Xtend Satellite Hub Data
Sheet
Forsway
Version 1.0, 2020-02-26
Xtend Satellite Hub Data Sheet
Xtend Satellite Hub
The Xtend satellite Hub provides services for hybrid satellite/terrestrial Internet access. The
solution is very well fitted for providing broadband access with high QoE to users in areas with an
existing narrowband return channel. The Xtend Hub has been optimized for a wide selection of
return channels. The most commonly used are GPRS, 3G, ADSL, and WiMAX.
The system is it easy for an operator to operate and includes everything needed to deploy a
scalable hybrid satellite service.
The system is pre-integrated with Forsway’s Odin satellite router, and can be integrated with third-
party satellite modems and set-top boxes.
System Components
Xtend NMS, the central management server for user management and operating a cluster of
Xtend Gateways.
Xtend Gateway, all traffic flows through the gateway, optimizing for best possible QoE over a
satellite link.
IP encapsulator and DVB-S2 modulator, for transmitting the Internet traffic as over satellite.
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Xtend Satellite Hub Data Sheet
Overview
Asymmetric Routing
As a hybrid Internet over satellite service uses different transmission paths for the incoming and
outgoing data it is important to in an efficient manner support reception of requests on one network
interface, while outgoing transmission is done on another network interface.
Protocol Acceleration
The long distance to geostationary satellite has the effect that it takes approximately 240 ms for a
signal to travel to the satellite and back to earth. The TCP/IP protocol is not designed for such a
long latency and this will affect the possible maximum throughput. Protocol acceleration from a
Performance Enhancing Proxy can greatly improve throughput.
On-Demand Satellite Bonding
Forsway Xtend can bond medium bandwidth return channels with the satellite service in an
efficient way. When bandwidth usage is low all traffic will go over the return channel. When
bandwidth demands increases to more than the return channel can provide, satellite is
automatically activated and bonded with the return link to give the end-user the combined
bandwidth of the satellite link and return channel. Latency sensitive protocols are always prioritized
for the low-latency return channel.
Link Aggregation
The system supports different type of link aggregation, for example by combining the bandwidth of
two mobile connections for improved uplink performance.
Terminal Auto Configuration
All satellite parameters are automatically sent to the terminal when connecting. The end user only
needs to configure the return channel.
Security
The Xtend system allows secure authentication at login time from the user of PKI certificates. The
certificates are preinstalled in the Odin satellite modems from factory and removes the burden of
username and password management. All communication between the Xtend Gateway and
terminal can be encrypted.
Multi-Transponder
The system can scale to supports multi transponder environments with automatic load balancing
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Xtend Satellite Hub Data Sheet
between transponders, based on geographic properties of end users.
User Management
Xtend NMS includes a system for simple user provisioning, allowing the system administrator to
configure and manage users, terminals, and different types of accounts and services. Third party
provisioning and billing systems can be integrated through a provisioning API.
Simple Installation
The Xtend Hub is preferably deployed at the uplink site. The Odin terminal can be factory
configured for a specific operator.
Encapsulation & Modulation
The Xtend Hub supports a variety of IP encapsulators and modulators.
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