Thrane & Thrane Uses iDirect Platform

VT iDirect, Inc., a company of VT Systems Inc, announced that Thrane & Thrane A/S has implemented the iDirect satellite communications platform to support its customers' growing need for high-speed connectivity at sea.

Thrane & Thrane is a manufacturer of equipment and systems for global mobile communication based on satellite and radio technology. iDirect is a provider of satellite-based IP communications technology.

Thrane & Thrane's newly launched Sailor 900 VSAT system provides a range of fixed broadband data packages, going up to 1024 kbps downlink/256 kbps uplink, and supports multiple voice channels at competitive rates. The system equips ship operators with always-on broadband connectivity to expand crew communications, strengthen connectivity to corporate networks and support remote vessel management.

While commercial shipping companies are rapidly bringing VSAT networks onboard their vessels, they are also looking for strategies to make the most efficient use of broadband service and leverage their existing investments in narrowband systems. Representing an industry-first, the Sailor 900 VSAT system features dual ports to provide automated switching between a primary, fixed-fee VSAT broadband network and pay-per-use narrowband coverage. A ship's narrowband system becomes a back-up to the VSAT network and maintains coverage when a satellite network may be out of range.

The Sailor 900 VSAT system also uses iDirect's Group Quality of Service (QoS) technology, which enables ship operators to create bandwidth profiles that govern uplink and downlink speeds for every application onboard. For example, operators can establish separate networks for crew and operations communications. This preserves bandwidth for high-priority applications and heightens overall network performance.

Thrane & Thrane's VSAT service is initially available in Europe and northern Africa over Ku-band. The iDirect platform supports Thrane & Thrane's plans to expand its VSAT network to include worldwide coverage. Partnering with maritime satellite operators, iDirect has developed technology such as geo-mapping, global network management, and automatic beam switching that will enable Thrane & Thrane's customers to maintain broadband coverage as they travel around the world.

(www.idirect.net)