATM Asynchronous Transfer Mode
AUPC Automatic Uplink Power Control
BEPD Bandwidth Equivalent Power Density
BUC Block Upconverter
BSS Business Support System
CAPEX Capital Expenditures
CCTV Closed Circuit Television
COTM Communication On The Move
COTP Communication On The Pauze
CLO Cross-Layer-Optimization™
DTH Direct-To-Home
DVB-S2(X) Digital Video Broadcasting - Satellite - Second Generation
eTCP Enhanced TCP
EBU European Broadcast Union
EDIDP European Defense Industrial Development Program
EPW European Protected Waveform
FlexACM® Flex Adaptive Code Modulation
GEO Geostationary Earth Orbit
GPRS General Packet Radio Service
GUI Graphical User Interface
GTP GPRS Tunneling Protocol
HTS High Throughput Satellites

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HNO Hub Network Operator
HRC High Resolution Coding
HTS High Throughput Satellites
iLNB Interactive LNB
IFC InFlight Connectivity
IoT Internet of Things
IP Internet Protocol
ISP Internet Service Provider
KPI Key Performance Indicator
LEO Low Earth Orbit
LNB Low Noise Block Downconverter
M2M Machine To Machine
MENOS Multimedia Exchange Network over Satellite
MF-TDMA Multi Frequency Time Division Multiple Access
MODCOD Modulation and Coding Combination
MRC Multi Resolution Coding also known as NxtGen Mx-DMA
MUC Multiplier Upconverter
Mx-DMA Cross Dimensional Multiple Access
NMS Dialog Network Management System
NPCI Newtec Private Cloud Infrastructure
NxtGen Mx-DMA Next Generation Cross Dimensional Multiple Access
NoDE Noise and Distortion Estimation
OSS Operation Support System
OPEX Operating Expenditures
Over-The-Top OTT
POS Point Of Sale
QM Quota Manager
QoE Quality of Experience
REST API Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface
RF Radio Frequency
RTP Real-time Transport Protocol
SCADA Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition

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SCPC Single Channel per Carrier
SLA Service Level Agreement
SME Small and Medium Enterprise
SOHO Small Office and Home Office
TCP Transmission Control Protocol
UDP User Datagram Protocol
UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
VNO Virtual Network Operator
VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminal
WIMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access

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ST Engineering iDirect (Europe)
Laarstraat 5
9100 Sint-Niklaas Belgium
+32 3 780 6500
www.idirect.net