…the Australian Defence Force (ADF) over the past 18 months through a series of technology trials analyzing the effects of transitioning from legacy Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems to an Internet Protocol (IP) Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) architecture. The trials were conducted across ADF satellite payloads in X- and Ku-band using the Hughes HX System of fixed and transportable gateways, the HX280 satellite broadband router, and advanced network management system, HX ExpertNMS™. Supporting the rigorous requirements and deployment needs of the ADF, the HX280 is capable of star and mesh operation, mobility, and is certified to Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 Level 2 for physical and Transmission Security (TRANSEC); it is currently finalizing WGS certification in the U.S. The trials successfully integrated and deployed star and mesh networks, demonstrating enhanced security and encryption, dynamic routing, traffic prioritization, and varying quality of service levels as part of the TDMA technology evaluation.
Under the scope of the contract, Hughes also provided a series of training sessions tailored for the ADF that included simulated mission scenarios and operational environments to test both trainees and the capabilities of the HX System. The trials made use of Hughes-integrated tactical VSAT systems from a variety of industry leaders including L-3 Communications, GigaSat, Globecomm, Cobham TracStar, Rockwell Collins, and Norsat International Inc. Hughes Network Systems is an ECHOSTAR company.
Hughes Network Systems has also added digital bulletin boards, cost-effective broadband Internet access, and Ka-band transportable satellite solutions to its U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule 70 contract (GS-35F-0907P). The new solutions and services under Hughes GSA Schedule include:
- Digital bulletin boards: Select either the Hughes-Hosted or Customer-Hosted model―solutions that enable government agencies to deliver the most cost-effective, high-impact communications available
- Satellite broadband Internet access for Government Service plans: Hughes Connect Service plans are best suited for teleworkers and small offices with one to two users; Hughes Express Service plans are intended for medium and large-size government offices with multiple users. Download speeds range from 1 Mbps for the Connect 100 plan to 5 Mbps for the Express 500 plan
- Ka-band transportable: Hughes HN9500 broadband satellite router and antenna system includes vehicle mounted and flyaway kit options and service to support emergency response requirements
