New satellite device to simplify shipboard satellite connections

The rack-mounted device will manage ship networks with satellite broadband routing, VoIP connectivity and crew services, and replaces at least three pieces of hardware required for Fleet Xpress installations, RedPort claims. This, the company says, will significantly reduce the cost and complexity of installations.
RedPort will sell the Optimizer Enterprise NSD under its own name. The core platform will host applications from any Fleet Xpress satellite service provider looking for an all-in-one platform. The NSD incorporates software to manage Inmarsat’s Global Xpress Ka-band technology and its Fleet Broadband L-band service.
“The Optimizer Enterprise NSD replaces previous NSD hardware as well as a host of switches, routers and VoIP gateways that are commonly used to provide a complete solution for vessels,” explained Dr Luis Soltero, chief technology officer of RedPort Global and chief developer of the device.
Ronald Spithout, president of Inmarsat Maritime, said: “We are delighted that RedPort have developed an alternative to our current hardware NSD. This will provide a fundamental building block for many of our partners to satisfy the rapidly growing market for on-board applications evidenced by the dramatic growth in Fleet Xpress installations over the last year.”