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Introducing the SuperGIG™ COTM Bundle: Seamless On-The-Move and In-Building Communications

Posted on October 31, 2023October 31, 2023

In today’s fast-paced world, efficient, reliable, and secure communication is more vital than ever—particularly for first responders and public safety agencies. That’s why Remote Satellite Systems is proud to present the SuperGIG™ COTM Bundle, a cutting-edge solution tailored to meet the diverse communication needs of on-the-go command vehicles and in-building applications. With an unparalleled blend of technology and services, this comprehensive blended communication solution ensures that you have access to all networks, all the time, whether you’re on the move or stationed at a command center.

Inside the SuperGIG™ COTM Bundle

The SuperGIG™ COTM Bundle is a game-changer in the world of communication technology. It brings together the power of SuperGIG™ and Kymeta’s flat panel u8 technology to offer seamless, future-proof connectivity optimized for public safety. The bundle features:

Flat Panel Ku-Band Satellite Antenna: Featuring a low-profile, aerodynamic design with native DC power input and a range of accessories for easy vehicle and vessel integration.
Blended LTE Router: The multi-WAN architecture ensures smooth communication through both satellite and cellular networks. It also features an integrated Wi-Fi access point for on-the-move connectivity.
LTE External Antenna: For enhanced connectivity, the bundle includes an LTE external antenna.
Service Plan – We offer a single rate plan based on your actual data usage. Pay for only what you need.

The SuperGIG™ COTM Bundle constantly monitors all available connections to ensure your data travels the fastest route possible. It enhances reliability, boosts data transfer speeds, and increases your bandwidth, all while maintaining the rock-solid reliability of a satellite connection.

The u8 technology utilizes OneWeb’s LEO satellite network to provide high-speed internet connectivity, even in the most remote locations. This innovative mobile communication solution enables real-time data transfer and communication, making it a perfect solution for critical applications like emergency response, military operations, and remote exploration.

Gateway & LTE Antenna Options

TheSuperGIG™ COTM Bundle offers two gateway options to meet your needs:

Dejero GateWay 211: Designed to provide seamless connectivity for various applications, including voice, video, and data, in both mobile and fixed locations. With the Dejero GateWay 211, you can confidently access cloud-based applications without worrying about losing connectivity.

Dejero GateWay M6E6F: The M6E6F takes reliability to the next level, offering connectivity for general-purpose applications while also granting access to the priority public safety communications platform in the United States. It combines diverse connectivity paths from multiple providers to ensure top-tier reliability and expanded bandwidth.

In addition, we provide a variety of LTE antenna options, from permanent mount antennas to magnetic mount antennas. All LTE antennas deliver robust performance and unwavering reliability across diverse applications, including public safety, transportation, and fleet management.

Schedule a Demo and Witness the Future of Communication

Remote Satellite Systems will be conducting demonstrations of this groundbreaking equipment throughout the Bay Area in November and December. Whether you’re looking for reliable on-the-move communications or need an in-building solution, the SuperGIG™ COTM Bundle covers all bases.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the future of communication technology! Schedule a demo today by calling 1-888-989-8199 and discover how the SuperGIG™ COTM Bundle can empower your operations.

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Geosynchronous Satellites vs. LEO: The Exciting Shift in Satellite Technology

Posted on August 22, 2023August 22, 2023

Satellite communications have reshaped the way we connect by breaking down geographical barriers and revolutionizing how we exchange information. With each advancement, satellites have propelled us further into an era of seamless global connectivity. However, the emergence of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and the introduction of new technologies have ushered in an incredibly exciting time for satellite communication. We find ourselves at the cusp of a transformation, where the possibilities for enterprise-level applications are expanding at an unprecedented pace.

A Brief History of Satellite Technology

The first satellites, launched in the late 1950s, were Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO). These satellites are also called Geostationary because they appear to remain fixed in the sky due to their synchronized movement with the Earth. GEO satellites, which are positioned at an altitude of approximately 35,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) above the Earth’s surface, use a directional antenna on the ground that faces a fixed point in the sky. Due to the earth’s curvature, they can’t provide global coverage and have blackout zones near the poles.

In the late 1970s, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recognized the need for more reliable satellite communications services for ships at sea and launched Inmarsat-1, marking the beginning of commercial satellite communications. These geosynchronous satellites provided voice and low-speed data services to maritime vessels by sending and receiving signals from ground-based Land Earth stations, which served as gateways between the satellite network and the terrestrial communication infrastructure.

Since Inmarsat, the most significant change in satellite technology has been the development of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. First developed in the 1990s, LEO satellites have only really become widely used in the last decade; the launch of the Iridium NEXT campaign in 2017, which replaced the first LEO satellites from 1997 to 2002, was considered at the time to be the largest technology milestone in space history. Space X began launching Starlink satellites in 2019, and now operates over 4,000 LEOs in Earth’s orbit.

Unlike traditional satellites, LEOs orbit at an altitude of around 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles). Since they provide a smaller coverage area than GEO satellites, a constellation of LEO satellites is required to cover a large region. While there are some challenges with LEO satellites, they offer numerous advantages, such as lower latency, higher bandwidth, and rapid transmission capabilities.

They can also be repositioned for focused coverage and utilize frequencies that support higher data rates, smaller antennas, narrower beams, and enhanced security. With faster speeds and continuous global coverage, LEO networks offer faster connectivity without the need for wires or cables, making them ideal for critical communications. LEO networks, such as Iridium, utilize the reliable L-band system to ensure transmissions even in the most adverse weather conditions.

Antenna Designs & Tracking

Since GEO satellites are relatively stationary in orbit, they rely on a fixed directional antenna that’s tuned with a modem and a tuner turned to a specific frequency. However, LEOs are constantly moving, so how do you track them?

Kymeta developed a unique solution to address this issue using electronically tunable flat panel antennas. These antennas are designed to mimic the functionality of a traditional dish antenna but with the advantage of being able to point straight up instead of needing to be physically directed toward the satellite. The antennas electronically create multiple tuners, which can holographically tune to the satellite. With this technology, Kymeta eliminated the need for the antenna to physically track and point toward the satellite; the antenna can remain stationary and still establish communication.

Kymeta & OneWeb Integration

OneWeb is a global communications network that uses a constellation of LEO satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity worldwide. Although OneWeb can be seen as a direct competitor to Starlink, the two companies have different customer bases. While Starlink primarily aims to provide high-speed internet access to residential customers, especially those in rural areas with limited land-based infrastructure, OneWeb focuses on enterprise-level customers and improving connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT).

OneWeb’s satellites orbit at a distance of 1,200 km (746 miles), resulting in sub-100 millisecond latency. Moreover, Remote Satellite Systems offers the integration of OneWeb’s low Earth orbit (LEO) connectivity with other primary and hybrid networks to provide a unified and high-performance wired and wireless solutions. The transition between LEO and other networks is seamless, ensuring the integrity of data transfer, high-speed connectivity, and low latency.

Partners in various sectors such as maritime, government, and defense organizations can leverage the hybrid capabilities of these LEO network along with technologies like 4G, radio-link, and HF radio. This enables uninterrupted connectivity, enhances safety, improves situational awareness, and enhances mission command effectiveness, particularly at the tactical level.

The integration of the Kymeta hardware and OneWeb’s satellite network brings together cutting-edge technologies to deliver enhanced connectivity solutions. The combined solution empowers various industries, including maritime, aviation, defense, and remote enterprise sectors, to access reliable high-speed data transfer, low-latency connectivity, and improved mission-critical communications—even while on the move or in areas with limited terrestrial infrastructure.

The Importance of Guaranteed Service in Enterprise Solutions

When evaluating network service providers for enterprise solutions, several critical factors come into play, such as quality of service (QoS), committed information rate (CIR), and customer support.

Whether the technology is being used for business or emergency response, it’s crucial to have a consistently high QoS (which refers to stability, speed, and reliability) to ensure uninterrupted online activities. This is especially important for first responders working in life-or-death situations where every minute counts.

Committed information rate (CIR), which refers to the guaranteed bandwidth allocated to a user, is also vital. While some satellite providers, like Starlink, can only ensure “best effort” bandwidth, OneWeb provides guaranteed bandwidth to enterprise customers. This ensures a committed amount of speed and bandwidth for reliable and consistent connectivity, particularly for data-intensive tasks and applications that demand a dependable internet connection.

Equally important is customer support. If you’ve ever tried to contact big-name service providers like AT&T, Viasat, or Starlink, you’re probably aware of how difficult it is to reach someone to help you in a timely manner. In contrast, when you contact Remote Satellite Systems, there’s always someone available to assist you. When it comes to enterprise communications, prompt and reliable customer support is vital for addressing any connectivity issues or concerns that may arise.

Remote Satellite Systems offers high-level enterprise communications solutions that are truly unlimited—no throttling data once you’ve used up your high-speed data pool or during peak hours of the day. To find the perfect network for your needs, contact us today at 1-888-989-8199.

The Latest Communication Technology for Improved Emergency Response

Posted on May 9, 2023May 9, 2023

In times of crisis, reliable communication is crucial. When natural disasters or other large-scale emergencies strike, emergency responders and resources can quickly become overwhelmed, and basic terrestrial communication and cellular infrastructure can be disrupted. In these critical situations, having clear and uninterrupted lines of communication is essential for emergency responders and other government agencies to provide a coordinated response.

Upgrading the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management

The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (DEM) plays a critical role in the City’s preparedness and response to various emergencies, ranging from daily incidents to catastrophic events. It serves as an indispensable liaison between the public and first responders, providing coordination and leadership to City departments, stakeholders, residents, and visitors. The DEM was instrumental in guiding San Francisco during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also proactively preparing for future crises and disasters.

Remote Satellite Systems has a long-standing relationship with SFDEM, having first helped them build-out upgrade their communications infrastructure 12 years ago. At that time, the equipment we provided was state-of-the-art, but now, with the 911 center being upgraded, it’s time to update the communications technology as well—with a focus on interoperability and redundancy.

Interoperability ensures that different agencies and departments have the ability to work together seamlessly using the same communication protocols. This is particularly essential when time is of the essence and every second counts. The MSAT G2 fixed satellite radio, for example, provides interoperability with other emergency response and public safety agencies over satellite mutual aid radio talk groups (SMART)—perfect for broadcast (one-to-many) over satellite communications. Redundancy is also crucial, as it ensures there are backup systems in place in case the primary system fails or becomes overloaded.

Prepare Your Agency for Any Emergency

Remote Satellite Systems offers a range of emergency communication solutions for both urban and rural emergency responders. As a provider of high-level enterprise blended-communication solutions, our team dynamically monitors and manages clients’ networks and critical communications in times of disasters or emergencies, while also offering full support and training. Additionally, every system we design and install is completely customizable and scalable to meet your specific needs.

Contact Remote Satellite Systems to learn more about how we can help establish or upgrade your emergency communication systems to ensure your agency is prepared for any situation.

Oakland International Airport

Posted on April 17, 2023April 17, 2023

The Situation

The Oakland International Airport is the 5^th busiest airport in California and the second busiest in the Bay Area. In 2021 alone, it served over 8 million passengers, all of whom depend on its technology and staff to keep the airport running safely and reliably.

The Challenge

Like all airports, communication and coordination between staff members are crucial—especially during a disaster, security concern, or other emergencies. The size of the Oakland Airport is vast, making communication technology a necessity. In addition, the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and security team have different objectives—yet both divisions needed access to redundant communications in the case of an emergency.

The Solution

To address the needs of both the EOC and security, Remote Satellite Systems engineered, designed, and implemented not one, but two, backup communications systems that would act as a fail-over. Located at opposite ends of the airport, each of these systems has a specific purpose. The northern location was to be used by the emergency operation center (EOC) for strategic and operational decisions, while the south site would be used by security for general enforcement and ensuring passengers and cargo didn’t present a risk to others.

Although these two sites used much of the same in-building infrastructure, including land-based equipment and satellite communications (such as the C-Com FMA 120 VSAT), the objectives of each site needed to be taken into account during the design. For example, the EOC’s primary responsibility is to monitor and coordinate all aspects of an incident or disaster; likewise, security needed the ability to monitor video cameras and coordinate with other members of the security team if a potential threat was identified.

Both sites served a critical role, but the staff could only do their jobs if they had consistent, ongoing access to reliable communication. The MSAT G2 fixed satellite radio offered an ideal solution, as it provides interoperability with other emergency response and public safety agencies over satellite mutual aid radio talk groups (SMART)—perfect for broadcast (one-to-many) over satellite communications.

As a provider of high-level enterprise communications solutions, Remote Satellite Systems dynamically monitors and manages our clients’ networks and critical communications in times of disasters or emergencies while also offering full support and training. In addition, every system Remote Satellite Systems designs and installs is completely customizable and scalable to your needs—whether it’s expanding the number of workstations that can access a particular set of equipment or designing two sets of redundant backup systems on either side of a large site.

The San Francisco Ambulance Deployment Facility (Station 49)

Posted on March 29, 2023April 17, 2023

The Situation

Each year, the San Francisco Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services Division responds to approximately 90,000 emergency calls, ranging from behavioral health emergencies to large multi-vehicular accidents.

The Challenge

The Emergency Medical Services was formally headquartered in the San Francisco Fire Department’s logistics warehouse; the division needed a new, seismically-safe headquarters with state-of-the-art technology that allows them to better prepare their ambulances for deployment when responding to emergency calls.

Additionally, they needed backup communication systems to act as a fail-over in the event of a natural disaster or other emergencies that could affect terrestrial communication. The most cost-effective and efficient solution for these challenges was to integrate this critical technology into the facility as it was being built, however, many designers and architects aren’t familiar with how best to implement it.

The Solution

Serving as the home of the Fire Department’s Medical Services Division and the city’s fleet of ambulances, Station 49 needed to ensure first responders were well-equipped to quickly deploy paramedics and EMTs during disasters or urgent emergency calls.

As the facility was being built from the ground up, Remote Satellite Systems worked closely with the designers, engineers, and building team throughout each stage of the project to ensure all communications infrastructure was integrated as efficiently as possible. Remote Satellite Systems oversaw and helped implement the technology needed to provide fast, effective emergency response, including land-based and satellite equipment.

Integrating technology infrastructure into a building after construction has been completed is more difficult, costly, and time-consuming than if it had initially been accounted for during the funding and design stages. Implementing it into the plan early on allows designers and architects to better determine the design and layout of a building while allowing them to incorporate features that optimize communication technology, such as access points, network connections, and wiring.

In addition, it allows for in-building infrastructure for the new world we live in, safeguarding against challenges like fires, floods, and other natural disasters—as well as ensuring the ability to adapt to new and emerging technologies.

Remote Satellite Systems specializes in providing customized scalable emergency communication systems to meet agencies’ unique needs, from consulting during the earliest stages of project funding and construction to retrofitting existing facilities. Our consulting services include planning and implementation based on a site survey, full reporting on antenna placement and position, and a review of overall building cabling infrastructure for telephone and data equipment. Remote Satellite Systems also provides full support and training on all the equipment we install and manage.

GULF OIL SPILL MAPPING EFFORTS

Posted on September 2, 2022September 2, 2022

Remote Satellite Systems® has teamed up with ESRI, a major player in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping and Inmarsat to bring real time GIS mapping to those areas where there is no other alternative communication networks. This combined effort has resulted in the ability to map the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and to document and inventory the real time effects of the environmental and economicl crisis.

The Inmarsat BGAN satellite communications systems paired with ESRI’s Geographic Information Systems, assists the clean up efforts by providing up-to-date images and GIS data of the oil spill in those remote areas where cellular and other wireless networks do not have reliable coverage. This just might be the most important effort in the long term cleanup efforts.

With clear and accurate data , images and precise GPS positioning data we are able to document and assist in the long term effects and direct resources to where they will be needed for a concise planned effort.

INMARSAT BGAN TO BRING REAL-TIME GIS DATA TO REMOTE WILDFIRE TEAMS

Posted on September 1, 2022September 6, 2022

Remote Satellite Systems joins Inmarsat and the Immersive Visualization Center (SDSU “Viz Lab”) at San Diego State University’s Homeland Security Program in a new partnership to develop and test solutions to extend the availability of time-critical Geographic Information System (GIS) data to remote fire teams fighting wildfires

For more information on BGAN communications for emergency response, download

Emergency Response BGAN First Responder Communications.

A LEADER IN MARITIME COMMUNICATIONS

Posted on August 31, 2022September 2, 2022

Remote Satellite Systems® is proud to be helping the Around the Americas program with their satellite communication needs. Ocean Watch is using an Iridium Open Port system supported by Remote Satellite Systems for their 13 month 24,000 mile journey around the Americas.

Around the Americas is a clockwise circumnavigation of the North and South American continents as though they were one gigantic island. In May 2009, a 64 foot sailboat named “Ocean Watch” departed Seattle and is scheduled to visit 31 ports in 12 countries over the course of its 13 month voyage. On board are four crew members and one Science Center educator. Ocean and atmospheric scientists are joining the crew for certain legs of the expedition to conduct research. The goal of the Around the Americas project is to use this unusual adventure to engage and educate citizens in North and South America about ocean health issues using science-driven education materials and activities

Around the Americas is an ocean environment project organized by Pacific Science Center and Sailors for the Sea, in collaboration with the University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory, the Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean, MIT Sea Grant College Program, and NASA.

You can learn more about the voyage of Ocean Watch at https://oceantoday.noaa.gov/aroundtheamericas/.

ACHIEVING FINAL REDUNDANCY IN AN INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

Posted on August 30, 2022September 7, 2022

BAY AREA CASE STUDY FEATURES REMOTE SATELLITE SYSTEMS

“Remote Satellite Systems International (RSSI), a value added reseller for satellite communications technologies, realized the critical need for a redundant communications system that would allow its customers — public safety and government agencies throughout the San Francisco area — to connect with each other, even when terrestrial and cellular networks are damaged or congested…”

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SATRAD’s Matrix: Blended Services for Seamless Communication

Posted on August 26, 2022August 30, 2022

Traditional terrestrial radio used to be the standard in communication. With radio, analog voice is broadcast over the radio waves, and anyone with an antenna can tune in; one broadcast to many listeners. With advancements in technology, there are now more ways to communicate than ever before. However, until more recently, interconnectivity between traditional terrestrial radio and satellite networks hasn’t been possible. To solve this, SATRAD developed a device that blends these two technologies for greater communication capability.

Back-Up Communications Where Ever You Need Them

SATRAD’s Matrix devices are an ideal bridge between Iridium push-to-talk (PTT) and MSAT satellite networks and traditional Land Mobile Radios (LMR), making them an excellent option for public safety, law enforcement, and security. Matrix takes traditional dispatch radio communication and allows these broadcasts to be used on the MSAT or Iridium network—giving you the ability to communicate from anywhere on the globe.

The SATRAD Matrix iSeries (Iridium) and mSeries (MSAT) are reliable, compact, and easily integrated with dispatch or traditional terrestrial radio for consistent coverage, regardless of weather conditions, natural disasters, or other events that can normally disrupt terrestrial infrastructure. If the radio network becomes inoperable or the mobile radio isn’t within range of the repeater tower, radio traffic is automatically routed to the satellite network. Once radio connectivity is restored, traffic is re-routed back to the terrestrial radio network. The Matrix monitors the terrestrial connection in a configurable time interval to ensure stability and prevent unnecessary switching between networks.

Matrix mSeries and iSeries Features

The Matrix mSeries is designed to function on the older, more traditional MSAT PTT network. Beyond compatibility with satellite and terrestrial radio networks, it can also be integrated with NI-Track for asset management and GPS tracking. Intended for in-vehicle integration, the small size of the mSeries makes it extremely portable and quick to deploy—perfect for emergency responders’ go-kits. Paired with the MSAT G2 and G2 flyaway kit, the Matrix mSeries provides seamless broadcasts and circuit-switched voice and data. In addition to on-the-go connectivity, the mSeries can also be used inside buildings and other infrastructure.

Like the mSeries, the iSeries offers reliable communication and is easily integrated with dispatch and other terrestrial radio networks. A particularly cost-effective solution for applications in large geographic areas with a limited number of users, the iSeries also features SmartMessageSM technology to ensure messages can be delivered even when there’s a temporary disruption in connectivity. The Iridium PTT network supports two PTT terminals, the IC-SAT100 Satellite PTT and the 9575 ExtremePTT—the first time PTT capability has been available in such a small handheld device.

Both SATRAD Matrix devices offer a compact, easy-to-use PTT system that allows users to move freely and increase their communication capability through blended services that cover vast areas you couldn’t get with normal radio communications.

Stay Connected with Remote Satellite Systems

Whether lives are at risk or you’re stationed in a remote location, reliable communication is essential. With Matrix’s ability to quickly shift between available radio and satellite networks, there’s no risk of being cut off from receiving critical transmissions from your team. To learn more about SATRAD’s Matrix, contact Remote Satellite Systems today at 1-888- 989-8199 or send us a message through our online form.