PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
Within WIND Sequel, ST Engineering iDirect (BE) and Lasting Software (RO) develop a set of innovative ground segment products and features enabling satellite and network operators to offer a multi-services proposition through a flexible ground segment platform. The objective is to provide innovative solutions to High-Through-Put Satellite (HTS) operators and Mobile Network Operators (MNO) intending to address the demands of emerging markets, such as satellite Cellular Backhaul and Enterprise verticals within the complex infrastructure of a high-speed satellite network and within challenging commercial environments. An add-on objective of Lasting Software is to establish a competence centre for Satellite Cellular Backhaul in Romania.
Challenges
The underlying market requirements mandate a fast paced roll-out of product releases. Covering a wide scope of value propositions, WIND Sequel necessitates a phased and coordinated project approach with two major Dialog software releases, R2.1.2 (featuring AUPC, Central NMS, ULOGON) followed by R 2.2 (featuring BGP, GTP). Some of the developments carried out in WIND Sequel will also need to be future proof and pave the way for the next generation of modems, hubs and network management platforms.
Further, two new wideband modems, the MDM2510 and the MDM5010, are developed under WIND Sequel. These are necessary evolutions of the ST Engineering iDirect modem portfolio to stay abreast of market needs and to support the multiple services enabled by the new Dialog releases.
The MDM2510 is the first modem of its nature within the ST Engineering iDirect Portfolio addressing Small Offices and Home Offices (SOHO) and small Enterprise networks. The new entry-level modem reduces installation costs, operational and maintenance costs, while at the same time providing a scalable solution. The higher-end MDM5010 modem gives a competitive edge on the unremitting demand for higher modem performance by fully unleashing the potential of the new Dialog platform features, addressing the requirements of larger Enterprise and Cellular Backhaul satellite networks.
System Architecture
Plan
The WIND Sequel Project Plan was kicked off in 2018. The schedule is fast paced but on a relatively low-risk trajectory towards well defined Product Specifications driven by market needs. Project management focuses on core objectives and staying on schedule. Anticipatory risk mitigation measures are in place to avoid potential scope creeping. Careful monitoring of market dynamics and follow-up on changes of customer requirements through the Product Development Team are instrumental to alter the Project Plan as necessary to include new requirements from customers and market.
Following the feedback from the Product Development Team on changing market needs in Q1 2019, a contract change process was triggered in a timely manner. The initial scope and objectives were amended in a cost neutral way without inducing delays. Additional activities for the validation of Cellular Backhaul use cases by means of a lab demonstrator were performed by Lasting Software, Romania, joining the Project in Q1 2019 as an expert in the terrestrial mobile network technology (2G, 3G, 4G and 5G).
Current Status
The Project was completed in September 2019 on time, on budget and meeting customer and market requirements. The resulting products are already successfully deployed in the market.
