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Newtec DialogMarch 2014

White Paper

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE, PROGRESS IS POSSIBLE

by Koen Willems (Market Director) and Jo De Loor (Product Manager)Newtec cy

Technological innovations, socio-political dynamism and economic uncertainty are quickly changing the satellite communications market as we know it. High Throughput Satellites (HTS), efficiency-increasing technologies, mobility, competition from terrestrial services, the quick uptake of new technologies (OTT, smart phones, 4G, HDTV, UHDTV 4K) and initiatives to decrease the digital divide are only a few drivers that catalyze the change in the satellite market environment.

Improving agility and increasing adaptability to market and technology changes, are two key requirements for the satellite service providers to successfully operate their business. The fulfillment of these requirements, in combination with the extension of their service portfolio offering, will lead to profitable growth.

When business strategy and tactics are built on the foundations of agility, adaptability and service portfolio extension, the satellite service provider requires an advanced satcom transmission platform. Such a transmission platform has to embrace the quickly changing business environment while also taking care of efficiency, reliability and quality of service. As such the satellite platform must be flexible, scalable and efficient to support the different business models and applications.

This white paper describes the main characteristics and advantages of the Newtec Dialog® Platform and several of its key differentiating Newtec technologies. Those Newtec technologies include the brand new patented Mx-DMA™ (Cross-Dimensional Multiple Access) and HRC™ (High Resolution Coding), but also include field proven Newtec technologies such as FlexACM®. The Newtec Dialog Platform provides the satellite service operator with the scalability, flexibility and efficiency he requires to run successful operations over satellite.

www.newtec.eu

Introduction‘According as

circumstances are favorable, one should

modify one’s plans’Sun Tzu – Art of War

Rev.4 09/2015

Creating New Business Opportunities for a Changing World of Satellite Communications

1

The Four Main Challenges in the Satcom Market Today … and TomorrowBefore focusing on the key differentiating Newtec Dialog

technologies, it is worth taking a step back and looking in

detail at the satellite market in context, including the challenges

satellite service providers and end-users are facing today… and

tomorrow.

CHALLENGE 1:

Users Expect Higher Speeds And

Higher Data Volumes

The satellite service provider needs to accommodate

increasing data rates and the growing volume of data. So why

are data rates and volumes increasing?

• There is growing media rich traffic (Video-on-Demand)

and a market push-pull effect for HDTV (High Definition

Television) and UHDTV (Ultra High Definition Television)

• More users are getting connected to the information

highway, not only through traditional telecom devices such

as computers and laptops, but increasingly through smart

phones and tablets. These devices can be hand carried

and are not as dependent on electricity power proximity or

availability, which is important in developing countries.

• There are more government initiatives in place to close the

digital divide, to educate people, to respond quickly to

emergencies and to gather intelligence from the field.

• Increasing machine-to-machine communications that are

using bandwidth-hungry sensors and sensors that must

always be connected.

The introduction of various new High Throughput Satellite (HTS)

initiatives and constellations are a direct response to cater for the

increasing data demand. But these measures are not enough;

the end-user today expects both to receive the data rates and

the quality of service level to fit his application requirements.

CHALLENGE 2:

Users Expect to Pay Less for More

While the users expectations for speed and data volume are

increasing, they expect to get this at a lower cost. The relentless

advances and competition from fiber and other terrestrial

and wireless infrastructures put pressure on both prices and

margins. Satellite service providers are therefore forced to

engineer and deploy new services that provide a higher quality

of service at a much lower operational cost compared to today.

CHALLENGE 3:

The Market and Technology Complexity Is Ever

Increasing

In recent years, the satellite communications market has

witnessed important changes both on the technology side and

on the value chain side. If you are not able to adapt to the rapidly

changing environment, your business will be bound to fail or face

serious challenges. Adapt or die. It is a blunt statement but not far

from the truth. Socio-political changes and economic uncertainty

are additional drivers of complexity. Obviously all of these drivers

are linked.

The introduction of HTS satellites is a major industry enabler

which is helping to improve speeds, to increase data volumes and

also to decrease the satellite transmission cost. The architecture

of most of the current HTS satellites is forcing satellite service

providers to access those satellites through a geographically

distributed network of gateways. This requirement clearly

increases the complexity for operating those networks.


2

How to Survive and Grow in aFast Changing Satcom Environment?

The introduction of the first HTS satellites over North America

was not triggered by the ‘historical’ satellite operators, but

was the result of a few technology vendors who drastically

changed the business value chain by becoming both satellite

service provider and operator. Suddenly several satellite service

providers saw their technology provider becoming one of their

biggest competitors.

The good news for the satellite service providers is that the

historical satellite operators have started launching new HTS

satellites that stick to their traditional role of providing space

segment only. Satellite service providers can thus revert to

buying bandwidth capacity on HTS beams that are of interest to

their business offering.

As the business environment becomes complex the pitfall for

many service providers is to build their services on equally

complex infrastructures that have organically grown over time

along with their business. These platforms become difficult

to manage and operate and have a heavy impact on both

operational and capital expenses. Small changes to improve

operational efficiency, or to satisfy the customer, prove to become

very hard when having different technologies, topologies and

platforms on top of each other.

CHALLENGE 4:

Connectivity Anywhere Anytime

Last but not least satellite communications need to serve

users not only at home or in the office, but also when they are

travelling or on assignment in a remote location. People are

getting used to the fact that they can be reached and have

connectivity anywhere anytime. They expect to be able to get

access to the Internet on trains, planes, on ships and even in

their car.

Faced with massive changes in the satellite communications

environment it is key for business strategies to embrace change

in order to survive and capitalize on frequent alterations.

Guidelines for Survival and Growth

• A key strategy element for satellite service providers is to

be ready to adapt to new market opportunities. Agility and

a short response time are critical to survival and growth.

• Invest in satellite communication technology and flexible

and scalable platforms that can cope with these altering

situations.

• Differentiate service definitions and service packages from

competition

• Do not put all your eggs in one basket. By applying a

multiservice offering from a single hub the service provider

spreads the risk and can allocate the bandwidth to match

the changing market demand.

• Understanding the requirements of the different

applications and user profiles is absolutely critical. Apply a

specific comprehensive SLA scheme to fit the needs of your

different customers.

• Maximize profitability by introducing technology to the

satellite network that optimizes network efficiency and

service speeds.

• Deploy a platform independent from any satellite

constellation or satellite frequency in order to quickly adapt

to other satellites if the business or customer base changes

• Select a platform that grows along with your business and

that allows investment in a modular way when opportunities

arise.


3

The First Line of Defense

to Embrace Changing Business Environments

Based on the feedback of customers and taking the above

variable market conditions and guidelines into account, Newtec

has developed a platform that is capable of coping with changing

business environments in the satellite market. Moreover this

platform empowers satellite service providers to engage into

successful business models and efficient operations.

Newtec Dialog® is a scalable and flexible

multiservice satellite communications

platform that allows satellite service providers

to build and adapt their infrastructure easily

as their business and the satellite market

grows. Newtec Dialog will secure the future

of operators, giving them the power to offer a variety of services

while making hassle-free decisions on the technology to use.

The New Platform is based on three core principles that have

been executed all through the architecture, the supporting

technologies and implementation of the platform. The main

principles are Flexibility, Scalability and Efficiency.

FLEXIBILITY

Newtec Dialog is built for flexibility. Whether the satellite service

provider addresses a single application or multiple markets,

Newtec Dialog offers customers optimal technology without

compromising. This produces a multitude of possibilities for

optimizing the usage of infrastructure and satellite capacity for

different markets.

As an example, an operator with a history of mainly servicing

broadcast clients can easily add new services and begin

targeting cellular backhaul and trunking, consumer & enterprise,

VSAT or government markets using the same Newtec Dialog

infrastructure. Newtec Dialog easily adapts to any business needs

and goes hand in hand with delivering tailored services.

SCALABILITY

The platform scales to every type of satellite network: from small

networks, with 5 remotes, up to the largest networks, having

hundreds of thousands remotes, from single coverage to multi-

spot High Throughput Satellite networks.

Additionally, satellite service providers can invest as the business

grows, the HUB scalability and flexibility enables low up-front

CAPEX. The platform connects a variety of Newtec’s modems that

can be easily adapted for different applications depending on the

business evolution.

EFFICIENCY

Efficiency is defined both at the operational and technology

level in the Newtec Dialog platform. It provides the extra

bandwidth, throughput or savings satellite service providers are

craving for. Additionally it will allocate every bit to the designated

user and provide the highest number of customers per MHz at

maximum availability in order to meet the toughest Service Level

Agreement Requirements.

Newtec Dialog assists the satellite service provider to select the

best transmission technology for their particular application.

For the return link technology they can opt for the flexibility of

MF-TDMA (Multi-Frequency Time-Division Multiple Access), the

efficiency of SCPC (Single Channel per Carrier) links or the best

of both worlds, the patented and brand new Mx-DMA™ (Cross-

Dimensional Multiple Access) HighResCoding™ technology. This

revolutionary technology fills the gap between the MF-TDMA and

SCPC return technologies.

The Newtec Dialog platform combines the efficiency of the

forward and return satellite links with Newtec core technology

such as FlexACM, Bandwidth Management and Cross Layer

Optimization. With these technologies, Newtec Dialog is able to

provide the most optimal modulation and bandwidth allocation,

while guaranteeing the highest efficiency and availability.


4

Today’s satellite service providers interact with many different

communication technologies across a broad range of platforms.

The operator, satellite service provider and end-users all expect

to receive the data rates and the quality of service level to fit

their application requirements.

The key for the satellite service provider here is to fully understand

the business or the operation of his or her customers and to

provide services according to the nature of these applications.

A good approach is to draft different user profiles (per market,

application or segment in the value chain) based on typical

satcom usage, priorities and performance attributes. A typical

user profile will look at the following performance attributes:

• Data Throughput

• Availability (SLA)

• User Experience

• Cost

• Ease of Use

• Efficiency

• Performance

• Product/Application Fit

Different applications and markets have different needs. The

user profile and performance attribute expectations of a home

user with Internet access over satellite will be entirely different

from a broadcaster. For the broadcaster, not losing the satellite

link for a live sports video feed will have priority over pricing,

whereas ‘assertive’ consumer VSAT users tend to switch service

providers quickly if they are not happy with the user experience

or pricing.

The strength of the Newtec Dialog platform is to be able to

combine different applications and user profiles on the same

platform, which results in massive efficiency gains as well as

cost savings. Moreover bandwidth allocation can be shifted

amongst the different applications depending on the business

opportunity or the mission at hand. The Newtec Dialog Platform

currently covers the following markets and applications:

• Consumer, SME and Enterprise VSAT Networks

• Cellular Backhaul and Trunking

• Fixed Video Contribution and Video Exchange

• Satellite News Gathering

• TV and Radio Distribution to Towers and Head-Ends

• Civil, Government and NGO Networks

• Disaster Recovery and Emergency Networks

• Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) and

Border Security

• SCADA and Surveillance Networks

Different Markets, Different Requirements

COST EASE OF USE

QOSUSEREXPERIENCE

BUSINESS MODEL EFFICIENCY

AVAILABILITYPERFORMANCE

USER PROFILEWhat is Important for your Business?


Figure 1: User profile with performance attributes

5

Four Building Blocks for a Successful Satellite Platform

BUILDING BLOCK 1:

A Scalable Platform Enabling Both Small Single Service

and Large Multiservice Networks

The Newtec Dialog Platform strongly relies upon four building

blocks that further define the Newtec Dialog solution. These

building blocks are the multiservice approach, the innovative

technologies, the different product combinations and the ability

to support various business models.

The Newtec Dialog Platform can easily be compared with the

‘Smart Grid’ concept as being defined in the energy market. Within

the Dialog Platform the basic principles (Flexibility, Scalability &

Efficiency), the 4 building blocks and the related markets and

applications are interconnected. This system allows for smart

monitoring, analysis, control, change and communication within

the platform to help improve efficiency, reduce cost and maximize

transparency and reliability of the entire satellite network.

The Newtec Dialog Platform embeds the flexibility to address

both small single service networks as well as larger multiservice

networks. Even if the satellite service provider wants to start up

with a small network and a CAPEX-friendly investment, he still

has the opportunity to add extra services at a later stage and

grow his business from the same platform.

Multiservice networks provide more than one distinct

communications service type over the same physical infrastructure.

Multiservice implies not only the existence of multiple traffic

types within the network, but also the ability of a single network

to support multiple applications without compromising quality

of service (QoS) for any of them. The following traffic types are

supported under the Newtec Dialog Platform:

• Video and Audio (Transport Stream and File-Based)

• Data

• Voice

• Datacasting (unicasting & multicasting)


Figure 2: Overview Newtec Dialog Platform

• Government Networks

• ISR & Border Security

• Disaster Recovery

• MWR

• Consumer/SOHO

• SCADA

• Energy

• Enterprise/SME

• FNG/SNG

• Contribution

• Distribution

• Direct-to-Home

• Cellular Backhaul

• Backhaul

• Trunking

• Fiber Restoration

large

FLEXIBILITY, SCALABILITY, EFFICIENCY

More data

Pressure on profitability

Fast changing

market

Connectivity anywhere anytime

MA

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BU

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VSAT

MULTISERVICE

BROADCAST

PRODUCTS

CELLULAR BACKHAUL & TRUNKING

TECHNOLOGIES

GOVERNMENT & DEFENSE

SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS MODELS

CHANGEAHEAD

$More content

& services

More customers per MHz

Small & large networks

Fast roll-out & easy to use

Complete modem portfolio

INDUSTRYCHALLENGES

YOUR PLATFORM ADVANTAGES

MOBILITY, OFFSHORE & MARITIME

• Offshore, Oil & Gas

• Mining

• Maritime

• Aviation

6

All these traffic and service types are auto-dynamically

controlled through different prioritization and classification

schemes inside the Dialog NMS in order to optimize the

throughput according to the available bandwidth in the

adaptive satellite network.

For example, a satellite service provider today hosts a

consumer VSAT network on his Newtec Dialog platform.

When launching a consumer VSAT service the uptake by

users might take a while. The remaining bandwidth in the

meantime can be used for servicing a cellular backhaul

network. If an opportunity were to arise for the satellite service

provider to expand his business by offering video exchange

services for the local broadcaster, he can launch this service

from the same hub, whilst still respecting the specificities of

the broadcast business.

BUILDING BLOCK 2:

Innovative Technologies that Save the Day

The Newtec Dialog platform integrates innovative and

revolutionary technologies that will take the satellite world

by storm. Newtec introduces the world premiere of a new

waveform called HRC as well as a new return access technology

that fills the gap between MF-TDMA and SCPC, the Newtec

patented Mx-DMA. Those technologies are bolstered with

proven Newtec technologies including FlexACM, Bandwidth

Management and Cross Layer Optimization.

The combination of the technologies serve the overall

Newtec Dialog platform principles on Flexibility, Scalability

and Efficiency and solve bandwidth issues, provide excellent

quality of service and manage the availability of the satellite

link.

Cross-Dimensional Multiple Access (Mx-DMA)

Return Technology

Three modes of return technology are available to the

satellite service provider on the Newtec Dialog Platform

to configure his network: MF-TDMA, SCPC and the new

patented Mx-DMA (Cross-Dimensional Multiple Access).

MF-TDMA satellite return technologies typically target

applications with highly overbooked and bursty traffic

services, such as Internet access for consumers, SME, B2B

and SCADA networks. SCPC on the other hand has more

applicability in high data and video rate return links. In

between there are a large number of applications with low to

medium overbooked services and throughput rates up to 20

Mbps where it can be difficult to chose between either SCPC

or MF-TDMA. These applications are enterprise/corporate

networks, government/NGO networks, cellular backhauling

and low to medium rate broadcast contribution networks.

Some technologies in the market already allow a (semi)-

dynamic switch between SCPC and MF-TDMA, but that goes

hand in hand with a considerable satellite link outage time ,

packet loss and sub-optimal usage of the link.


7

Ultimately the end-user does not really care about the type

of return technology behind his satellite service, rather that it

provides the data, user experience and the quality he or she

expects. This is where Newtec’s Mx-DMA comes into play.

Newtec Mx-DMA is the return technology that incorporates

the best features of MF-TDMA and SCPC technologies and

at the same time solves the difficult choice to select one or

the other.

The Mx-DMA return technology on the Newtec Dialog Platform

adjusts the frequency plan, the symbol rate, the modulation,

coding and power in real-time for every terminal in the satellite

network. These adjustments are based on the return traffic

demand, the network QoS management and channel conditions

for the terminal population in the network. Within the Mx-DMA

return link each carrier is assigned to only one terminal. As such

SCPC-like maximum return efficiencies are achieved.

At the same time the flexibility of MF-TDMA can be maintained. It

remains possible in Mx-DMA to allocate bandwidth on demand

and in real-time. In other words as the traffic demand for a remote

terminal is changing, bandwidth will be allocated on the fly. If

the traffic within the terminal becomes more important, extra

bandwidth will auto-dynamically be assigned to the carrier inside

the link based on QoS and priority rules. The entire operation is

performed seamlessly without any data packet being lost.

The implementation of Mx-DMA typically results in a doubling

of the transponder throughput using the same bandwidth, or

alternatively reducing the required space segment capacity by

50 percent. The new technology also ensures low jitter and delay,

perfect for applications like voice and streaming video.

DVB-S2 ACMforward

72 MHz 36 MHz

DVB-S2 ACMforward

72 MHz 36 MHz

Mx-DMA HRCreturns

Mx-DMA HRCreturns


Figure 3: Mx-DMA dynamic return links with allocation of real-time bandwidth on demand at SCPC efficiency

8

High Resolution Coding (HRC)

Next to the Mx-DMA return technology, Newtec Dialog

introduces a new highly efficient and patented waveform called

HRC or High Resolution Coding technology. The innovative

next-generation waveform is typically applicable for low to

medium rate applications between 32 kbps and 22 Mbps. HRC

has an efficiency comparable to DVB-S2 with a 5% roll-off factor

(see figure 4) in order to get as many bits through the available

bandwidth as possible.

In contrast to DVB-S2, the HRC coding also handles low

throughput speeds in SCPC mode without the harmful latency

effects that could hamper voice traffic or video streaming services.

HRC optimizes low to medium rate traffic and avoids latency

over satellite by using short block codes. The high granularity

of MODCOD choices (40 MODCODs from QPSK to 32APSK)

provides the best modulation and coding per link. In combination

with ACM (Adaptive Coding and Modulation) the most efficient

mode is selected automatically depending on the available

bandwidth and instant satellite link conditions.

The line chart below (figure 5) demonstrates the efficiency of the

three optional return link technologies on the Newtec Dialog

Platform: Newtec S2 Extensions for high speed SCPC links (blue

line), the Newtec HRC coding and modulation (orange line) and

4CPM coding and modulation (green line) performance used for

MF-TDMA. Comparing the HRC and MF-TDMA efficiency results

there is an average efficiency gain of 60%. At the higher signal

to noise ranges (C/N) it will even exceed 100% efficiency gain.

The Mx-DMA technology combines the highly efficient HRC with

real time variable bandwidth allocation equivalent to MF-TDMA.


Figure 4: Newtec HighResCoding™ (HRC) coding and modulation (red line) compared with DVB-S2 Short frames (blue line) both using 5% roll-off

9

FlexACM®

The Newtec Dialog Platform also integrates the well-known

and field proven FlexACM® technology. Even in harsh and

hostile conditions it is important to have networks over satellite

available at all times and not to lose data. Not only to fulfill

the most demanding SLAs but also to assure mission critical

communications. The unique auto-adaptive technology

incorporated inside Newtec’s FlexACM® takes care of any fading

condition in order to avoid link or data losses. Fading conditions

due to choice of satellite (Inclined Orbit Satellite, Ku-, Ka-, X-band,

HTS), environment (rain & dust), shadowing effects or interference

(between two adjacent satellites) will no longer interrupt satellite

transmissions.

FlexACM® combines adaptive coding and modulation (ACM)

with Newtec’s noise and distortion estimation technology (NoDE)

and predictive fading technology on upcoming fading variation

(ThiMM – Thin Margin Manager) to get as close to the zero margin

limit as possible. In other words to make full use of the satellite link

at maximum service availability regardless of condition.

FlexACM is implemented for all forward and return link options

(SCPC, MF-TDMA and Mx-DMA) on the Newtec Dialog platform

and results in increased throughput or alternatively in important

bandwidth savings. Moreover it assures maximum availability

without link or data losses.

In combination with IP capacity sizing, bandwidth management

and cross-layer optimization technologies, FlexACM achieves

extra gains by implementing statistical multiplexing ‘in the

sky’ and overbooking ratios. As a result the highest number of

customers can be allocated per MHz without compromising the

end user experience.


Figure 5: Comparison efficiency of 3 optional return link technologies (MF-TDMA, SCPC and Mx-DMA)

10

BUILDING BLOCK 3:

Products That Match Your Business

The Newtec Dialog principles of Flexibility, Scalability and

Efficiency are reflected inside the platform infrastructure elements,

being the hubs, modems and network management system

(NMS). As Newtec Dialog covers different types of network for

various applications within the broadcasting, cellular backhaul,

Trunking, consumer and enterprise VSAT as well as government

markets, the platform offers a range of hubs, modems, and NMS

configurations to match the application requirements.

Newtec Dialog Satellite Hub Module

The heart of the Newtec Dialog Platform is the flexible and scalable

satellite hub module. The hub caters for small, medium-sized and

even large consumer VSAT-type satellite networks. Basically the

Newtec Dialog Hub module comes in two flavors depending on

different parameters: the size of the network, the amount and

type of services or applications that need to be addressed. The

Newtec HUB6501 is the compact 1IF market-entry sized hub

module designed for small satellite networks and for operators

that require a cost-effective solution to start up their services.

Thanks to its compact size the hub can easily be integrated in

existing NOC (Network Operation Center) infrastructures or at a

customer premises.

The Newtec HUB6504 on the other hand is the all-encompassing

and future proof 4IF hub module that offers the service provider

and satellite operators full access to the scalability, flexibility and

efficiency features of the Newtec Dialog platform. The Newtec

HUB6504 module fits different configurations from simple

1-satellite networks to multi-satellite or multi-gateway spotbeam

networks. A central Network Management System (NMS) system

controls multiple geographical dispersed hub locations, each

allowing access to multiple satellites.

Figure 6: The Newtec HUB6504 4IF hub module and the compact Newtec HUB6501 1IF Hub


11

The Newtec Dialog Hub Module includes the forward link, the

reception capabilities of different return technologies (SCPC,

MF-TDMA and Mx-DMA through multicarrier 1RU demodulators)

as well as the NMS, Traffic and QoS Management and Network

Optimization technology (Acceleration, compression, encryption

and datacasting). The modular design of the Hub allows the

satellite service provider to build their own platform according to

his or her needs.

The hub will grow alongside the business and can be adapted

quickly to react to changing environments. The satellite service

provider is able to target multiple services and applications with

the same hub module and allocate bandwidth, throughput and

SLAs through a single user interface. As such initial investment

and business risks are limited.

Newtec Dialog Satellite Modems and Terminals

A multiservice satellite platform has the need for a variety of

modems and terminal types to address the different applications,

throughput requirements and user profiles. The Newtec Dialog

platform includes three main modem families: the 2000-series,

the 3000-series and the 6000-series. The main differentiation

between the modem series’ in a technical sense is in the support

of different waveforms, return access technologies, throughput

rates and form factors. Core Newtec technologies such as

FlexACM and Clean Channel Technology (CCT) are implemented

on all modem types to make the most efficient use of the satellite

link. The modems are matched with characteristic application

requirements and can be combined on the same multiservice

satellite network connecting to a single Newtec Dialog Hub.

• The MDM2200 satellite modem typically addresses Consumer

VSAT, SOHO, SME and SCADA applications. The modem

has been designed around the concepts of easy installation

(Point&Play), low initial investment per user, efficient usage of

the satellite spectrum and maximized broadband experience.

The modem receives DVB-S2 signals up to 22 Mbps and

can easily cope with low roll-off factors (providing extra 15%

efficiency on top of the S2 link) incorporated in Newtec Clean

Channel Technology (CCT). For the return link Newtec’s 4CPM

is the selected MF-TDMA waveform technology with rates up

to 3,5 Mbps per unit. The MDM2200 comes with a dedicated

compact and cost-effective iBUC and antenna to reduce

investments to an absolute minimum.

• The 3000-modem series targets the mid section of the

satellite market and is generally deployed in Cellular

Backhaul, VSAT Enterprise, Broadcast contribution and

Government/NGO networks. These remotes require a wide

range of IP services including multi-casting, broadband

access and VoIP. The 3000-family has 2 versions: the

MDM3100 and the MDM3300 modems. The main

difference between the modems is in the waveform support

for the return technology. Next to the wide choice of Mx-

DMA, HRC SCPC and 4CPM MF-TDMA waveforms that

typecast both modems, the MDM3300 unit also supports

DVB-S2 and S2 Extensions in the return channel. As such

45Mbps download (DVB-S2 with CCT) and 20Mbps uplink

speeds can easily be achieved.


12

S2 Extensions is the successor to DVB-S2 and translates

into better efficiency, higher speed and improved service

robustness (see Newtec White paper: Demystifying S2

Extensions). When comparing the current DVB-S2 standard

against the full implementation of S2 Extensions (activating

5%, 10% or 15% Roll-Offs, advanced carrier filtering, 64

APSK, increased granularity in MODCODs) staggering

efficiency gains up to 37% can be achieved for professional

applications over satellite.

• The MDM6000 and the MDM6100 Broadcast modems

are the versatile DVB-S2/S2 Extensions units that combine

high efficiency features (including wideband up to 72

Mbaud) with innovative technology to maximize data

throughput and availability in networks sensitive to adaptive

satellite bandwidth. The powerful platforms give satellite

service providers the tools to support bandwidth hungry

Backhaul, Trunking, Broadcast, Exchange and Government

applications in their network. With the 6000 series modems

speeds from 1 Mbps up to 380 Mbps are available as return

towards the Dialog Hub through Newtec’s S2 Extensions

technology.

Modem 2000 SeriesMDM2000

Modem 6000 SeriesMDM6000 & MDM6100

Modem 3000 SeriesMDM3100 MDM3300

DVB S2(CCT)

DVB S2(CCT)

DVB S2(CCT)

DVB S2(CCT)

MX-DMAHRC

MX-DMAHRC

SCPCDVB S2/ S2 Ext.

SCPCDVB S2/ S2 Ext.

SCPCHRC

SCPCHRC

MF-TDMA4PCM

MF-TDMA4PCM

MF-TDMA4PCM

INBOUND

OUTBOUNDBandwidth On DemandFixed Rate Applications


Figure 7: Overview Newtec modems and supported return technologies for the Newtec Dialog platform

13

Newtec Dialog Network Management System (NMS)

The entire Dialog Platform is monitored, controlled and

configured through a fully integrated Network Management

System. The NMS gives the network operator a full suite of

element and network tools based on intuitive workflows and

an easy to use web-based graphical user interface (GUI). It is

designed to help service providers to become more efficient and

effective in creating, delivering and monetizing services.

The FCAPS framework is the core of the Dialog network

management with the following elements:

• Configuration management

• Fault & Performance Management

• Accounting

• Security

The versatility of the NMS configuration is fully in line with the

Dialog flexibility and scalability principles. Both Host Network

Operators (HNO) and Virtual Network Operators (VNO)

can co-exist on the same multiservice platform with different

access rights and tools to operate their network. As such the

service provider can easily integrate the management system

with the existing Business Support System applications (e.g.

billing, rating, customer-service, etc.) and Operation Support

System applications (e.g. service quality monitoring, network

performance, resource management). A central NMS system

controls multiple geographically dispersed hub locations, each

allowing access to multiple satellites.

The NMS includes an extensive set of Application Programmatic

Interfaces (API) available to HNOs and VNOs. These machine-to-

machine interfaces allow easy integration with OSS/BSS platforms

or enable integration into other higher-level NMS systems.


MODEMS HUBSAPPLICATIONS

SCPC

MDM6000MDM6100

series

MDM3000 series

MDM2000series

HUB6500series

500+ Mbps 1:1

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KIN

G

1 kbps >100:1

High SpeedP2P Backbone

TrunkingContribution

SNG/FNGCellular Backhauling

Oil & Gas

Government/NGOEnterprise/Corporate

SME

SOHOConsumer

MX-DMA

MF-TDMA

Figure 8: Overview Newtec equipment, technology and target applications

14

Newtec Satlink Manager

The optional Newtec SATLink Manager accompanies the

Newtec Dialog NMS for satellite resource allocation, reservation

and automated satellite link setup or teardown. The SATLink

Manager smoothly plugs into various NMS eco-systems for

smooth integration into customer environments.

Satellite service providers are now able to manage satellite

capacity and automate mesh and/or star based satellite links

between multiple remote satellite terminals and between

satellite terminals and a hub.

The SATLink Manager supports various use cases within the

satellite broadcast, VSAT, Government and IP Trunking/IP

Backhauling markets: from the reservation and setup of occasional

use satellite links to the management of satellite capacity defined

within one or multiple transponders and/or satellites. Moreover

the satellite capacity is optimized by determining the most

appropriate encapsulation and modulation scheme for a given

service.

BUILDING BLOCK 4:

Enabling various Business Models

With the service offering, the Newtec technology and the

accompanying Newtec Dialog infrastructure elements in place

the time has come to initiate the creation of successful Business

Models. The flexibility of the platform allows for the configuration

of the network and its elements into an existing business model.

However, the increasing competition from both terrestrial and

satellite solutions have an enormous impact on traditional

players in the satellite ecosystem. Fighting disruption or seeking

to maintain the status quo is ineffective and results in decreasing

profits for service providers.

In order to establish new sustainable business models service

providers should focus on exploiting the core competence of

operators, their flexibility to react to change, the capability to handle

multiple applications/services and an innovative network design.

The Newtec Dialog platform is the prime tool to cater for these

new and innovative strategies, business models and services.

The overarching goal of a business model is to address a business

opportunity in such a way that value is created for customers as

well as for the satellite service provider himself. Next to value

differentiation also needs to be taken into account: how does

the service provider, network operator or broadcaster distinguish

himself from competition. The core competences, value adds and

the interaction with the customer define the way satellite providers

position themselves in the value chain. The provider can stick to a

single activity or ‘verticalize’ their offer and fill different positions in

the value chain.


15

In the below (figure 9) example the wholesale business model

is described. In this model the Virtual Network Operator (here

an Internet Service Provider) has the choice to either resell a full

package of services coming from the satellite network provider or

to create his own value add by reselling bandwidth with his own

defined service package.

The inherent strength of the Newtec Dialog platform is that it

supports both traditional and innovative business models from

managed services to VNOs to multiservice and more. Moreover the

platform caters for a general business model applied for all services

and customers or different business model approaches depending

on the application, region, customer base or service itself.

The starting point is the user profile and the position of the satellite

service provider inside the value chain. From that point onwards the

network can be configured to maximize operational and satellite

spectrum efficiency. The following questions will certainly need

to be addressed during the deployment of the network: What is

the SLA and throughput required by the customer? Do they need

Peak Information Rates (PIR) or Committed Information Rates (CIR)

for their services? Are the services clustered in a package by the

Service provider? How many levels of service providers and VNOs

are present in the network. What is the overbooking ratio? What is

the optimal return technology per service. Do the services suffer

from adaptive satellite bandwidth?

The basic technologies behind the flexible Business Model

strategies are the advanced shaping rules, bandwidth management

and Quality of Service incorporated inside the Newtec Dialog

Platform.

WholesaleService Profiles

WholesaleMbps Capacity

Service Profile

Service Profile

SatelliteOperator

SatelliteNetworkOperator

VNO(e.g. ISP) End-user

Reselling Only

ISP DefinedProductized Services


Figure 9: Example wholesale business model supported on Newtec Dialog

16

Putting Newtec Dialog to the TestNow the theoretical concepts and the technologies behind the

Newtec Dialog platform are well understood, it becomes time to

put the platform to the test. In the following example, two use cases

based on a star topology satellite network of 20 terminals spread

over Sub-Saharan Africa will be demonstrated. In the example we

will mainly focus on the return channel technologies SCPC, MF-

TDMA and Newtec Mx-DMA.

The example satellite network (see figure 10) features following

Newtec Dialog Platform elements:

• Newtec HUB6501 1IF Hub Module

• Modems: MDM3100/MDM3300 IP Satellite modems

CASE 1:

Leased Line Services in Ku-band

In the first case the satellite service provider runs leased line services

for its customer. In the service level agreement between both

companies a dedicated throughput per site at 99,8% availability

in Ku-band has been determined. SCPC is traditionally selected

as the most optimal technology for leased line types of networks.

But how does it perform against the Newtec Mx-DMA technology

when we consider the return channels?

4.9MANTENNA

NEWTECDIALOG HUB

DVB-S2 SCPCMX-DMA HRC

MF-TDMA 4CPM


MF-TDMA 4CPM


MF-TDMA 4CPM

MDM3X00IP MODEM

MDM3X00IP MODEM

MDM3X00IP MODEM

DVB-S2 CCT

REGIONAL OFFICE 1

HEADQUARTER REGIONAL OFFICE 2

REGIONAL OFFICE 20

KU-BANDG/T = 1DBEIRP=45DBW

1.8MANTENNA

1.8MANTENNA

1.8MANTENNATELEPORT

GENEVA


Figure 10: Example satellite network with Newtec Dialog Hub and MDM3100/3300 modems

17

When implementing 20 separate return channels using DVB-S2

technology with a 20% roll-off factor and short frames, the total

occupied bandwidth for 18 Mbps throughput equals 12,44 MHz. To

achieve the dedicated service levels for SCPC DVB-S2 is required to

have terminals based on a 1.8m antenna and 8W BUC.

For the same 18 Mbps of dedicated throughput over the

leased lines Newtec’s Mx-DMA only requires 8,06 MHz satellite

bandwidth. In other words, by deploying Newtec Dialog and

the Newtec Mx-DMA return technology 35% savings can

immediately be generated for this leased line network.

We can even take the efficiency gains a step further by engaging

the full potential of Newtec’s Mx-DMA technology. In the

above sizing, each of the 20 sites gets the dedicated return

throughput according to its service profile, resulting in the total

aggregate capacity of 18Mbps in the return link. However, it is

very unlikely all the 20 sites are instantaneously using the full

service profile dedicated capacity. As a consequence operators

can apply a statistical multiplexing gain on the aggregated

capacity compared to the sum of the individual links (which is

also common practice in terrestrial networks). The statistical

multiplexing will not burden the end-user experience or the

service level agreements. Newtec Mx-DMA technology and its

on-demand bandwidth allocation fully supports the “statistical

multiplexing in the sky” feature.

For this leased line network a conservative 25% statistical

multiplexing gain has been considered for the 20 sites, reducing

the throughput from 18 to 13.5Mbps.

By implementing statistical multiplexing together with Newtec

Mx-DMA technology, the satellite service providers can realize

a 52% bandwidth saving, compared to DVB-S2, going from

12.44MHz to 6.02MHz satellite bandwidth.

Sites Fixed bitrate Service Profile

4 sites 2 Mbps dedicated

4 sites 1 Mbps dedicated

12 sites 512 kbps dedicated

SCPC DVB-S220% roll-off, short frames

Mx-DMA HRC

Mx-DMA HRCIncl.25% Stat. Mux. Gain

12.44 MHz - 18 Mbps

8.06 MHz - 18 Mbps

6.02 MHz - 13.5 Mbps

35% saving

52% saving

SCPC DVB-S220% roll-off, short frames

Mx-DMA HRC

12.44 MHz

8.06 MHz 35% saving


Figure 11: Comparison performance Mx-DMA (with and without statistical multiplexing) and SCPC

18

CASE 2:

Shared Services in Ku-band

In the second case the service provider offers shared and

overbooked services in the return link over satellite for the 20

remote sites. The SLA provides 2 Mbps peak rate (PIR) for all

remotes and three types of committed information rates (CIR)

for the satellite network over a Ku-band transponder at 99.8%

availability. Traditionally MF-TDMA would be the selected

technology to handle these types of traffic. In this scenario we will

compare the MF-TDMA performance against Newtec’s Mx-DMA.

When selecting MF-TDMA as the technology for the return link for

the 20 remote sites running shared and overbooked services, a

total satellite bandwidth of 7.76 MHz would need to be allocated.

In this MF-TDMA network a 1.8m antenna and 4W BUC are put

into operation.

Alternatively Newtec’s Mx-DMA only requires 3,89 MHz to run

the same throughput for the same PIR and CIR services. As such

Mx-DMA, running on the Newtec Dialog platform, results in a

50% gain compared to MF-TDMA technology.

More Throughput, More Customers per MHz

Both use cases clearly demonstrate the Newtec Mx-DMA

benefits over SCPC and MF-TDMA as return technology. For

dedicated capacity services Mx-DMA HRC typically brings two

equally attractive options when compared to SCPC: save more

than 35% bandwidth or serve 54% more customers within the

same bandwidth. By applying statistical multiplexing together

with Mx-DMA the bandwidth gain will be increased to 52%.

For shared and overbooked services, the bandwidth saving of

Mx-DMA HRC is even more than 50%, equivalent to serving more

than double the number of customers in the same bandwidth.

Sites Shared Service Profile

4 sites 2 Mbps PIR – 1Mbps CIR

4 sites 2 Mbps PIR – 512 kbps CIR

12 sites 2 Mbps PIR – 256 kbps CIR

MF-TDMA4CPM

Mx-DMA

7.76 MHz

3.89 MHz50% saving


Figure 12: Comparison performance Mx-DMA and MF-TDMA

19

Europe North-America South-America Asia-Pacific China MENA

Tel: +32 3 780 65 00 Tel: +1 203 323-0042 Tel: +55 11 2092 6220 Tel: +65 6777 22 08 Tel: +86 10-823 18 730 Tel: +971 4 443 60 58

Fax: +32 3 780 65 49 Fax: +1 203 323-8406 Fax: +55 11 2093 3756 Fax: +65 6777 08 87 Fax: +86 10-823 18 731 Fax: +971 4 368 67 68

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

More Information:

Visit our website: www.newtec.eu/newtec-dialog

Contact us for more information: [email protected]

Youtube.com/NewtecSatcom

Slideshare.net/newtec_satcom

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Linkedin.com/company/newtec

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Contact us: Newtec Cy N.V.Laarstraat 5B-9100 Sint-NiklaasBelgiumTel: +32 (0)3 780 65 00Fax: +32 (0)3 780 65 49

Conclusion

Successful business strategies in the satellite market are based on

platforms and technologies that embrace change and increase

profitability. The need to innovate business models, strategies

and network infrastructure leveraging on change has never been

so pressing for satellite service providers, network operators and

broadcasters. It is needed in order to play a significant role in the

entire satellite communications ecosystem. Companies that fail to

do so expose themselves to the risk of losing ground in their core

markets and suffer decreasing profitability.

This is where the new Newtec Dialog Satellite Platform comes to

the rescue. All satellite service providers big and small can seize

the opportunity today to fulfill their ambitious business objectives.

The Newtec Dialog Platform allows service providers and network

operators to build, adapt and extend their infrastructure easily

according to their business growth and capitalize on changes

taking place in the satellite market.

The Flexibility, Scalability and Efficiency of the Newtec Dialog

Platform is directly related to the agility and success of business

operations, and therefore profit, efficiency and market share too.

A wide spectrum of services and applications in the Broadcast,

Cellular Backhaul and Trunking, VSAT and Government markets

can be covered on a single platform. One platform for all network

sizes, all services on one hub.

Do not fear change, embrace it with Newtec Dialog.

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