SatCOM

What is ‘Smart LNB’?

The ‘Smart LNB’ is a cutting-edge satellite terminal equipped with a novel transceiver. The transmitter is based on an open standard and takes advantage of a narrowband return link, optimized for short transmissions with low duty cycle. Thanks to its optimized form-factor, it can be installed with any common off-the-shelf satellite dish.

It has been thought as a cost-effective solution to provide millions of users with Interactive Broadcasting and M2M services. It is also fully compatible with current in-home satellite equipment that can be easily upgradeable to start accessing all the applications that the ‘Smart LNB’ brings by hand.

It is really simple to use and install, the users begin to enjoy the broad catalogue of applications out of the box in just a few steps.

Eutelsat, one of the leading satellite operators and a key provider of Broadcast and Broadband services, has conceived the ‘Smart LNB’ terminal to enable the next generation of bidirectional connected TV platform services and M2M applications.

In partnership with Eutelsat, Egatel has produced the ‘Smart LNB’ terminal and it is yet available to serve the Market.

Applications

Connected TV

The arrival of the ‘Smart LNB’ is a step ahead over the traditional linear TV, as it offers virtual unlimited connected TV services, including: Push-video-on-demand, payment transactions, subscription-based and on-demand services, HbbTV, pay-per-view, social networking, live show participation, subscription management, audience measurement, etc.

Multiscreen viewing

The ‘Smart LNB’ enables Platform Operators to broadcast full-IP video channels, so that they can be visualized directly in tablets, smartphones and every IP-native terminal owned by the end user.

Moreover, thanks to the return channel both service providers and users benefit from two-way IP applications tailored to every home device, which today are only accessible to OTT operators.

M2M applications: e-Health and Home Automation

The capacity of receiving/transmitting IP data making use of a narrowband return channel opens the door to Machine-to-Machine (M2M) applications over satellite. The irrefutable growing need of in-home healthcare services combined with cost control provides ideal conditions for taking advantage of M2M applications. Remote monitoring for chronic diseases, assisted living for elderly people and follow-up of patients through homecare solutions are typical applications that can help the Healthcare ecosystem to cope with this challenge. All of this can be done by simply connecting the ‘Smart LNB’ to personal sensors that collect different measurements, such us weight, blood pressure, glucose level, etc.

On the side of smart Homes, intelligent power meters can monitor energy consumption and guide the usage of electricity, warm water and heating. The connection of these smart appliances to the ‘Smart LNB’ will enable a real-time knowledge of the actual energy consumption. Uncovering energy greedies and bad habits directly translate into savings and lower emissions.

Furthermore, through the SmartLNB the user can control remotely multiple devices deployed at home, such us videocameras, motion sensors or door/window locks, as well as to schedule actions like turning on/off lights or the heating system at a certain time/date.

Professional applications

The ‘Smart LNB’ is a powerful tool for the professional market, like the Utilities sector. Based on a low data rate transmission, the satellite is a cost-effective and reliable platform to deliver automatic data from remote points within a network which can be even unmanned.

Moreover, this kind of M2M communications through satellite can be softly integrated with SCADA applications for controlling, managing and monitoring different assets and resources of Utilities.

Low power consumption

As the power consumption is a major concern for many customers, the ‘smartLNB’ features a set of Energy Saving Profiles that matches the reception and transmission demands of the end-application, thus drastically reducing the overall power consumption. That way, it is possible size the power supply system to meet the exact requirements of the end-application, enabling the use of clean and self-generated power technologies such us solar panels to power up the satellite modem.

VLAN-enabled

The ‘smartLNB’ satellite connectivity provides the users with a secure and private connection, independent of terrestrial networks with a guaranteed level of service and outstanding SLA.

It enables the use of Virtual LANs (VLANs), thus providing network segmentation, reuse of IP addresses and an augmented level of security in the IP data transactions.

Power Over Ethernet

The ‘smartLNB’ is equipped with the Power Over Ethernet (PoE) technology, making it ideal for low data rate ‘pure IP’ applications, such as Machine to Machine or Internet of Things services. Unlike traditional VSAT modems where the modem itself is composed by one Outdoor and one Indoor Unit that are connected via a coaxial cable, the smartLNB’-PoE only comprises an Outdoor Unit, thus providing a very low cost of acquisition and installation compared to ‘Status Quo’ technologies.

To start enjoying the satellite connectivity, the end user only needs to interface its unconnected system (end IP-device, LAN switch/router, etc) to the RJ-45 port of the ‘smartLNB’ through an standard Ethernet cable and complete the antenna pointing, what it can be done rapidly by a non-professional user following the steps provided by a mobile application (iOS & Android).

‘Smart LNB’: Antenna + ODU External Unit