VT iDirect, SES and Fraunhofer FOKUS demonstrated live over-the-air test bed, showcasing 5G deployments
Herndon, VA, November 19, 2018 – VT iDirect, a company of VT Systems, today announced it has joined SATis5, a consortium funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) to promote the cost-effective integration of satellite technology into 5G networks. Together with the consortium members, VT iDirect’s solutions group, based in Killarney Ireland, will drive technology innovation aimed at opening market opportunities for 5G-based connectivity services. Additionally, VT iDirect will be leading the research and development of an end-to-end system to support multi-orbit geostationary equatorial orbit (GEO) and non-GEO satellite integration as part of the 5G architecture with focus on both enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) Internet of Things (mIoT) usage scenarios.
The SATis5 consortium members, VT iDirect, SES and Fraunhofer FOKUS, recently partnered to showcase a live Satellite-5G test bed at the FOKUS FUSECO Forum 2018 event in Berlin, Germany on Nov. 15-16. The companies showed how satellite connectivity could integrate into a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network architecture, comprising a Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), and Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC)-enabled 5G testbed. The successful test leveraged iDirect modems, satellite hub and 3GPP-enabled core network, with SES’s geostationary satellite Astra 2F. The Consortium also showcased efficient edge delivery and network slicing of eMBB and mMTC over satellite building upon the Fraunhofer FOKUS’ Open5G Core network as a Proof-of-Concept for their integration into a full 5G architecture.
“The goal of SATis5 is to foster industry collaboration in using satellite technology for the future 5G connected world,” said Richard Lord, Vice President, Engineering, Strategic Initiatives, VT iDirect. “SATis5 is helping to drive major milestones and deliverables led by key innovators across the satellite and telecom industries. This is critically important work that will help service providers extend their global reach, penetrate significant new markets, and shape the future of how the world connects.”
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VT iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is a global leader in IP-based satellite communications providing technology and solutions that enable our partners worldwide to optimize their networks, differentiate their services and profitably expand their businesses. For more than 20 years, the VT iDirect organization has focused on meeting the economic and technology challenges across the satellite industry. Today, the product portfolio, branded under the name iDirect, sets new standards in performance and efficiency, making it possible to deliver voice, video and data connectivity anywhere in the world. VT iDirect is the world’s largest TDMA enterprise VSAT manufacturer and is the leader in key industries including mobility, military/government and cellular backhaul. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. 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.
Media contacts:
Julie Bettinger
Vice President, Corporate Marketing
VT iDirect
Phone: (1) 703 648 8155
Email: jbettinger@idirect.net
Christine Hicks
Manager, Corporate Communications
VT Systems
Phone: (1) 703.739.2610
Email: chicks@vt-systems.com