Comtech EF Data and KNS Integrate Technologies for Enhanced Maritime Solutions

May 24, 2011

Comtech EF Data Corporation and KNS, Inc. announced today the successful technology integration of the SuperTrack Series of marine stabilized antenna systems and the ROSS Open Antenna Management (ROAM) protocol.  The integration will enable the SuperTrack antenna systems on maritime vessels to roam across multiple satellite beams, maintaining connectivity moving through different satellite footprints and enhancing communication capabilities at sea.  

The ROAM protocol offers a common management interface for Comtech EF Data’s Roaming Oceanic Satellite Server (ROSS) and third-party Antenna Control Units (ACUs) by providing a base set of ASCII character commands, information, interfaces and status queries.  ROSS is an integrated location server that works in conjunction with Comtech EF Data’s Vipersat Management System to facilitate on-the-move satellite communications for oceanic vessels.  ROSS enables remote modems to interface with stabilized, auto-tracking antennas, maintaining connectivity as vessels move through footprints of different satellites. Vessel position data, satellite signal and management status are constantly monitored to determine when satellite handoff is necessary. 

As ROSS can support many types of ACUs, the ROAM protocol reduces the complexity and the variations by providing basic parameters required to globally roam across multiple satellite beams.  The ROAM protocol provides uniformity in implementation of third-party antenna manufacturer’s interfaces, while enabling the unique characteristics and proprietary techniques of different manufacturers.

"The interoperability of ROAM and ROSS with SuperTrack VSATs will enable maritime operators to have maximum bandwidth efficiencies and roaming capabilities for their satellite-based communications at sea," said Daniel Enns, Senior Vice President Strategic Marketing and Business Development for Comtech EF Data.

KNS’s SuperTrack Series of VSATs are in use and constantly challenged in the roughest seas all over world.  Based on exclusive technologies, the highly advanced stabilized antennas are the most reliable and high performing maritime antennas in the market.  All KNS antennas are developed specifically to stabilize broadband connection during volatile at-sea weather conditions. The antennas are built on the proven 3-Axis platform that allows them to constantly track and lock in on satellite sources. With the 3-Axis platform KNS antennas are able to gyrate along the X, Y, and Z axes and move 90 degrees per second.

"The combination of Comtech’s market-leading technologies and our highly advanced stabilized antennas will deliver tremendous value for our maritime customers operating vessels in harsh, challenging environments," commented Kevin Jin, CEO of KNS, Inc.