Technical Product Overview: SATCOM Data Optimisation System

23rd February 2023
Category Broadcast

Capital Aircraft Systems (CAS) introduces a world class Data Optimisation System (DOS) for aircraft or any satellite communication (SATCOM) equipped vehicle using and/or reliant on satellite communications. Deployment of the CASDOS system enhances the vehicle domain to ground network communications link to ensure the best possible user experience and data security.

CASDOS is not only a customised router running CASDOS proprietary software, but also a terrestrial network that can deliver the data into customer networks, meeting the security and access controls required by the customer.

4G LTE Modem The router will select a 4G LTE connection to support low-cost user data transfer and enable remote support and configuration when the aircraft is on the ground.
Dual Wi-Fi Dual Wi-Fi access points allow onboard user segregation for differential Quality of Service options.
Network Security Secure connections from the aircraft CASDOS router to a dedicated customer facing point of access, or optionally into a customer’s network.
Dedicated IP Address Enables the ground network to route user data and VOIP calls to the aircraft seamlessly; irrespective of the satellite network used.
Video Encoding The CASDOS router can support a video encoding and delivery solution should this be required.

CASDOS Key Features

Conventional SATCOM systems generally provide low bandwidth accompanied by high data costs. These limitations are emphasised when operating without a data management solution. CAS introduces key features to data management revolutionising the user experience.

  • Satellite system independent. Supports L-Band, Ku-Band and Ka-Band systems.
  • Automatically selects best and most cost-effective communication link available.
  • Optimised for the best user experience over an L-Band satellite service, where data throughput is limited.
  • Segregated networks (both for wired and wireless) for different classes of users onboard the aircraft.
  • Provides a pathway for seamless data transport of third-party aircraft systems (e.g., health data aggregation devices).
  • Customised internet and network filtering.
  • Not just a router in the sky. The terrestrial network delivery can be finely customised to meet the customer’s exact security needs.
  • Provides two wireless access points which can deliver two classes of service provision such as background and streaming.

How it Works

There are two CAS hardware points associated with the end-to-end air-ground communications link. The CAS hardware in the aircraft efficiently manages the routing of the traffic between the 4G network and the satellite network to minimise data costs. There is peer CAS hardware on the ground which handles the interface between the internet and the aircraft. This critically manages what internet services and applications can be carried over the satellite link and the 4G network. This is wholly undertaken by CAS rather than reliance on third parties.

Additionally, for aircraft there is a flight data recorder and/or aircraft health live data (ARINC 717/429) option that will allow the real time download of aircraft system data. This can be controlled by customised defined events or discrete trigger timing.

CASDOS Technical Features:

  • 4 x Gigabit ethernet ports with POE.
  • 4G Data LTE for remote support and internet access when in range
  • 2x Wi-Fi 2x2 MIMO with 2 spatial streams (2.4 GHz)
  • Physical dimensions (mm): 43.9 (H) x 279 (W) x 196 (D) mm
  • Weight: 2 kg
  • Power:
    DC Min/Max voltage: 9-32V
    DC Input Min/Max current: 2.2A-7.8A,
  • Aviation Certification: CASA Part 21 or FAA 337 Field Approval