Intellian reveals dual-band VSAT antenna for cruise ships

It has launched its second generation 2.4-m antenna for satellite communications on cruise ships, offshore rigs and floating production systems.

Intellian’s v240M Gen-II dual-band antenna comes with an intelligent mediator that manages switching between C-band and Ku-band communications, facilitates auto-switching between geostationary and medium Earth orbit satellites and can manage up to eight antennas and modems on one vessel.

v240M Gen-II has a single reflector optimised for radio frequency performance in both C and Ku bands. Intellian said this antenna can be easily adapted to Ka-band for tri-band operation if required.

It can be fitted with a block up converter in power ranges 40-400 W to match high bandwidth demands from ships and rigs. There would be a single fibre cable link between the antenna and below-deck units minimising signal loss, while simplifying installation.

“Our v240M Gen-II antenna delivers best-in-class dual-band connectivity, while the second-generation intelligent mediator facilitates easy integration with existing systems and support for multiple antennas and modems,” said Intellian chief executive Eric Sung.

“With products such as these, ready for the next generation of satellite networks, we are safeguarding customers’ connectivity for the future,” he said. “We provide a seamless and cost-effective pathway to new services as they come online.”

Ship operators can install networks of multi-band antenna and modems to maximise passenger and crew communications. This network can dynamically allocate any vendor’s modem to any connected antenna for seamless handovers between beams from satellites in multiple orbits, maximising bandwidth utilisation.

v240MT Gen-II is ready for integration with Intellian’s upcoming Mediation Edge Server (MES) and Orchestra Advanced Antenna Management system, which will enable full asset management, configuration and automatic mediation between connected equipment.

This will allow smart blockage mitigation and failure prevention, enabling unmatched connection resiliency.

Intellian has streamlined installation and commissioning of these antennas and mediators with its Aptus suite of software. This suite includes programs for remote accessible configuration and diagnostic tools, said Intellian general manager and vice president Jon Harrison. “This reduces complexity and commissioning costs while improving reliability and facilitating support,” he said

“Aptus embedded software enables access for remote monitoring of the antenna and fine tuning it remotely,” Mr Harrison said. “It enables health checks of stabilisers, motors, sensors and allows problem solving remotely.”

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