ALUSAT aims to optimise the operation of 2way satellite networks by enabling maintenance procedures which minimize operational costs caused by service failures. As a result, network availability and end user satisfaction are maximized.

ALUSAT combines traditional equipment management with spectrum monitoring and measurement in a new way to accurately derive the Satellite Interactive Terminal (SIT) status and recover, under certain conditions, of out-of-service or service-degraded SITs.

Features

ALUSAT implements the key functionalities of a Network Management System for Broadband Satellite Networks. Deployed at the Network Operations Center (NOC) site, it automatically checks the uplink and downlink health of the SIT population at radio level, collecting additionally relevant configuration and performance information.

Special attention is paid to the transmit capability of the SIT, which is much more prone to disarrangements than the receive one due to the higher precision required for antenna pointing in order to achieve the required link quality.

The primary networks targeted are low cost broadband satellite networks with sub-optimal terminal components (prone to disarrangements/ degradation), which are expected to support large subscriber communities with affordable services.

Particular attention is paid to networks based on the DVB-RCS standard. The project has contributed to the standardisation of network management issues in DVB-RCS, through the participation of IntegraSys in the Satlabs Group (http://satlabs.org).

ALUSAT is a fully open solution, based on programming, information and communication standards, COTS equipment (computing and instrumentation), and independent of hub/terminal manufacturer and satellite access method.

The key features of the system are:

Combination of terminal management and spectrum monitoring and measurement,
Automatic checking routine for fault-finding and accurate problem diagnosis, which enable guided procedures that allow minimum skilled/trained engineers intervention,
Powerful terminal recovery tools for network operators

Key Issues

ALUSAT:

Allows the correlation and simultaneous monitoring of radio and terminal configuration parameters, providing relevant and prompt information for network management and SLA reporting,
Enables automatic and operator-handled fault-correction tools as a powerful capability to improve network performance and demonstrate to service providers the ability to minimize network outages and underperformance,
Exploits the possibilities for remote terminals recovery, avoiding unnecessary service maintenance visits,
Allows automatic resolution of a significant percentage of faults, allowing NOC engineers to focus on investigating and resolving more serious problems.