ATLANTA-AvData Systems Inc. and NEC America Inc.’s Satellite Communications Division announced at PCS ’96 the introduction of AvData’s Very Small Aperture Terminal Network Infrastructure system.
VNI is a high-speed VSAT network for narrowband personal communications services that is specifically tailored for the two-way paging industry, said AvData. The network is designed to provide high reliability and network flexibility while controlling operating costs.
MobileComm, a subsidiary of MobileMedia Corp., will soon begin testing ReFLEX 25 two-way services over the new network, said AvData. MobileComm has licenses for two nationwide two-way narrowband PCS systems and plans to begin beta testing an advanced two-way messaging network with customers in 1997.
MobileComm expects to construct two systems using Motorola Inc.’s ReFLEX 25 protocol supported by different infrastructure equipment for comprehensive engineering tests to begin in the fourth quarter.
“Utilization of the high-speed VSAT system is ideal for NPCS wide area networks,” said Jim Black, chairman and chief executive officer of AvData. “Data packets are not lost, site costs remain constant, bandwidth is variable and deployment can be rapid. The AvData VNI is deployable in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean and can be extended to global markets.”
NEC developed the NEC Nextar IV as the primary piece of communications equipment in the network, said AvData. The Nextar system is capable of speeds up to T-1 and supports multiple protocols. Nextar system configurations are loaded remotely via satellite channels, and multiple inbound or outbound channels can be added as needed to support traffic growth, said the company.
Providers using the network can effectively grow their networks, without the need for incremental hardware at the remote sites, said AvData. Additionally, the VNI allows providers to expand services to support standards ranging from FLEX to InFLEXion through the same network without additional investment.
NEC America, an affiliate of NEC Corp., develops, manufactures and markets advanced communications products and software for public and private networks, including satellite communications systems. AvData provides advanced wide area networks and on-going network management for wireless and other industries using terrestrial, satellite and hybrid communication links.
