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| Satcom Direct Router for in-flight connectivity. Photo: Satcom Direct |
[Avionics Magazine 10-13-2016] Airbus has become the first commercial jetliner OEM to install a suite of Satcom Direct (SD) products, including the Satcom Direct Router (SDR), Wi-Fi hubs and GlobalVT. This follows Gulfstream’s 2015 selection of the SDR as a standard router on the Gulfstream G450, G550 and G650 aircraft. The newly released SD Wi-Fi hub is a Wireless Access Point (WAP) that, when installed together with the SDR in large-cabin aircraft, expands capability and enhances In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) performance, such as allowing the internet to be used to make telephone calls, according to Satcom Direct. The hub also adds additional interfaces where needed. It supports high-definition media products and applications for all passengers through up to an additional 900 Mbps data rates to the cabin with both 2.4 and 5 Ghz 802.11n radios.
The SDR provides the gateway to the full spectrum of SD’s value-added services for the cabin including GlobalVT, which allows passengers to use their smartphones in-flight with their own number and caller ID.
“We’re seeing increasing demand for our products on narrow- and wide-body aircraft. Many passengers rely on connectivity in the air so it needs to be robust, reliable and resilient,” said SD Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Moore.