Cobham SATCOM has revealed a new solution aiming to reduce the cost and simplify the installation and management of Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX) networks using multiple Ka-Band antennas.
The new system is compatible with Cobham SATCOM’s technology-leading SAILOR 100 GX systems and has received Inmarsat type approval for use with the Inmarsat GX satellite systems.
It is also supported by a single cable solution used on SAILOR antennas, thus a 19” rack unit to operate a multiple antenna system is not needed.
The solution can integrate two SAILOR 100 GX antennas (ADU) on a single SAILOR GX modem unit (GMU), ensuring seamless switching between them according to availability of a stable link based on orientation of the vessel, and to SAILOR FleetBroadband for operational continuity also when out of Ka-band coverage.
Additionally, Cobham SATCOM’s new solution can allow specific blocking zones on board and therefore can secure service availability if the current operational antenna be blocked by the vessel’s superstructure.
“Multiple antenna installations can be complex to plan, install, commission and manage. While we have worked closely with the industry to simplify the process for existing satellite networks and frequencies, the same blocking issues persist for Global Xpress. The SAILOR GX Antenna Diversity Solution meets a specific demand in the market as it is a simple and highly cost-effective way for service providers to optimise Fleet Xpress and secure the most reliable service for the end-users,”said Jens Ewerling, Director, Maritime Broadband, Cobham SATCOM.