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| Rendering of Inmarsat and Duetsche Telecom the European Aviation Network (EAN). Photo: Inmarsat |
[Avionics Today 04-11-2016] Inmarsat announced it will deploy Kontron equipment as part of the airborne segment for the new European Aviation Network (EAN). Kontron will provide the hardware products necessary to implement the cabin Wi-Fi network onboard the aircraft, and will host Inmarsat’s application software for optimized Internet connectivity and network management.
Inmarsat’s EAN is the much anticipated connectivity solution designed specifically to meet the needs of airlines and their passengers across the busy traffic routes of Europe. EAN is delivered through S-band satellite connectivity, combined with a 4G Air-to-Ground (ATG) terrestrial network. This hybrid solution will provide the optimal broadband service to airline passengers and cabin crew over Europe and adjoining airspace. The ATG is being delivered through a partnership between Inmarsat and Deutsche Telekom.
The Kontron products to be installed include the company’s ACE Flight 4608 airborne server. In addition, Inmarsat and Kontron plan to collaborate on future development of next-generation technologies for the In-flight Entertainment & Connectivity (IFE&C) market.