iDirect Integrates TDMA and SCPC Onto a Single Platform

HERNDON, Va., March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems Inc. (VT Systems), today announced a ground-breaking addition to its IP satellite communications platform: SCPC Return Channel technology. The capability is available through iDirect's iDX 3.0 software and enables service providers to manage TDMA and SCPC networks over the same platform. SCPC Return Channel was developed to equip service providers with the flexibility they require today to support dynamic customer networks, and will enable them to capture new revenue opportunities and lower operational costs. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

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With the introduction of SCPC Return Channel, iDirect becomes the first technology manufacturer to bring TDMA and SCPC technology together. iDirect customers can remotely upgrade any Evolution router to operate in TDMA or SCPC on the return channel. SCPC Return can be activated to support temporary heavy traffic conditions, or it can be turned on permanently once traffic reaches a threshold where a dedicated SCPC connection is the most economical choice.

New revenue opportunities and network-wide bandwidth efficiencies

With SCPC Return Channel, service providers gain the flexibility to adjust service levels to changing bandwidth requirements and evolving traffic patterns. They can create premium Service Level Agreements that allow for temporary bursts in traffic. This is valuable for applications such as file transfer, data back-up and HD video, as well as seasonal bandwidth requirements common to maritime, oil and gas, and other markets. In addition, when customer sites grow larger, service providers can up-sell their customers to a dedicated SCPC link. Service providers can more affordably grow networks for cellular backhaul, Internet access and other services where subscribers tend to be limited at launch and then expand steadily.

By integrating SCPC onto iDirect's shared TDMA platform, service providers can also pool total capacity and distribute it more cost-effectively across their customer base. Untapped SCPC bandwidth can be re-allocated instead of being wasted. And service providers can expand the size of an SCPC link by simply sourcing bandwidth from the overall bandwidth pool without needing to lease new space segment.

"Bringing TDMA and SCPC together is an industry breakthrough that, for the first time ever, enables service providers to offer both dedicated and shared service on a single intelligent platform. This will improve the profitability and relevance of their offerings and enable them to optimize the efficiency of their operations. We're excited to roll out this innovation, which is much needed in the satellite industry."

~Dave BETTINGER

Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President of Engineering, iDirect

With iDX 3.0, iDirect is bringing additional new capabilities to its customers:

• Multi-channel demodulation line cards – These line cards can support 1, 4 or 8 return channels to maximize hub capacity and provide a greater Return on Investment over single-channel line cards. For iDirect's iNFINITI customers, multi-channel line cards can easily translate to a 40% discount on hardware when upgrading to the Evolution product line.  
• Multicast FastPath – Through this feature, multicast content can be segmented from core network traffic and fast-tracked through an iDirect remote, straight to the end-user. Data throughput can reach up to 40 Mb/s with minimal impact on the overall network performance. With Multicast FastPath, service providers can offer more reliable and affordable plans for organizations that want to expand their use of HD broadcast, IPTV, distance learning, digital signage and other video applications.

iDX 3.0 will be unveiled at the SATELLITE 2011 conference and exhibition, which runs March 14-17, 2011 in Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit iDirect at booth 709. iDX 3.0 will be available to customers in the second quarter of 2011.

iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is transforming the way the world gets and stays connected. The company's satellite-based IP communications technology enables constant connectivity for voice, video and data applications in diverse and challenging environments. The iDirect Intelligent Platform™ integrates advanced technology into iDirect's portfolio of hubs, routers and network management software to address the growing complexity of deploying and managing global IP networks. With more than 15 years of global satellite communications experience, iDirect serves customers in over 50 countries through a diverse network of service provider partners, including seven of the World Teleport Association's Global Top Ten operators. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, iDirect has offices in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. In 2007, iDirect Government Technologies (iGT) was set up to drive adoption of its IP-based solutions in the US Government market. In 2008, iDirect Asia Pte Ltd was established in Singapore to enhance its value-add and responsiveness to customers in the Asia Pacific region.  Please visit www.idirect.net.

VT Systems is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors.  VT Systems' innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering.  Please visit www.vt-systems.com.

SOURCE iDirect