iDirect Releases New Hardware and Software Features for Large-Scale Narrowband Networks

HERNDON, Va., March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced the launch of iDX 3.1, enabling organizations to build and support large-scale narrowband networks with their existing iDirect Intelligent Platform. With iDX 3.1, satellite service providers and operators are empowered to pursue opportunities in a key segment of the satellite market that is growing in sophistication and industry reach. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

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With iDX 3.1, iDirect is introducing a cost-effective remote bundle optimized for large networks with small inbound channels. The new release includes several key features:

• Evolution X1 Remote – The new Evolution X1 remote bundle combines a low power, compact remote with a highly efficient BUC and LNB. The X1 features a DVB-S2/ACM demodulator, TDMA modulator, VLAN functionality and Group QoS.
• Evolution X1 Outdoor – The outdoor version of the Evolution X1 remote features an IP67 weatherproof housing that offers an extended temperature range (-40C to +60C) and a passive cooling system. The X1 Outdoor also supports multiple power options, including DC or a rechargeable battery powered by solar or an alternative power source.
• New 16-Channel Licensing Option for the Evolution XLC-M Line Card – The X1 remote is complemented by a new licensing option for iDirect's XLC-M line card. This option enables a single XLC-M to support up to 16 narrowband return channels. When coupled with an Evolution modulator card, such as the XLC-10, it is ideal for large networks featuring one large outbound and numerous small return channels.
• Group QoS Enhancements – With iDX 3.1, iDirect's Group Quality of Service bandwidth allocation algorithm has been optimized for large-scale narrowband networks. GQoS now supports active, idle, and dormant states for each remote, which enhances efficiency by lowering the amount of bandwidth needed to keep largely idle remotes in network.

A Scalable Satellite Solution for the Utility Market

Large-scale narrowband networks represent a key area of growth for satellite communications, particularly in the utility market. Because utility networks often feature large numbers of idle remotes, utility operators need a bandwidth-efficient and energy-efficient satellite solution that is cost-effective to deploy. The network must also be able to support a mix of critical and non-critical applications, as well as difficult outdoor environments.

The Evolution X1 is ideal for utilities because it can support multiple service levels, meeting typical SCADA response times of 600 milliseconds, while supporting broadband data rates when required. Additionally, the durability and easy deployment of the Evolution X1 Outdoor remote enables utility companies to collect smart meter data from remote concentrators more efficiently, aggregating data from thousands of households onto a common in-route to achieve an economy of scale.

In addition to the utility market, the iDX 3.1 upgrade also supports other key applications including distance education, pipeline monitoring, business continuity, and point-of-sale.

"iDX 3.1 enables organizations to scale iDirect networks to a significantly greater number of sites, reach new levels of bandwidth efficiency, and expand field applications. It's a very timely release as satellite communications continues its transformation into a mainstream networking solution."

~ Greg QUIGGLE
Vice President of Product Management, iDirect

iDX 3.1 will be unveiled at the SATELLITE 2012 conference and exhibition, which runs March 12-15, 2012 in Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit iDirect at booth 609. iDX 3.1 will be available at the end of March 2012.

iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is a global leader in IP-based satellite communications providing technology that enables our 350+partners to optimize their networks, differentiate and expand their businesses. The iDirect Intelligent Platform™ allows our partners to run their entire business operations more efficiently via a single, unified IP-based satellite architecture, whether it's providing core IP applications to the enterprise or specialized services to any number of diverse vertical markets. iDirect is the #1 name in global satellite communications in key industries including maritime, military/government, and oil and gas, with a 62% hub market share and more than a quarter million remotes installed worldwide. In 2007, iDirect Government Technologies (iGT) was formed to drive adoption of its IP-based solutions in the U.S. 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. For more information 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