In an era where global mobility and connectivity demands are reaching unprecedented heights, innovative technological collaborations are paving the way for a new standard in communications. Inmarsat, a global leader in mobile satellite communications, has partnered with UK-based Livewire Digital to create a groundbreaking Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN). This new SD-WAN, a part of Inmarsat’s ORCHESTRA network, is set to revolutionize the way data is conducted, providing a wealth of connectivity capabilities for mobility businesses worldwide.

The SD-WAN Revolution

SD-WAN, which stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network, is a technology that leverages software-defined networking (SDN) principles to manage and optimize wide area network (WAN) connections. The key features of SD-WAN include centralized control, improved network performance, and simplified management. With the Inmarsat-Livewire partnership, SD-WAN becomes a hyper-intelligent conductor, orchestrating data flows efficiently and intelligently across multiple routes.

Peter Hadinger, Chief Technology Officer at Inmarsat, aptly describes this innovative technology as “the conductor” that selects the best routes for data to take, depending on the nature and priority of the information. SD-WAN employs flexible policies to segregate and route data intelligently, ensuring that data takes optimal paths to reach its destination.

Multiple Pathways for Efficient Data Routing

ORCHESTRA, Inmarsat’s global network, integrates existing geosynchronous (GEO) networks with terrestrial 5G and a targeted low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite deployment. This integration allows for the intelligent and dynamic routing of data through the most efficient pathways. Multiple pathways are available, including existing networks in Ka-band with Global Xpress, L-band via ELERA, and future connectivity options through 5G terrestrial networks and LEO satellites.

As global mobility markets, such as aviation and maritime, continue to grow, the need for reliable and efficient network connectivity has never been greater. SD-WAN addresses these challenges by adapting to changing network conditions and directing data efficiently. It’s akin to a modern GPS system, dynamically adjusting routes based on real-time information to ensure optimal journeys. This advantage will continue to grow as ORCHESTRA evolves, making it the ideal solution for businesses seeking advanced networks to meet their evolving needs.

A Network of Networks for Unmatched Connectivity

SD-WAN, implemented across Inmarsat’s infrastructure with the support of Livewire Digital’s RazorLink® technology, offers a network of networks that seamlessly combines satellite and terrestrial internet protocol (IP) networks. This integration delivers highly secure, ultra-reliable global connectivity, a critical factor for serving mobility customers.

Future developments, such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-based (AI-ML) algorithms, will further optimize network selection and routing decisions, enhancing the customer experience. Tristan Wood, MD at Livewire Digital, underscores the importance of hybrid connectivity in the global mobility industry, with RazorLink SD-WAN providing a comprehensive solution to route traffic across the most suitable combination of networks efficiently.

Inmarsat’s BGAN: Unlocking Global Connectivity

Inmarsat’s Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN), often referred to as ELERA, is a pivotal component in the evolution of global connectivity. BGAN is a global satellite internet network with telephony capabilities using portable terminals. These terminals serve as lifelines for connectivity, bridging the gap between remote locations and the information superhighway. Primarily designed to connect laptops to broadband internet in the most remote and challenging environments, BGAN terminals can operate wherever there is a line-of-sight to the satellite. This flexibility has made BGAN one of the most well-recognized and valued services among land users of Inmarsat. When people discuss Inmarsat’s i4 network, BGAN often takes the spotlight.

Inmarsat’s BGAN service operates with a focus on providing both voice and broadband data communications simultaneously on a global scale, all while relying on small and lightweight satellite communication terminals. This remarkable service is made possible through Inmarsat’s global constellation of I-4 satellites. BGAN serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering robust, dependable, and cutting-edge solutions to meet the growing needs of global mobility businesses and users worldwide. As we embrace the future of communication with technologies like SD-WAN, BGAN remains an integral part of this interconnected ecosystem, ensuring that even in the most remote locations, the world is just a connection away.

Bursting: Meeting Bandwidth Demands with Flexibility

In the dynamic landscape of network connectivity, accommodating sudden spikes in bandwidth demand is essential to keep businesses running smoothly. Bursting, a feature supported by a select number of carriers on their IP-VPN networks, is the solution to this challenge. Bursting empowers networks to swiftly adapt to unexpected surges in data requirements. It’s a highly cost-effective approach that allows customers to commit to the minimum amount of bandwidth they need for their regular operations while only paying for the additional bandwidth used beyond that baseline. This flexibility not only optimizes network efficiency but also ensures that businesses have the capacity to scale their operations in response to varying demands. Bursting is a testament to the adaptability and cost-conscious nature of modern network solutions, catering to the ever-evolving needs of businesses in an interconnected world.

In Conclusion

Inmarsat’s innovative SD-WAN technology, developed in collaboration with Livewire Digital, is set to transform the world of global mobility communications. With its ability to intelligently and dynamically route data through multiple networks, it offers a level of connectivity and adaptability that is unparalleled. As global connectivity demands continue to evolve, SD-WAN is poised to be the conductor that ensures data flows seamlessly, efficiently, and securely, meeting the needs of diverse mobility businesses now and into the future.

To discover more about how RazorLink SD-WAN, designed to address hybrid networking over challenging networks, can revolutionize your connectivity needs, especially in demanding maritime and vehicular environments, and across diverse global architectures, visit Livewire Digital’s RazorLink SD-WAN page. The future of global mobility communications is here, and it’s waiting for you to explore its full potential.