Understanding Broadband Global Area Network Fundamentals

A Broadband Global Area Network, or B-GAN, is a type of network that combines the advantages of both broadband and global area networks.

B-GANs use a wide range of technologies, including satellite and terrestrial networks, to provide high-speed internet access across long distances.

They are particularly useful in areas where traditional internet infrastructure is lacking, such as remote or rural communities.

In these areas, B-GANs can provide a vital lifeline to the rest of the world, enabling people to access information, communicate with others, and participate in the global economy.

BGAN is a satellite-based network that provides global connectivity, as long as a BGAN terminal has a line of sight to a satellite.

It's much more compact and portable than traditional satellite internet services, about the size of a laptop computer. This makes it ideal for use in remote areas.

A BGAN terminal must first find its position using GPS to establish a satellite connection.

A Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) relies on a network of satellites to provide internet access to remote areas.

The BGAN network consists of a satellite in geostationary orbit, which acts as a hub to relay data between users and a gateway station on Earth.

The gateway station is connected to the internet backbone and allows users to access the global internet.

BGAN terminals are connected to the gateway station through a satellite link, which provides a constant connection to the internet.

The satellite link allows for data speeds of up to 492 kbps, making it suitable for applications such as voice and data communication.

BGAN terminals are designed to be portable and can be easily set up in remote locations.

A BGAN terminal consists of a satellite dish and a modem, which work together to provide a reliable internet connection.

The modem in a BGAN terminal is typically a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) modem, which is designed to operate in a satellite environment.

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BGAN's network capabilities are impressive, especially in areas where traditional telecom networks don't exist. It provides seamless and continuous coverage.

You can connect your laptop PC, smartphone, or other IP devices to the Internet or integrate them into your corporate network at speeds up to 492 Kbps. This is made possible by BGAN's IP technology.

BGAN's satellite terminals are small, lightweight, and easy to set up – about the size of a compact notebook PC.

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BGAN is a reliable and efficient solution for remote communication. It's simple to deploy and operate, allowing you to get up and running in no time.

BGAN can be deployed in just three minutes or less, as demonstrated in a brief video. This makes it an ideal choice for situations where time is of the essence.

With its quick deployment capabilities, BGAN is perfect for emergency responders, journalists, and anyone else who needs to establish a connection fast.

BGAN terminals offer a range of services to suit different needs. There is more than one BGAN service available from Inmarsat for BGAN terminals.

Inmarsat provides multiple BGAN services, each with its own set of features and applications.

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Deploying a BGAN system is a straightforward process. It's possible to set up a BGAN in just three minutes or less, as shown in a brief video.

The key to quick deployment is the simplicity of the BGAN system. It's designed to be easy to use, even in the most challenging environments.

With a BGAN, you can establish a reliable communication link in no time. This is especially useful in situations where time is of the essence, such as in emergency response or remote work scenarios.

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BGAN is designed to be easy to use, even for those without special technical expertise. It's possible to go from backpack to BGAN in just three minutes or less.

With BGAN, you can take your office environment with you wherever you go. This is especially helpful when traveling to areas with unreliable or non-existent telecommunication infrastructure.

You can run all your computer applications securely and reliably with BGAN, even when you're far from the office. This is possible because BGAN offers speeds to match terrestrial broadband networks.

BGAN is perfect for users who want to stay productive on the go. It's ideal for industries like first responders, construction, and oil and gas, where reliable communication is crucial.

Some of the many industries that benefit from BGAN include:

Gatehouse offers a range of protocols that match Inmarsat's services, including BGAN Protocol Stack, BGAN Application Framework, BGAN Software Defined Radio, and SB-SAT Protocol Stack (IDRS).

These protocols enable cost-efficient and real-time connectivity, making them ideal for a variety of applications. They also support the delivery of high-quality products to market, as well as the relay of data from LEO to GEO satellites.

Gatehouse's Inmarsat Protocols include:

The Standard BGAN service from Inmarsat provides a range of services, including Internet, phone, SMS texting, Fax, ISDN, and streaming services.

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BGAN terminals are manufactured by companies like Thrane & Thrane, Hughes Network Systems, and Addvalue, and cost between $1800 and $5000.

These terminals allow users to connect their computers via USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, or Ethernet connection(s), giving them access to the Internet, email, and other online activities.

Users can also make phone calls using a regular RJ11 Phone Jack or an ISDN connection, with some terminals supporting both options.

BGAN terminals can even support a router or switch device, enabling users to set up a mobile office with multiple computers or VOIP phones.

Inmarsat offers various BGAN services that can be used with these terminals.

Prepaid Inmarsat BGAN SIM cards are available in different units, with each MB of data downloaded costing 9.1 units.

Connecting to a cellular network costs 1.2 units per minute, while connecting to another BGAN or satellite network costs significantly more, depending on the network.

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To connect a BGAN terminal to the satellite, you need a clear view of the sky to obtain your GPS position, which can take a few minutes.

Once you have your GPS position, you don't need to get it again unless you move to a different region.

A line-of-sight to the geostationary satellite is also required, so you'll typically be outside and have a general idea of the direction the satellite is in.

Using a compass can help you find the right direction, and turning the terminal slowly by hand will give you an indication of when the satellite is found.

With the touch of one button, the terminal auto-negotiates with the satellite and connects, with an average pointing time of 2 minutes.

An experienced user can connect in under a minute with a good signal.

If you're looking for a reliable protocol stack, Gatehouse offers two key options: the BGAN Protocol Stack and the SB-SAT Protocol Stack (IDRS). The BGAN Protocol Stack is designed for rapid delivery of high-quality products to market.

The BGAN Protocol Stack includes a range of features that make it an attractive choice for many users. It's a complete waveform that can be used for various applications.

The SB-SAT Protocol Stack (IDRS) is a cost-efficient and real-time connectivity solution that enables relay of data from LEO to GEO satellites. This technology is perfect for applications that require seamless and reliable communication.

Here are some of the key protocols offered by Gatehouse:

Gatehouse's protocols are designed to match Inmarsat's services, making them a great choice for users who need a reliable and compatible solution.

Standard Plus offers unlimited Internet use for a low fixed monthly price using consumer-grade routing.

This service was introduced by Inmarsat in May 2017, making it a relatively recent addition to their product lineup.

Standard Plus has the same priority as the IsatHub Inmarsat network, which is used worldwide.

It's worth noting that Standard Plus has a lower priority than the Standard BGAN service, but still provides reliable and efficient connectivity.

The monthly subscription for Standard Plus includes 5 Megabytes of data, after which it bills at a fixed "tier" rate if more data is used.

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BGAN is incredibly portable, with terminals that can be set up almost anywhere to establish a mobile internet connection. This makes it perfect for remote or disaster areas where traditional internet access is limited.

With BGAN, you can have seamless connectivity with nearly global coverage. This is especially useful for journalists and news teams who need to stay connected on the go, like Sky News correspondent Alex Crawford did during the liberation of Tripoli in 2011.

BGAN terminals are also incredibly easy to use, allowing any user to set up and connect their device to the internet within five minutes. This ease of use makes it accessible to a wide range of users, from emergency responders to remote workers.

Here are some of the key benefits of using BGAN:

The BGAN service is accessible globally, excluding the poles. This means you can stay connected no matter where your adventures take you, as long as you're not at the North or South Pole.

The BGAN service is available everywhere except at the poles, which is a pretty significant coverage area.

M2M services are designed for remote monitoring and control of equipment, and BGAN M2M Service is a low-bandwidth option launched in February 2012.

BGAN M2M service offers monthly plans of 2, 5, 10, and 20 Megabytes, with no charges for overhead communication and a billing increment as low as 1 kilobyte.

BGAN terminals can be used on the open ocean, but the connection may be lost due to the moving watercraft.

The Core network will not block these connections, making it a viable option for maritime communication despite the risks.

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One of the biggest advantages of BGAN is its portability - a compact terminal can be set up almost anywhere to establish a mobile internet connection. This makes it perfect for people who need to stay connected on the go.

The ease of use is another major benefit - anyone can set up a BGAN terminal and connect their device to the internet within five minutes. This is incredibly convenient and saves a lot of time.

BGAN offers seamless connectivity with nearly global coverage, making it an ideal solution for people who need to stay connected in remote areas. This means you can stay online even when you're far from civilization.

With just one BGAN terminal, you can use both voice and data services simultaneously. This is a huge advantage over other satellite internet services that often require separate terminals for voice and data.

BGAN terminals come in a variety of options, including portable, fixed, and vehicular, making them suitable for any use case. This flexibility is a major benefit for people who need to stay connected in different environments.

The cost efficiency of BGAN is another major advantage - after the initial cost of equipment, the price of a BGAN service plan is based on the amount of data transferred and received, typically ranging from $3 to $7 per MB. This makes it a cost-effective solution for people who need to stay connected.

Here are some of the key benefits of BGAN at a glance:

VSAT is a great option for explorers who need high bandwidth internet for large-scale usage. It offers upload speeds up to 5 Mbps and download speeds up to 20 Mbps.

VSAT is a fixed system that requires a certified technician to install, which can be a drawback for some explorers. However, it's worth the extra effort for the superior performance it provides.

For explorers who need to accommodate many users, VSAT is a great choice because it can support a comprehensive range of simultaneous applications.

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The EXPLORER 510 is a compact and portable BGAN terminal that's perfect for working off the beaten track. It's the smallest EXPLORER BGAN ever made, and its durable magnesium casing and dust and water-resistant design make it a reliable choice for harsh environments.

Its small size and light weight make it easy to carry around, weighing in at just 3.1 pounds. The EXPLORER 510 has a battery life of 3 hours, but it can also go into standby mode for up to 36 hours.

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You can connect to the EXPLORER 510 using the EXPLORER Connect App for iOS and Android, or via a USB connection using the EXPLORER Cellular Modem. The terminal has a connection speed of up to 464 kbps, making it suitable for streaming video at 32, 64, or 128 Kbps.

Here are the key features of the EXPLORER 510 at a glance:

The EXPLORER 510 is a great option for anyone who needs a reliable and portable BGAN terminal for their on-the-move communication needs.

VSAT is much faster than BGAN, offering upload speeds up to 5 Mbps and download speeds up to 20 Mbps.

Installing a VSAT terminal requires a certified technician, which can add extra cost.

VSAT supports a comprehensive range of simultaneous applications, making it suitable for large-scale usage in industries like oil and gas, mining, or military operations.

VSAT uses a fixed small dish antenna, so it's not portable once installed.

A large company with hundreds or thousands of users may need the superior performance and support of VSAT.

A Standard Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) is a type of satellite internet that provides reliable and consistent connectivity.

With a standard BGAN, you can expect speeds of up to 492 kbps, which is suitable for basic internet use, email, and voice communications.

BGANs are designed to be portable and can be easily transported to different locations, making them ideal for remote work or emergency response situations.

The standard BGAN system includes a terminal unit and a satellite antenna, which work together to provide a stable and secure connection.

BGANs use a variety of frequencies to establish a connection, including L-band and Ka-band, which offer different levels of speed and reliability.

The standard BGAN system is designed to be easy to set up and use, with a simple plug-and-play interface that requires minimal technical expertise.

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