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Romantis Case Studies
Flexible modem for small to medium VSAT networks.
David Harper
iSat Ltd
Contents
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 2
Case Study 1. 5 site in-country network ......................................................................................... 3
Context ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Traffic pattern ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Network configuration options ................................................................................................................. 4
Hardware costs ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Recommended Spares .............................................................................................................................. 6
Calculated BUC size ................................................................................................................................... 6
Case Study 2. A scaleable network approach. ................................................................................ 7
Context ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Cost effective UHP SCPC DVB-S2 modems ............................................................................................... 7
Hardware cost phase 1 TDM DVB-S2 outbound, DVB-S return. Star network. ........................................ 7
Hardware cost phase 2 TDM DVB-S2 outbound, Full Mesh TDMA. ......................................................... 8
Hardware cost phase 3 TDM DVB-S2/ TDMA return. ............................................................................... 9
Hardware cost phase 4 TDM DVB-S2/ TDMA return with meshed spur to regional HQ .......................... 9
Recommended Spares .............................................................................................................................. 9
Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Next steps ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Services available from iSat .......................................................................................................... 10
Appendix 1 Prices and charges ..................................................................................................... 10
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Abstract
Thes case studies illustrate the flexibility of the Romantis equipment and utilises those to create
a capex and ofex benefit compared to other satellite modem products.
IntroductioniSat is a reseller of the Universal Hardware Platform (UHP) satellite modem manufactured in
Germany by Romantis. The UHP has the ability to operate in SCPC, Full Mesh, TDM/TDMA star
hub, and economical combinations of all three. The different operating modes are features
which are enabled by the purchase of different software keys.
A unique feature of the UHP is that it has 2 receivers- a DVB reciever and a TDMA receiver- both
of which can be receiving at the same time.
The Romantis includes a VLAN capability, so IP traffic can be directed effeciently even in Full
Mesh mode, (ie when you ping a site- you dont get all the sites responding).
The Romantis has multiple levels of QOS to prioritise traffic, as well as programable TDMA slot
lengths, and minimum fixed slots per site. Together these three features mean that for voice
traffic:-
When a fixed number of slots are available for a site it can mean the voice gets loaded
into a slot without the need to request a slot from the hub and wait.
The TDMA slot length can be long (for maximum effeciency), or can be short to reduce
the time delay for voice.The packets for voice traffic can be prioritised over other forms of traffic to ensure that
voice gets on the TDMA faster than other data.
When the system is configured correctly, the result is an incredibly high control of the quality of
the system for voice, which can have lower delay (even including the satellite delay) than is
sometimes experienced with terrestrial SIP voice systems.
The Romantis is universal hardware, so even at the end of a 2 or 3 year contract- if they arent
needed any longer, they can be redeployed/ re-enabled to operate in another network.
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Case Study 1. 5 site in-country network
ContextA mining company in an African country wants to connect its HQ in the capital city in country,
with 4 remote sites that has to use satellite. The in-country regional hub has a 2.4mtr, and 1.8 is
desired at remote sites to keep transport costs down. The M&C supervision and internatiional
connection is through a European based hub.
Traffic pattern
Location from Location to Traffic
Supervisory HQ All sites 256kbps providing
internet
international voice
remote M&C
All remote sites In-country andsupervisory
In-country
regional hub
All remote sites 500kbps
Remote site Remote site Almost none
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Network configuration optionsVarious options can be considered and in each case the points represent the following stations
diagramatically
Topology Positives Negatives
Remotes and Hubs can all
share one pool of bandwidth
up to maximum 6.5Mbps- inthe described case TDMA
would be about 756kbps.
Although remotes have
1.8mtr and they need a
timing signal from the
Master Mesh device, they
dont need to receive each
others signal to be timed.
The Master Mesh unit in
country or in supervisory
hub needs to rx all remotes.
Remote stations with only
1.8 mtr antennas need a high
capex BUC to be part of the756kbps bandwidth TDMA
pool.
In full mesh the maximum
modulation is limited to
QPSK, so the high bandwidth
outbound from in country
hub is ineffeciently using
satellite bandwidth.
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TDM/TDMA regional hub with all other
sites in a star network.
A traditional solution with
benefit of shared outbound,
and shared inbound on the
major routes.
From the remote sites, both
international voice and
internet takes a double hop;
which means that the 256K
that is expected to be
running through the
supervisory hub is actually
consuming up to 512K.
Theres no direct connection
between M&C and remote
stations and connection is
dependent on in country
hub. If that goes down, then
all stations are unreachable.
The capex for the hub for
such a low number of sites is
large.
The in-country hub uses
highly effecient DVB-S2 to
download the 500kbps into
the remotes and supervisory
site.
The remote BUC size isreduced, as the Full Mesh
TDMA carrier is smaller.
The remotes and supervisory
hub are using both DVB-S2
and TDMA receivers.
All traffic is single hop.
The in-country hub is timed
by the Master Mesh unit
residing in the supervisory
hub so its TDMA receiver is
available to be part of the
TDMA pool.
The capex of a TDM/TDMA
hub is avoided.
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Hardware costs
The entire Romantis price list is attached in appendix 1, and elements of that list are selectedhere to show the hardware costs for Case Study 1.
Type Description Qty Unit Line ttl
UHP-1R1-HM(in-country)
UHP-1000 SCPC - SCPC Mode (DVB-S/S2 with16APSK ACM) Also supports:TDM/TDMA Star (DVB-S/S2)
1 $2,500.00 $2,500.00
UHP-1R1-FMS(remotes)
UHP-1000 Full Mesh Slave - TDMA Full MeshSlave Also supports: SCPC (DVB-S), TDM/TDMAStar (DVB-S/S2)
4 $3,000.00 $12,000.00
UHP-1R1-FMM
(supervisory)
UHP-1000 Full Mesh Master - TDMA Full Mesh
Master -TDMA Full Mesh Slave Also supports: SCPC(DVB-S), TDM/TDMA Star (DVB-S/S2)
1 $5,900.00 $5,900.00
Grand total $20,400.00
Recommended Spares
Recommended spares would include a full mesh master for the hub (5,900), and one full meshslave at the in-country hub (3000). This in-country spare can fullfill the role played by any of the
UHPs at any in-country site (hub or remote). The hardware is the same at all the in-country
sites, and the UHP feature set includes all the features available at prices up to and including
the highest cost feature purchased.
Calculated BUC size
The BUC sizes on the 1.8mtr were 5 watts and calculated to be below the requirements of ITU
neighboring satellite interference.
The BUC size at the 2.4mtr regional hub was 20 watts.
The infrastructure at the supervisory site was already established.
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Case Study 2. A scaleable network approach.
Context
The customer wants to start a small scaleable VSAT network, and gradually pay more for higher
technology as the savings in the incresaing volume of space segment cost justify the
investment.
Cost effective UHP SCPC DVB-S2 modems
The solution in this case is to start with transmitting from UK in TDM DVB-S2 and return SCPC to
a bank of SCPC receivers. The maximum modulation is 16APSK ACM in DVB-S2.
With growing numbers of remotes, a point will be reached when its justified to change the UKhub to a TDM outbound as before, but create a TDMA pool on return. The TDMA pool for a
small number of sites is most cost effective using the TDMA full mesh option.
With further growth of remotes, a decision can be taken to invest in a full TDM/TDMA hub
reducing the cost of remote hardware to the minimum. The following tables illustrate the 3
phases.
Hardware cost phase 1 TDM DVB-S2 outbound, DVB-S return. Star network.
Sites UHP configuration CostsTotal
Cost per remote
siteHub Remote Hub Remote Hub Remote
1 1 SCPC using DVB-S2
16APSK, ACM
transmitter
SCPC using
DVB-S
transmitter
Initial costs 3500 3500
2500 1000
1 2 TDM outbound
DVB-S2 16APSK,
ACM tx with
additional 1
DVB-S SCPC
receiver
SCPC using
DVB-S
transmitter
Additional costs 5500 2750
1000 1000
1 3 TDM outbound
with additional 1
DVB-S receiver for
each additional site
SCPC using
DVB-S
transmitter
Additional costs 7500 2500
1000 1000
Each additional remote costs 2000 dollars
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Hardware cost phase 2 TDM DVB-S2 outbound, Full Mesh TDMA.
The network operator recognises that creating a shared inbound TDMA channel from the
remotes would make a huge advantage of the space segment so changes the configuration to
retain the TDM outbound, and use a full mesh TDMA return channel. The UHPs are upgraded
for new functionality, and any units at hub can be re-allocated to function as remote.
Sites UHP configuration CostsTotal
Cost per remote
siteHub Remote Hub Remote Hub Remote
Carried over from previous investment 7500
1 1 SCPC using DVB-S2
16APSK, ACM
transmitter
Mesh master
TDMA
Mesh slave
TDMA
UHP upgrade cost 6900
4900 2000
1 2 As above Mesh slave
TDMA
UHP upgrade cost 2000
0 2000
1 3 As above Mesh slaveTDMA
UHP upgrade cost 2000
0 2000
Total modem cost for 3 site TDM/ Mesh return network. 18400 6133
Plus there are two remaining UHPs at the hub that can be upgraded to
Mesh Slaves for 2000 dollars when they are required.
1 4 As above Mesh slave
TDMA
UHP upgrade cost 2000
0 2000
1 5 As above Mesh slave
TDMA
UHP upgrade cost 2000
0 2000
Total modem cost for 5 site TDM/ Mesh return network. 22400 4480
Each additional remote is costing 2000 dollars
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Hardware cost phase 3 TDM DVB-S2/ TDMA return.
The network operator expects the network to expand to over 30 sites. The anticipated cost ofbuying so many Mesh Slaves at 3000 dollars each will create an uneconomic solution compared
to upgrading the hub to TDM/TDMA and acquiring remotes for 1000 dollars per unit.
Sites UHP configuration CostsTotal
Cost per remote
siteHub Remote Hub Remote Hub Remote
Carried over from previous investment 22400
1 1 SCPC using DVB-S2
16APSK, ACM
TDM/TDMA hub
TDM reciever
with TDMA
return
UHP upgrade cost 45000
45000 0
1 2-5 No further change
or upgrade
required.
Same as above UHP upgrade cost 0
0 0
Total modem cost 67400 13480
1 6-31 As above As above UHP additional cost 25000
0 25000
Total modem cost for 31 site TDM/ TDMA return network 92400 2980
Each additional remote is costing 1000 dollars
Hardware cost phase 4 TDM DVB-S2/ TDMA return with meshed spur to
regional HQ
There is one site that needs to talk to a regional HQ. The TDMA can be controlled from the hub
to allow direct connection between remote and regional HQ. This is called half mesh and
depends on the antenna at regional HQ being adequately sized. No upgrade cost required for
this- just some bandwidth of the TDMA pool will be allocated by the hub for the function.
Recommended Spares1 unit will support any type of UHP because the supplier has sold a licence to use a product in a
certain mode, so if you despatch a failed unit, then another can be immediately enabled.
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Conclusion
The two examples show that for price and flexibility, the Romantis UHP is better than any other
solution currently available in the market.
Next steps
For any potential network opporutnity, a demonstration of the configuration would be
available to allow a direct comparison with other technologies.
Services available from iSat1. Pre-configuring networks on the bench and running FAT in advance of
deployment.
2. Conduct the complete shipping and installation project managementuntil SAT.
3. Provide all information promptly required by customer for country toissue a visa invitation.
4. Supply the necessary Onsite Acceptance Test and Training documents tobe provided to TRL.
5. Provide over-the-phone support for 12 months after the successfulOnsite Acceptance Test, on a as-required basis.
6. Maintain an effective web-based portal for organising returns andrepairs.
Appendix 1 Prices and charges
See next pages
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Appendix 1
Prices and Charges
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Romantis Price ListPart No Unit Price Extended Price
UHP Terminal Options
UHP-1R1-STAR UHP-1000 STAR - TDM/TDMA STAR mode (DVB-S/S2)Also supports: SCPC (DVB-S)
1 $1,000.00 $1,000.00
UHP-1R1-HM UHP-1000 HALF MESH - TDM/TDMA STAR mode(DVB-S/S2)- TDM/TDMA HALF MESH mode Also supports:
SCPC (DVB-S)
1 $1,900.00 $1,900.00
UHP-1R1-SCPC UHP-1000 SCPC - SCPC Mode (DVB-S/S2) Alsosupports:
TDM/TDMA Star (DVB-S/S2)
1 $1,900.00 $1,900.00
UHP-1R1-SCPC UHP-1000 SCPC - SCPC Mode (DVB-S/S2 with16APSK ACM) Also supports:TDM/TDMA Star (DVB-S/S2)
1 $2,500.00 $2,500.00
UHP-1R1-FMS UHP-1000 Full Mesh Slave - TDMA Full MeshSlave Also supports: SCPC (DVB-S), TDM/TDMAStar (DVB-S/S2)
4 $3,000.00 $12,000.00
UHP-1R1-FMM UHP-1000 Full Mesh Master - TDMA Full MeshMaster -TDMA Full Mesh Slave Also supports: SCPC (DVB-S), TDM/TDMA Star (DVB-S/S2)
1 $5,900.00 $5,900.00
UHP-1R0-CM UHP-1000CM hardware option - SMA IFconnectors -PWL-2 power connector - w/o housing and powersupply
1 $400.00 $400.00
UHP HUB Options
UHP-1R1-HB UHP-1000 DVB-S TDM/TDMA HUB - TDM/TDMAHUB mode:1x Outroute DVB-S, 1x Inroute (expandable), up to252 Remotes (expandable)
1 $39,900.00 $39,900.00
UHP-8R2-HBR UHP-8000 DVB-S TDM/TDMA HUB Redundant -2x UHP-1000
routers preinstalled on RMK chassis (1U) - IFsubsystem(passive) - Ethernet Switch - TDM/TDMA HUB
mode: 1xOutroute (DVB-S) 1:1 redundant, 1x Inroute
(expandable)
1 $49,900.00 $49,900.00
1:1 redundant, up to 252 Remotes (expandable)
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Prices and Charges
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UHP-8R2-HB2 UHP-8000 DVB-S/S2 TDM/TDMA HUB - 2x UHP-1000 routers preinstalled on RMK chassis (1U) -Traffic Server - IF subsystem (passive) - Ethernet
Switch - TDM/TDMA HUB mode: 1x Outroute(DVB-S/S2), 1x Inroute (expandable), up to 252Remotes (expandable)
1 $49,900.00 $49,900.00
UHP-8R4-HB2R UHP-8000 DVB-S/S2 TDM/TDMA HUB Redundant- 4x UHP-1000 routers preinstalled on RMK chassis(2U) - Traffic Server - IF subsystem (passive) -Ethernet Switch - TDM/TDMA HUB mode: 1xOutroute (DVB-S/S2) 1:1 redundant, 1x Inroute(expandable) 1:1 redundant,
1 $69,900.00 $69,900.00
UHP-1R1-IC UHP-1000 Inroute for TDM/TDMA HUB - 1 TDMAInroute
1 $5,000.00 $5,000.00
UHP-8R2-IC UHP-8000 Twin Inroute for TDM/TDMA HUB - 2x
UHP-1000 router routers preinstalled on RMKchassis (1U) in Inroute mode IC
1 $8,900.00 $8,900.00
UHP-8R0-NMS Mini NMS Server:- RMK-compatible mini-serverplatform (Linux)- Network Management System-Network Configuration Manager
1 $2,500.00 $2,500.00
UHP-8R0-RMK 1U Rack Mounting Kit for installation: - up to 2UHP-1000 routers with PS - 1 Mini NMS Server
1 $250.00 $250.00
Services
Hardware Installation:UHP-INT-H1R UHP-1000 HUB installation - Indoor unit installation
- Hubhardware configuration - Remote hardwareconfiguration, up 10 sites - Travel &accommodation costs not included.
1 depends onlocation
Additional Technical Support:
UHP-SUP-241 Technical Support, UHP-1000 HUB - Consultancyby phone and internet - Response time
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Prices and Charges
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Travel & accommodation costs not included
UHP-TRN-REM UHP Terminals - installation and operation -Hardware Installation,
Configuration, Pointing, Line-up, Troubleshooting -1 day Course per 1 person
1 $400.00 $400.00
Travel & accommodation costs not included