Converged VSAT/LTE solution will enable high performance, redundancy and high reliability for connectivity at sea
Herndon, Va., March 31, 2020 – ST Engineering iDirect, a company of ST Engineering North America, today announced that Isotropic Networks, a trusted provider of global Internet services, has selected the iDirect iQ LTE technology to serve customers in the superyacht sector. This follows the successful early testing of the iQ LTE modem that demonstrated high reliability and performance over a hybrid network.
The superyacht market requires strong and reliable connectivity at sea with high expectations from owners and guests for access to the full range of digital applications ranging from video conferencing to social media and streaming services, with no outages. Satellite provides superyachts with a high level of reliability due to its availability in any location, unlike terrestrial connectivity, which is only accessible near the shore.
iQ LTE combines an iDirect satellite modem with an integrated Cradlepoint LTE cellular router to create a powerful converged solution that delivers persistent communications across a wide range of use cases. With this single-box solution, end-users will receive reliable connectivity from a single provider in a single bill, whilst using a smaller footprint and reducing operational management.
“Isotropic has a reputation for staying well ahead of the technological curve and seeking out cutting-edge technologies to push new boundaries. As our long-term partner, we were very excited when they decided to run the iQ LTE through its paces – and that it passed the tests. This will give Isotropic the opportunity to extend its services to their clients and we are confident that the iQ LTE solution will provide the failsafe connectivity which is particularly critical for the superyacht sector,” said Darren Ludington, VP Sales, ST Engineering iDirect.
During the tests, Isotropic achieved 200Mbps over layer 2 and successfully tested the switchover capability from VSAT to LTE to automatically connect to the best performing and lowest cost network.
Combined with Datadragon™, Isotropic’s award-winning intuitive bandwidth management and service platform, Isotropic will be able to offer superyacht customers an extremely reliable solution with assurance that the high level of bandwidth required to run any application will always be available. Datadragon enables optimization, personalization, and application-level transparency that was not possible before across any single or hybrid network. The power of Datadragon in tandem with iQ LTE’s ability to make changes on the fly will ensure that service level agreements are met for every application required by guests on board.
“If it was not for ST Engineering iDirect and their commitment to innovation over the years, we would not have been able to provide the unrivaled certainty that we do for customers each and every day,” said James Boden, Chief Satellite Scientist, Isotropic. “With the iQ LTE, we can deliver a converged LTE and satellite network solution that provides our superyacht customers with the persistent coverage and additional bandwidth they demand, no matter where they travel to. As we integrate the iQ LTE into our own technology strategy, it will help us grow in current markets and get a foot in the door of new markets such as the wider maritime and first response markets and the oil and gas sector.”
The iQ LTE Series is available on iDirect Evolution and Velocity.
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ST Engineering North America is the U.S. headquarters of ST Engineering, a global technology, defense and engineering group specializing in the aerospace, electronics, land systems, and marine sectors. Based in Alexandria, VA, it has major operations across 17 cities in 13 states and employs about 5,000 people providing innovative products and solutions to commercial and government customers across diverse market segments.
ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering North America, is a global leader in satellite communications (satcom) providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their satcom networks. 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 Engineering iDirect is the world’s largest TDMA enterprise VSAT manufacturer and is the leader in key industries including broadcast, mobility and military/government. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information on iDirect platforms please visit www.idirect.net. For Newtec platforms please visit www.newtec.eu.
Isotropic Networks, Inc. (Isotropic) is a global provider of satellite Internet services and network management solutions. With the best uptime in the satellite industry, we deliver unrivaled certainty for leaders in high-risk, high-pressure industries including Oil and Gas, Maritime, and Enterprise Solutions.
Isotropic is built on high standards for troubleshooting and solving technically complex problems with the latest technologies. Our team of highly-trained hardware and software engineers delivers personalized services and solutions that support our clients when and where they need it most—now and into the future.
Isotropic is connecting the planet and continually raising the bar for what satellite connectivity can be. For more information please visit www.isotropic.network.
Media contacts:
Julie Bettinger
Vice President, Corporate Marketing
ST Engineering iDirect
Phone: (1) 703 648 8155
Email: jbettinger@idirect.net
Guy Shields
Director, Corporate Communications
ST Engineering North America
Phone: (1) 703 739 2610
Email: guy.shields@stengg.us
Toni Lee Rudnicki
Chief Marketing Guru
Phone: (1) 603 548 5532
Email: tl.rudnicki@isotropic.network