Volume 2 - Telesat's Solution Ka-band Application APPENDIX 4 Corporate Profiles of COM DEV and EMS Technologies
The Deployment of DVB-RCS in Canada In Support of Ka-band based Internet Access Introduction In 1990, as part of a Department of Communications (DOC) initiative to investigate the deployment of Ka-band satellite communications in Canada, a small group of engineers and scientists at Spar Communications Group in Montreal (now EMS Technologies Canada), recommended the development of a satellite communications system. This system was to be designed to support nascent Multimedia Applications and was based upon the Multi Frequency (MF) TDMA. This technology had first been commercialized, for voice telephony systems, by Comtel Corporation (Santa Maria- California), which was then a Spar subsidiary. The team at Spar, in concert with colleagues at Telesat Canada, correctly predicted the emergence of Broadband Communications through the ubiquitous deployment of the Internet. The team recommended a major Canadian initiative, concentrating on bringing this technology to market. A major part of this market effort was dedicated to promoting this technology as an internationally-recognized two-way satellite communications standard. This would be a first for an industry that has typically used proprietary techniques, a good example being the Ku-band VSAT experience. The team was also concerned that there not be a repeat of the Ku-band development, where it is recognized that although the early development of the technology was in Canada, the major players in the industry became American, Japanese and, lately, Israeli. This determination resulted in a number of major initiatives by this team: to secure the long term commitment of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to a program of technology development and Canadian field trials; to be active in promoting this technology in an internationally-recognized Standards group; to secure the long-term commitment of their management to the development of the broadband business; and to resist the temptation to be distracted by other, much more sophisticated, proprietary ventures (Teledesic, Spaceway and Astrolink). The Advanced Satcom Program From this initial study, the Canadian Space Agency sponsored a joint government/industry initiative, which became known as the Advanced Satcom (AdvSat) program. This program grew out of these initial studies and was based around the concept of Broadband Communications in the Ka-band as its unifying theme. The program developed through the early 90 s as study and conceptual activities evolved into a major hardware development program, lasting from 1997 until 2000. AdvSat covered a range of both space and ground technologies, all dedicated to positioning industry for future Page 1
equipment sales. In the ground area, both EMS and Norsat (Burnaby, B.C.), dedicated their energies to the MF TDMA concept, first developed in the initial studies. EMS concentrated on the digital baseband technologies and Norsat on the complex Ka-band RF and antenna technologies. Both companies emerged as the first to market products in their respective areas, thanks to the insight of the CSA initiative. These companies were also able to work closely with Telesat Canada on early Ku-band deployment of the baseband technology, through an associated AdvSat Applications Trials program. This trials program was carefully planned to complement the technology development. A European Connection As an associate member of the European Space Agency (ESA), Canada has always had a special relationship with European institutions and the European space industry. Through this association and a number of ESA activities, a connection was made with the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) committee. Through ESA, EMS was able to promote the MF TDMA solution in a DVB committee deliberating on a new interactive broadcasting standard, the DVB Return Channel System (DVB- RCS). Telesat, together with a number of European broadcasters, was active in promoting the Canadian-based architecture to the DVB-RCS standards group and it was ultimately adopted by the DVB committee and the ETSI in 2000, as the European two-way broadband standard. The SES Broadband Initiative (SES BBI) Société Européene des Satellites (SES) is the largest satellite broadcaster in Europe. In 1996, based mainly on the work performed on AdvSat and ESA studies, SES approached EMS to design a commercial system based on the emerging DVB-RCS standard. In a direct follow-on to this work, SES issued an RFP for the development of a commercial DVB-RCS hub and a number of prototype terminals. In an unprecedented success, a Canadian-led consortium of Nortel, EMS and Nortel/DASA (Germany) won this contract valued at over $15M U.S. Norsat and Kathrein (Germany), although not included in the formal contract, were included by Nortel as alternative suppliers of the terminal Outdoor Unit (ODU). The commercial contract was signed in 1998 and the full commercial hub will be deployed in late 2001. Subsequently, SES has become a major proponent of the standards-based approach to two-way broadband communications, and has revealed plans to deploy DVB-RCS in a number of affiliate entities worldwide. The Anik F2 Initiative When the concept of a standard based on MF TDMA was first brought forward, a clear part of the plan, at EMS, was to deploy the technology in Bent Pipe satellites and to prove out the complicated networking aspects of the technology in this environment. Also, part of the plan was to migrate some Page 2
of the ground functionality, over time, into the satellite payload (On Board Processing). This would facilitate a common standard for Internet access (star-based) and peer-to-peer applications (mesh-based). Again, Canada has moved to the forefront with the flight of the world s first demonstration DVB-RCS compatible space-based multiplexer (SpaceMux), on the Telesat Canada Anik F2 satellite. This flight will facilitate the deployment of the DVB-RCS standard in commercial space flights, in much the same way as an ESA demonstration facilitated the deployment of a commercially viable proprietary system (Skyplex) on the Eutelsat satellite fleet. Anik F2 clearly keeps Canada ahead in the development of DVB-RCS technology. DVB-RCS at EMS Right from the development of the initial concept, EMS has always been in the lead of DVB-RCS development. Over the past three years, EMS has invested, together with its partners and customers, a total of $40M CDN on the development of DVB-RCS ground technology. The Advanced Systems group, at the EMS Montreal facility, is in constant demand to advise potential operators on their plans for broadband Ka-band satellite networks. For example, EMS has just completed a major study for an Asian operator to assist in the planning of its DVB-RCS system. EMS has also become the supplier of a number of ground products, and the SES deployment has made EMS the first company in the world to deploy these products. At the hub or Internet access point, EMS is the supplier of the Return Link Subsystem. This is the major MF TDMA receive system from the Ka-band satellite. This system, combined with off-the-shelf broadcast systems and a complex Internet Protocol (IP) encapsulator, make up the complete satellite transmission portion of a DVB-RCS Hub. It should be noted that Spectraworks, Winnipeg, Manitoba (a Norsat company) is a leading supplier of DVB-RCS compatible encapsulators. EMS is also the developer of the DVB-RCS user terminals and was the first to deploy prototypes on the SES system. EMS has also secured the world s first production sale of DVB-RCS terminals (over 15,000) to Kokua Communications, U.K. In this contract, EMS is using Ka-band ODUs supplied by Norsat. Finally, as a result of the departure of Nortel from the satellite communications business, EMS is also assuming the role of a systems integrator on the Kokua project. The first hub and terminals were in fact integrated in Montreal and tested over the Telesat Anik E satellite in May of 2000. In space-based DVB-RCS, EMS is also the prime contractor for the delivery of the SpaceMux package to Boeing for incorporation in the Anik F2 satellite. Page 3
Product Evolution at EMS EMS has a plan for a number of releases of its DVB-RCS product line. Each of these releases is carefully planned to coincide with the evolving needs of the marketplace. At each release stage, EMS will deploy ground-based products to be followed by a similar feature set incorporated into a space-based product release. Release 1 This release is compliant with the current DVB-RCS air interface standard. Release 1 is currently being deployed with SES and will form the backbone of EMS ground sales over the next 18 months. Anik F2 is also compliant with the Release 1 feature set. Release 2 In response to the demands of some customers and to the development of a revision of the DVB-RCS standard to better support space-based DVB-RCS systems, EMS is developing an evolution to its product line. This evolution will first deploy on the ground in mid 2002, and in space possibly as early as 2003. This Release 2 technology development continues to be supported by the Canadian Space Agency, through its ESA ARTES 3 program. In this program, EMS is the ground prime for the Astrium West program and terminal prime for the Alenia EuroSkyway program. This release will enable EMS to provide better over-the-air performance and work within DVB-RCS space-based architectures that are typified by the West concept. The EMS product line is designed to be evolutionary, in that a Release 1 hub will be upgradable to all Release 2 features, and a Release 1 terminal will be upgradable to some Release 2 features. Release 3 DVB-RCS is currently designed to support business (SME) and SOHO-type configurations. In response to the demands of the consumer, EMS is developing a new air-interface concept for representation to the standards committee. This air interface will facilitate smaller lower-cost terminals expected to be needed in the consumer market. EMS is currently working with the Canadian Space Agency in initial studies to define this air interface and explore the key technologies needed. This development, combined with EMS s Ka-band spacecraft antenna spot beam technology, could well facilitate true consumer access to the broadband Internet. Page 4
DVB-RCS Trials in Canada and a Path to the Broadband Initiative DVB-RCS is a European-generated standard. Its worldwide adoption relies on its acceptance beyond Europe into North America and Asia. Through affiliates, SES is active in promoting DVB-RCS in Asia. In North America, the focus and energy already dedicated to promoting DVB-RCS leadership in the manufacturing sector must be mirrored in Canadian leadership, promoting DVB-RCS in North America. The Ku-band VSAT story must not be repeated. The world s first DVB-RCS satellite trial was conducted in Canada in May 2000. Through the AdvSat program, Telesat, EMS and Norsat continue to co-operate in Applications Trials of this technology. In these trials, Telesat is providing Space Segment on Anik E and conducting the trials, EMS is supplying the Hub Return Link Subsystem and terminals, and Norsat is supplying its Spectraworks IP encapsulator. With the launch of Anik F2, there is an opportunity to take the deployment of DVB-RCS to its next step in Canada, the step of supporting business or community-based users. This should be the focus of the Federal Government s use of its Anik F2 space segment. The Federal Broadband Initiative Beyond these business and community initiatives, the Federal Broadband Initiative is an ideal vehicle for making DVB-RCS oriented-terminals available to the consumer in Canada. A close co-operation between government, manufacturers and Telesat must be undertaken to ensure maximum benefit to Canadians, building on previous major investments in this technology and service. The Release 3 technology, combined with a properly designed space segment, will ensure that Canadians lead the world in equal access to the broadband Internet, in a project based on a standards approach. Canadians cannot compete in proprietary systems. The market scale in the United States will always give U.S.-based entities an advantage in proprietary systems, both from an operations and manufacturing standpoint. Canadians need to derive maximum benefit from the trend towards standards in the world, particularly in an area where Canada currently is a leader, both in availability of equipment and experience in its deployment. Page 5