Satcom Direct Unveils Aviation-centric Router

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

March 3, 2013

Satellite communications service provider Satcom Direct has unveiled the company’s first certified aviation hardware product, a router that integrates with any satcom and manages cabin communications, runs software apps and connects to 3G/4G cellular networks. The new Satcom Direct Router (SDR) weighs less than 10 pounds, meets DO-160G and DO-178B Level E (soon D) standards and will be available in May. “We wanted to make this [router] as robust and flexible as possible,” said Jim Jensen, Satcom Direct founder and owner.

The SDR works with any satcom system and allows simultaneous use of different constellations, seamlessly switching between different networks. Available satcom networks include L-, Ku-, Ka- and X-band. Flight departments can split Wi-Fi traffic on the router, for example, allowing the aircraft owner to use the highest-speed connection and giving passengers access to a network with less bandwidth. Software apps that run on the router include Satcom Direct’s own moving map and Flight Tracker iPhone/iPad apps, plus one that permits command and control of satellite links and another for real-time connection status reporting.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.