New VT iDirect Remote Expands Applications for Satellite-Cellular Networks

HERNDON, Va., June 17, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- VT iDirect, a company of VT Systems, today announced that it is launching the iQ LTE, a unique hybrid satellite and wireless remote that will enable more flexible and resilient communications to support critical functions. The iQ LTE combines iDirect's next-generation DVB-S2/DVB-S2X satellite technology, based on the iQ 200, with a high-performance Long-Term Evolution (LTE) modem developed by Cradlepoint. Packaged in a single box solution for ease of deployment, provisioning and operation, the solution opens new opportunities for service providers to support a wider range of enterprise applications that require software-defined routing for least-cost or hybrid connectivity.

"As the world becomes fully connected, every access technology must work together to enable a growing diversity of network applications, while providing overall redundancy," said Toni Kousiafes, Vice President, Product Management, VT iDirect. "A key measure of a service provider's value is how well they can deliver a seamless offering – from hybrid networks to single source provisioning and billing. The iQ LTE makes this possible within key enterprise, government and mobility markets that will see major growth as global demand for connectivity continues to skyrocket."

As enterprise applications become more complex, Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WANs) are emerging to offer high-efficiency connectivity, automatically routing traffic over the best performing and lowest cost networks. The iQ LTE remote brings together WAN affinity for satellite, LTE and WiFi, which are all essential elements in SD-WAN networking. It supports internet protocol (IP) traffic across both satellite and LTE networks, choosing the appropriate path based on criteria such as application, cost and congestion.

Hybrid cellular-satellite networks are increasingly relied on by commercial and government organizations such as first responders who demand continual connectivity even when core networks go down, and financial institutions who need to provide constant bandwidth asynchronous transfer mode (ATMs) even when local LTE service is compromised. In these cases, the iQ LTE can automatically switch from primary cellular coverage to satellite coverage, allowing businesses to continue operations even if LTE service is interrupted.

The satellite forward link on the iQ LTE can also be used for multicast traffic, transporting very large data or video files to thousands of locations simultaneously and achieving significant time and costs saving in contrast to a traditional unicast network configuration. For example, banks can send out massive security and system updates to thousands of ATMs simultaneously or support applications like video surveillance and sensors for tamper management.

The iQ LTE also provides coverage flexibility to organizations that depend on very small aperture terminal (VSAT) for their primary connectivity. For example, maritime cargo and yachts that rely on VSAT can switch to more cost-effective LTE coverage near shore. Offshore oil rigs and service vessels can seamlessly toggle between VSAT and LTE as network conditions and locations change to maintain continual connectivity for critical operations.

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 http://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 http://www.vt-systems.com.

Media contacts:    
Julie Bettinger
Vice President, Corporate Marketing
VT iDirect
Phone:    (1) 703 648 8155
Email:    jbettinger(at)idirect(dot)net

Whitney Morcom    
Manager, Corporate Responsibility
ST Engineering North America
Phone:    (1) 703.739.2610
Email:    wmorcom(at)vt-systems(dot)com

SOURCE VT iDirect