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Future of communications: LEO, L-band and optimised applications
Low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations are transforming maritime and offshore communications, but must be considered as part of the wider connectivity network
Vessel owners need to create future-proof ecosystems that support their assets and crews through the digital transformation. For robust, reliable and secure networks, these should incorporate available technologies including very small aperture terminal (VSAT) and L-band communications.
IEC Telecom Group vice president for marketing and communications Anastasia Kuzmenko highlighted the importance of LEO and VSAT and having an L-band back-up with optimised applications during Riviera Maritime Media’s Offshore Support Journal Conference, Asia, held in Singapore in September.
“LEO shall certainly transform marine communications once and for all,” she said. “What is essential to remember is that LEO is only a part of this puzzle. Do not think at the level of the network alone.”
While LEO is gaining momentum, it will take a while before the new technology gets licensed by all seafarer nations, including India and countries in the Middle East.
“As a result, having LEO on board is not enough,” said Ms Kuzmenko. “To ensure continuous digitalisation, now more than ever, it is essential to equip vessels with resilient back-up infrastructure.”
Technologies are rapidly advancing, making investments inevitable for modernising vessel fleets with the latest communications hardware and platform, but owners should question where to place their cash.
“When is the best time to modernise your fleet while making sure that you do not put your money into an outdated set up?” Ms Kuzmenko asked.
“The answer is do not focus on hardware. Invest in future-proof network management solutions and stay ahead of the curve at all times.” For example, IEC Telecom’s network solutions are designed based on a virtual platform. “It means that you can update or upgrade your set-up anytime with zero capex. Invest once and use for a lifetime.”
Value-added services and applications provide optimal user experiences, enhancing these integrated networks and keeping vessels cyber secure.
Having updated cyber security will prevent vessels from being impacted by online threats. “To ensure success in this new era, it is essential to focus on cyber security and business continuity,” says Ms Kuzmenko.
Risk mitigation is at three levels: satellite communications service delivery, shipping company and end-user.
Satellite communications need to be secured and ships need to be protected through multi-layered cyber security through firewalls, antivirus resources, network management and segregation.
A backup system is essential to ensure business continuity if the main network is affected. Owners need to ensure they have the right technical set-up, have created user policies and have provided sufficient cyber-security training.
“Lastly, no matter what we as a business do, cyber security on board is subject to end-user behaviour,” said Ms Kuzmenko. “To ensure success it is essential to create a culture where seafarers acknowledge the importance of internal policies and follow the rules.”
Having an L-band back-up to LEO communications is not just adding another terminal, it also requires applications optimised for lower bandwidths.
“When jumping from a high-speed network to a bandwidth-restricted environment, not all processes can be adjusted to the shift,” said Ms Kuzmenko.
“This preserves emergency communication, but there will be no business continuity for digital operations. Instead, we recommend a more advanced setup with sets of optimised applications.”
Some of those supplied by IEC Telecom can be fully operational even at 90 kbps. Applications can enable remote maintenance support, fuel saving, routine check-ups and upgrades, real-time messaging and conferencing, video surveillance and tracking, image capture and streaming and internet of things.
“All you need is a resilient backup and an optimised application. Not only is it a matter of efficiency, but also significant savings,” said Ms Kuzmenko.
Riviera Maritime Media’s Offshore Support Journal Conference, Middle East will be held 6-7 December 2023 in Dubai, UAE. Use this link for further information and to register your interest
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