Newtec Dialog

March 2014

White Paper

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE,
PROGRESS IS POSSIBLE
Creating New Business Opportunities for
a Changing World of Satellite Communications

by Koen Willems (Market Director)

and Jo De Loor (Product Manager)
Newtec cy

Introduction
Technological innovations, socio-political ‘According as
dynamism and economic uncertainty are quickly circumstances are
changing the satellite communications market favorable, one should
as we know it. High Throughput Satellites (HTS), modify one’s plans’
efficiency-increasing technologies, mobility, Sun Tzu – Art of War
competition from terrestrial services, the quick
uptake of new technologies (OTT, smart phones,
4G, HDTV, UHDTV 4K) and initiatives to decrease the digital divide are only
a few drivers that catalyze the change in the satellite market environment.

Improving agility and increasing adaptability to market and technology

changes, are two key requirements for the satellite service providers to
successfully operate their business. The fulfillment of these requirements, in
combination with the extension of their service portfolio offering, will lead to
profitable growth.

When business strategy and tactics are built on the foundations of agility,
adaptability and service portfolio extension, the satellite service provider
requires an advanced satcom transmission platform. Such a transmission
platform has to embrace the quickly changing business environment while
also taking care of efficiency, reliability and quality of service. As such the
satellite platform must be flexible, scalable and efficient to support the
different business models and applications.

This white paper describes the main characteristics and advantages

of the Newtec Dialog® Platform and several of its key differentiating
Newtec technologies. Those Newtec technologies include the brand new
patented Mx-DMA™ (Cross-Dimensional Multiple Access) and HRC™ (High
Resolution Coding), but also include field proven Newtec technologies such
as FlexACM®. The Newtec Dialog Platform provides the satellite service
www.newtec.eu operator with the scalability, flexibility and efficiency he requires to run
successful operations over satellite.

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March 2014

The Four Main Challenges in the Satcom

Market Today … and Tomorrow
Before focusing on the key differentiating Newtec Dialog CHALLENGE 2:
technologies, it is worth taking a step back and looking in Users Expect to Pay Less for More
detail at the satellite market in context, including the challenges While the users expectations for speed and data volume are
satellite service providers and end-users are facing today… and increasing, they expect to get this at a lower cost. The relentless
tomorrow. advances and competition from fiber and other terrestrial
and wireless infrastructures put pressure on both prices and
CHALLENGE 1:
margins. Satellite service providers are therefore forced to
Users Expect Higher Speeds And
engineer and deploy new services that provide a higher quality
Higher Data Volumes
of service at a much lower operational cost compared to today.
The satellite service provider needs to accommodate
increasing data rates and the growing volume of data. So why
CHALLENGE 3:
are data rates and volumes increasing? The Market and Technology Complexity Is Ever
Increasing
• There is growing media rich traffic (Video-on-Demand) In recent years, the satellite communications market has
and a market push-pull effect for HDTV (High Definition witnessed important changes both on the technology side and
Television) and UHDTV (Ultra High Definition Television) on the value chain side. If you are not able to adapt to the rapidly
• More users are getting connected to the information changing environment, your business will be bound to fail or face
highway, not only through traditional telecom devices such serious challenges. Adapt or die. It is a blunt statement but not far
as computers and laptops, but increasingly through smart from the truth. Socio-political changes and economic uncertainty
phones and tablets. These devices can be hand carried are additional drivers of complexity. Obviously all of these drivers
and are not as dependent on electricity power proximity or are linked.
availability, which is important in developing countries.
• There are more government initiatives in place to close the The introduction of HTS satellites is a major industry enabler
digital divide, to educate people, to respond quickly to which is helping to improve speeds, to increase data volumes and
emergencies and to gather intelligence from the field. also to decrease the satellite transmission cost. The architecture
• Increasing machine-to-machine communications that are of most of the current HTS satellites is forcing satellite service
using bandwidth-hungry sensors and sensors that must providers to access those satellites through a geographically
always be connected. distributed network of gateways. This requirement clearly
increases the complexity for operating those networks.
The introduction of various new High Throughput Satellite (HTS)
initiatives and constellations are a direct response to cater for the
increasing data demand. But these measures are not enough;
the end-user today expects both to receive the data rates and
the quality of service level to fit his application requirements.

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How to Survive and Grow in a

Fast Changing Satcom Environment?
The introduction of the first HTS satellites over North America Faced with massive changes in the satellite communications
was not triggered by the ‘historical’ satellite operators, but environment it is key for business strategies to embrace change
was the result of a few technology vendors who drastically in order to survive and capitalize on frequent alterations.
changed the business value chain by becoming both satellite
service provider and operator. Suddenly several satellite service Guidelines for Survival and Growth
providers saw their technology provider becoming one of their • A key strategy element for satellite service providers is to
biggest competitors. be ready to adapt to new market opportunities. Agility and
The good news for the satellite service providers is that the a short response time are critical to survival and growth.
historical satellite operators have started launching new HTS • Invest in satellite communication technology and flexible
satellites that stick to their traditional role of providing space and scalable platforms that can cope with these altering
segment only. Satellite service providers can thus revert to situations.
buying bandwidth capacity on HTS beams that are of interest to
• Differentiate service definitions and service packages from
their business offering.
competition
• Do not put all your eggs in one basket. By applying a
As the business environment becomes complex the pitfall for
multiservice offering from a single hub the service provider
many service providers is to build their services on equally
spreads the risk and can allocate the bandwidth to match
complex infrastructures that have organically grown over time
the changing market demand.
along with their business. These platforms become difficult
• Understanding the requirements of the different
to manage and operate and have a heavy impact on both
applications and user profiles is absolutely critical. Apply a
operational and capital expenses. Small changes to improve
specific comprehensive SLA scheme to fit the needs of your
operational efficiency, or to satisfy the customer, prove to become
different customers.
very hard when having different technologies, topologies and
• Maximize profitability by introducing technology to the
platforms on top of each other.
satellite network that optimizes network efficiency and
service speeds.
CHALLENGE 4:
• Deploy a platform independent from any satellite
Connectivity Anywhere Anytime
constellation or satellite frequency in order to quickly adapt
Last but not least satellite communications need to serve
to other satellites if the business or customer base changes
users not only at home or in the office, but also when they are
• Select a platform that grows along with your business and
travelling or on assignment in a remote location. People are
that allows investment in a modular way when opportunities
getting used to the fact that they can be reached and have
arise.
connectivity anywhere anytime. They expect to be able to get
access to the Internet on trains, planes, on ships and even in
their car.

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The First Line of Defense SCALABILITY

to Embrace Changing Business Environments The platform scales to every type of satellite network: from small

Based on the feedback of customers and taking the above networks, with 5 remotes, up to the largest networks, having

variable market conditions and guidelines into account, Newtec hundreds of thousands remotes, from single coverage to multi-
has developed a platform that is capable of coping with changing spot High Throughput Satellite networks.
business environments in the satellite market. Moreover this
platform empowers satellite service providers to engage into Additionally, satellite service providers can invest as the business
successful business models and efficient operations. grows, the HUB scalability and flexibility enables low up-front
CAPEX. The platform connects a variety of Newtec’s modems that
Newtec Dialog® is a scalable and flexible can be easily adapted for different applications depending on the
multiservice satellite communications business evolution.
platform that allows satellite service providers
to build and adapt their infrastructure easily EFFICIENCY
as their business and the satellite market Efficiency is defined both at the operational and technology
grows. Newtec Dialog will secure the future level in the Newtec Dialog platform. It provides the extra
of operators, giving them the power to offer a variety of services bandwidth, throughput or savings satellite service providers are
while making hassle-free decisions on the technology to use. craving for. Additionally it will allocate every bit to the designated
The New Platform is based on three core principles that have user and provide the highest number of customers per MHz at
been executed all through the architecture, the supporting maximum availability in order to meet the toughest Service Level
technologies and implementation of the platform. The main Agreement Requirements.
principles are Flexibility, Scalability and Efficiency.
Newtec Dialog assists the satellite service provider to select the
FLEXIBILITY best transmission technology for their particular application.
Newtec Dialog is built for flexibility. Whether the satellite service For the return link technology they can opt for the flexibility of
provider addresses a single application or multiple markets, MF-TDMA (Multi-Frequency Time-Division Multiple Access), the
Newtec Dialog offers customers optimal technology without efficiency of SCPC (Single Channel per Carrier) links or the best
compromising. This produces a multitude of possibilities for of both worlds, the patented and brand new Mx-DMA™ (Cross-
optimizing the usage of infrastructure and satellite capacity for Dimensional Multiple Access) HighResCoding™ technology. This
different markets. revolutionary technology fills the gap between the MF-TDMA and
SCPC return technologies.
As an example, an operator with a history of mainly servicing The Newtec Dialog platform combines the efficiency of the
broadcast clients can easily add new services and begin forward and return satellite links with Newtec core technology
targeting cellular backhaul and trunking, consumer & enterprise, such as FlexACM, Bandwidth Management and Cross Layer
VSAT or government markets using the same Newtec Dialog Optimization. With these technologies, Newtec Dialog is able to
infrastructure. Newtec Dialog easily adapts to any business needs provide the most optimal modulation and bandwidth allocation,
and goes hand in hand with delivering tailored services. while guaranteeing the highest efficiency and availability.

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Different Markets,
Different Requirements
Today’s satellite service providers interact with many different COST EASE OF USE

communication technologies across a broad range of platforms.

USER
The operator, satellite service provider and end-users all expect EXPERIENCE QOS

to receive the data rates and the quality of service level to fit BUSINESS
MODEL EFFICIENCY
their application requirements.
PERFORMANCE AVAILABILITY

USER PROFILE
The key for the satellite service provider here is to fully understand What is Important
for your Business?
the business or the operation of his or her customers and to
Figure 1: User profile with performance attributes
provide services according to the nature of these applications.
A good approach is to draft different user profiles (per market, The strength of the Newtec Dialog platform is to be able to
application or segment in the value chain) based on typical combine different applications and user profiles on the same
satcom usage, priorities and performance attributes. A typical platform, which results in massive efficiency gains as well as
user profile will look at the following performance attributes: cost savings. Moreover bandwidth allocation can be shifted
amongst the different applications depending on the business
• Data Throughput opportunity or the mission at hand. The Newtec Dialog Platform
• Availability (SLA) currently covers the following markets and applications:
• User Experience
• Cost • Consumer, SME and Enterprise VSAT Networks
• Ease of Use • Cellular Backhaul and Trunking
• Efficiency • Fixed Video Contribution and Video Exchange
• Performance • Satellite News Gathering
• Product/Application Fit • TV and Radio Distribution to Towers and Head-Ends
• Civil, Government and NGO Networks
Different applications and markets have different needs. The • Disaster Recovery and Emergency Networks
user profile and performance attribute expectations of a home • Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) and
user with Internet access over satellite will be entirely different Border Security
from a broadcaster. For the broadcaster, not losing the satellite • SCADA and Surveillance Networks
link for a live sports video feed will have priority over pricing,
whereas ‘assertive’ consumer VSAT users tend to switch service
providers quickly if they are not happy with the user experience
or pricing.

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Four Building Blocks for

a Successful Satellite Platform
BUILDING BLOCK 1: The Newtec Dialog Platform embeds the flexibility to address
A Scalable Platform Enabling Both Small Single Service both small single service networks as well as larger multiservice
and Large Multiservice Networks networks. Even if the satellite service provider wants to start up

The Newtec Dialog Platform strongly relies upon four building with a small network and a CAPEX-friendly investment, he still

blocks that further define the Newtec Dialog solution. These has the opportunity to add extra services at a later stage and

building blocks are the multiservice approach, the innovative grow his business from the same platform.

technologies, the different product combinations and the ability

Multiservice networks provide more than one distinct
to support various business models.
communications service type over the same physical infrastructure.
Multiservice implies not only the existence of multiple traffic
The Newtec Dialog Platform can easily be compared with the types within the network, but also the ability of a single network
‘Smart Grid’ concept as being defined in the energy market. Within to support multiple applications without compromising quality
the Dialog Platform the basic principles (Flexibility, Scalability & of service (QoS) for any of them. The following traffic types are
Efficiency), the 4 building blocks and the related markets and supported under the Newtec Dialog Platform:
applications are interconnected. This system allows for smart • Video and Audio (Transport Stream and File-Based)
monitoring, analysis, control, change and communication within • Data
• Voice
the platform to help improve efficiency, reduce cost and maximize
• Datacasting (unicasting & multicasting)
transparency and reliability of the entire satellite network.

INDUSTRY YOUR PLATFORM

CHALLENGES • Consumer/SOHO • FNG/SNG • Cellular Backhaul • Government Networks • Offshore, Oil & Gas ADVANTAGES
• SCADA • Contribution • Backhaul • ISR & Border Security • Mining
• Energy • Distribution • Trunking • Disaster Recovery • Maritime large

• Enterprise/SME • Direct-to-Home • Fiber Restoration • MWR • Aviation

More
data
MARKETS

$
Pressure on
VSAT BROADCAST
CELLULAR
BACKHAUL
GOVERNMENT
& DEFENSE
MOBILITY,
OFFSHORE &
& TRUNKING MARITIME
profitability
More content
& services
CHANGE
AHEAD FLEXIBILITY, SCALABILITY, EFFICIENCY More customers
Fast per MHz
changing
BUILDING

MULTISERVICE PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGIES SUCCESSFUL

Small & large
BLOCKS

market BUSINESS MODELS

networks

Fast roll-out &

easy to use
Connectivity
anywhere Complete
anytime
modem portfolio
Figure 2: Overview Newtec Dialog Platform

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March 2014

All these traffic and service types are auto-dynamically Cross-Dimensional Multiple Access (Mx-DMA)
controlled through different prioritization and classification Return Technology
schemes inside the Dialog NMS in order to optimize the
throughput according to the available bandwidth in the Three modes of return technology are available to the
adaptive satellite network. satellite service provider on the Newtec Dialog Platform
to configure his network: MF-TDMA, SCPC and the new
For example, a satellite service provider today hosts a patented Mx-DMA (Cross-Dimensional Multiple Access).
consumer VSAT network on his Newtec Dialog platform.
When launching a consumer VSAT service the uptake by MF-TDMA satellite return technologies typically target
users might take a while. The remaining bandwidth in the applications with highly overbooked and bursty traffic
meantime can be used for servicing a cellular backhaul services, such as Internet access for consumers, SME, B2B
network. If an opportunity were to arise for the satellite service and SCADA networks. SCPC on the other hand has more
provider to expand his business by offering video exchange applicability in high data and video rate return links. In
services for the local broadcaster, he can launch this service between there are a large number of applications with low to
from the same hub, whilst still respecting the specificities of medium overbooked services and throughput rates up to 20
the broadcast business. Mbps where it can be difficult to chose between either SCPC
or MF-TDMA. These applications are enterprise/corporate
BUILDING BLOCK 2: networks, government/NGO networks, cellular backhauling
Innovative Technologies that Save the Day and low to medium rate broadcast contribution networks.
The Newtec Dialog platform integrates innovative and Some technologies in the market already allow a (semi)-
revolutionary technologies that will take the satellite world dynamic switch between SCPC and MF-TDMA, but that goes
by storm. Newtec introduces the world premiere of a new hand in hand with a considerable satellite link outage time ,
waveform called HRC as well as a new return access technology packet loss and sub-optimal usage of the link.
that fills the gap between MF-TDMA and SCPC, the Newtec
patented Mx-DMA. Those technologies are bolstered with
proven Newtec technologies including FlexACM, Bandwidth
Management and Cross Layer Optimization.

The combination of the technologies serve the overall

Newtec Dialog platform principles on Flexibility, Scalability
and Efficiency and solve bandwidth issues, provide excellent
quality of service and manage the availability of the satellite
link.

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March 2014

DVB-S2 ACM
forward Mx-DMA HRC
returns

72 MHz 36 MHz

DVB-S2 ACM
forward Mx-DMA HRC
returns

72 MHz 36 MHz
Figure 3: Mx-DMA dynamic return links with allocation of real-time
bandwidth on demand at SCPC efficiency

Ultimately the end-user does not really care about the type At the same time the flexibility of MF-TDMA can be maintained. It
of return technology behind his satellite service, rather that it remains possible in Mx-DMA to allocate bandwidth on demand
provides the data, user experience and the quality he or she and in real-time. In other words as the traffic demand for a remote
expects. This is where Newtec’s Mx-DMA comes into play. terminal is changing, bandwidth will be allocated on the fly. If
the traffic within the terminal becomes more important, extra
Newtec Mx-DMA is the return technology that incorporates bandwidth will auto-dynamically be assigned to the carrier inside
the best features of MF-TDMA and SCPC technologies and the link based on QoS and priority rules. The entire operation is
at the same time solves the difficult choice to select one or performed seamlessly without any data packet being lost.
the other.
The implementation of Mx-DMA typically results in a doubling
The Mx-DMA return technology on the Newtec Dialog Platform of the transponder throughput using the same bandwidth, or
adjusts the frequency plan, the symbol rate, the modulation, alternatively reducing the required space segment capacity by
coding and power in real-time for every terminal in the satellite 50 percent. The new technology also ensures low jitter and delay,
network. These adjustments are based on the return traffic perfect for applications like voice and streaming video.
demand, the network QoS management and channel conditions
for the terminal population in the network. Within the Mx-DMA
return link each carrier is assigned to only one terminal. As such
SCPC-like maximum return efficiencies are achieved.

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March 2014

High Resolution Coding (HRC) of MODCOD choices (40 MODCODs from QPSK to 32APSK)
provides the best modulation and coding per link. In combination

Next to the Mx-DMA return technology, Newtec Dialog with ACM (Adaptive Coding and Modulation) the most efficient

introduces a new highly efficient and patented waveform called mode is selected automatically depending on the available

HRC or High Resolution Coding technology. The innovative bandwidth and instant satellite link conditions.

next-generation waveform is typically applicable for low to

medium rate applications between 32 kbps and 22 Mbps. HRC The line chart below (figure 5) demonstrates the efficiency of the

has an efficiency comparable to DVB-S2 with a 5% roll-off factor three optional return link technologies on the Newtec Dialog

(see figure 4) in order to get as many bits through the available Platform: Newtec S2 Extensions for high speed SCPC links (blue

bandwidth as possible. line), the Newtec HRC coding and modulation (orange line) and
4CPM coding and modulation (green line) performance used for

In contrast to DVB-S2, the HRC coding also handles low MF-TDMA. Comparing the HRC and MF-TDMA efficiency results

throughput speeds in SCPC mode without the harmful latency there is an average efficiency gain of 60%. At the higher signal

effects that could hamper voice traffic or video streaming services. to noise ranges (C/N) it will even exceed 100% efficiency gain.
The Mx-DMA technology combines the highly efficient HRC with

HRC optimizes low to medium rate traffic and avoids latency real time variable bandwidth allocation equivalent to MF-TDMA.

over satellite by using short block codes. The high granularity

Figure 4: Newtec HighResCoding™ (HRC) coding and modulation (red line) compared
with DVB-S2 Short frames (blue line) both using 5% roll-off

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March 2014

Figure 5: Comparison efficiency of 3 optional return link technologies (MF-TDMA, SCPC and Mx-DMA)

FlexACM®

The Newtec Dialog Platform also integrates the well-known (ThiMM – Thin Margin Manager) to get as close to the zero margin
and field proven FlexACM® technology. Even in harsh and limit as possible. In other words to make full use of the satellite link
hostile conditions it is important to have networks over satellite at maximum service availability regardless of condition.
available at all times and not to lose data. Not only to fulfill
the most demanding SLAs but also to assure mission critical FlexACM is implemented for all forward and return link options
communications. The unique auto-adaptive technology (SCPC, MF-TDMA and Mx-DMA) on the Newtec Dialog platform
incorporated inside Newtec’s FlexACM® takes care of any fading and results in increased throughput or alternatively in important
condition in order to avoid link or data losses. Fading conditions bandwidth savings. Moreover it assures maximum availability
due to choice of satellite (Inclined Orbit Satellite, Ku-, Ka-, X-band, without link or data losses.
HTS), environment (rain & dust), shadowing effects or interference
(between two adjacent satellites) will no longer interrupt satellite In combination with IP capacity sizing, bandwidth management
transmissions. and cross-layer optimization technologies, FlexACM achieves
extra gains by implementing statistical multiplexing ‘in the
FlexACM® combines adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) sky’ and overbooking ratios. As a result the highest number of
with Newtec’s noise and distortion estimation technology (NoDE) customers can be allocated per MHz without compromising the
and predictive fading technology on upcoming fading variation end user experience.

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March 2014

BUILDING BLOCK 3: Newtec Dialog Satellite Hub Module

Products That Match Your Business

The Newtec Dialog principles of Flexibility, Scalability and The heart of the Newtec Dialog Platform is the flexible and scalable

Efficiency are reflected inside the platform infrastructure elements, satellite hub module. The hub caters for small, medium-sized and

being the hubs, modems and network management system even large consumer VSAT-type satellite networks. Basically the

(NMS). As Newtec Dialog covers different types of network for Newtec Dialog Hub module comes in two flavors depending on

various applications within the broadcasting, cellular backhaul, different parameters: the size of the network, the amount and

Trunking, consumer and enterprise VSAT as well as government type of services or applications that need to be addressed. The

markets, the platform offers a range of hubs, modems, and NMS Newtec HUB6501 is the compact 1IF market-entry sized hub

configurations to match the application requirements. module designed for small satellite networks and for operators
that require a cost-effective solution to start up their services.
Thanks to its compact size the hub can easily be integrated in
existing NOC (Network Operation Center) infrastructures or at a
customer premises.

The Newtec HUB6504 on the other hand is the all-encompassing

and future proof 4IF hub module that offers the service provider
and satellite operators full access to the scalability, flexibility and
efficiency features of the Newtec Dialog platform. The Newtec
HUB6504 module fits different configurations from simple
1-satellite networks to multi-satellite or multi-gateway spotbeam
networks. A central Network Management System (NMS) system
controls multiple geographical dispersed hub locations, each
allowing access to multiple satellites.

Figure 6: The Newtec HUB6504 4IF hub module and the compact Newtec HUB6501 1IF Hub

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March 2014

The Newtec Dialog Hub Module includes the forward link, the • The MDM2200 satellite modem typically addresses Consumer
reception capabilities of different return technologies (SCPC, VSAT, SOHO, SME and SCADA applications. The modem
MF-TDMA and Mx-DMA through multicarrier 1RU demodulators) has been designed around the concepts of easy installation
as well as the NMS, Traffic and QoS Management and Network (Point&Play), low initial investment per user, efficient usage of
Optimization technology (Acceleration, compression, encryption the satellite spectrum and maximized broadband experience.
and datacasting). The modular design of the Hub allows the The modem receives DVB-S2 signals up to 22 Mbps and
satellite service provider to build their own platform according to can easily cope with low roll-off factors (providing extra 15%
his or her needs. efficiency on top of the S2 link) incorporated in Newtec Clean
The hub will grow alongside the business and can be adapted Channel Technology (CCT). For the return link Newtec’s 4CPM
quickly to react to changing environments. The satellite service is the selected MF-TDMA waveform technology with rates up
provider is able to target multiple services and applications with to 3,5 Mbps per unit. The MDM2200 comes with a dedicated
the same hub module and allocate bandwidth, throughput and compact and cost-effective iBUC and antenna to reduce
SLAs through a single user interface. As such initial investment investments to an absolute minimum.
and business risks are limited.
• The 3000-modem series targets the mid section of the
Newtec Dialog Satellite Modems and Terminals satellite market and is generally deployed in Cellular
Backhaul, VSAT Enterprise, Broadcast contribution and
A multiservice satellite platform has the need for a variety of Government/NGO networks. These remotes require a wide
modems and terminal types to address the different applications, range of IP services including multi-casting, broadband
throughput requirements and user profiles. The Newtec Dialog access and VoIP. The 3000-family has 2 versions: the
platform includes three main modem families: the 2000-series, MDM3100 and the MDM3300 modems. The main
the 3000-series and the 6000-series. The main differentiation difference between the modems is in the waveform support
between the modem series’ in a technical sense is in the support for the return technology. Next to the wide choice of Mx-
of different waveforms, return access technologies, throughput DMA, HRC SCPC and 4CPM MF-TDMA waveforms that
rates and form factors. Core Newtec technologies such as typecast both modems, the MDM3300 unit also supports
FlexACM and Clean Channel Technology (CCT) are implemented DVB-S2 and S2 Extensions in the return channel. As such
on all modem types to make the most efficient use of the satellite 45Mbps download (DVB-S2 with CCT) and 20Mbps uplink
link. The modems are matched with characteristic application speeds can easily be achieved.
requirements and can be combined on the same multiservice
satellite network connecting to a single Newtec Dialog Hub.

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March 2014

Modem 2000 Series Modem 3000 Series Modem 6000 Series

MDM2000 MDM3100 MDM3300 MDM6000 & MDM6100

DVB S2 DVB S2 DVB S2 DVB S2

INBOUND (CCT) (CCT) (CCT) (CCT)

OUTBOUND MX-DMA MX-DMA

Bandwidth On Demand HRC HRC
Fixed Rate Applications
SCPC SCPC
DVB S2/ S2 Ext. DVB S2/ S2 Ext.

SCPC SCPC
HRC HRC

MF-TDMA MF-TDMA MF-TDMA

4PCM 4PCM 4PCM

Figure 7: Overview Newtec modems and supported return technologies for the Newtec Dialog platform

S2 Extensions is the successor to DVB-S2 and translates • The MDM6000 and the MDM6100 Broadcast modems
into better efficiency, higher speed and improved service are the versatile DVB-S2/S2 Extensions units that combine
robustness (see Newtec White paper: Demystifying S2 high efficiency features (including wideband up to 72
Extensions). When comparing the current DVB-S2 standard Mbaud) with innovative technology to maximize data
against the full implementation of S2 Extensions (activating throughput and availability in networks sensitive to adaptive
5%, 10% or 15% Roll-Offs, advanced carrier filtering, 64 satellite bandwidth. The powerful platforms give satellite
APSK, increased granularity in MODCODs) staggering service providers the tools to support bandwidth hungry
efficiency gains up to 37% can be achieved for professional Backhaul, Trunking, Broadcast, Exchange and Government
applications over satellite. applications in their network. With the 6000 series modems
speeds from 1 Mbps up to 380 Mbps are available as return
towards the Dialog Hub through Newtec’s S2 Extensions
technology.

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March 2014

MODEMS APPLICATIONS HUBS

500+ Mbps 1:1

High Speed
P2P Backbone
SCPC
MDM6000
MDM6100
series Trunking
Contribution

SNG/FNG

OVERBOOKING
Cellular Backhauling
BITRATES

Oil & Gas

MDM3000 MX-DMA
series
Government/NGO
Enterprise/Corporate
SME

HUB6500
SOHO series
Consumer

MDM2000 MF-TDMA
series

1 kbps >100:1

Figure 8: Overview Newtec equipment, technology and target applications

Newtec Dialog Network Management System (NMS) The versatility of the NMS configuration is fully in line with the
Dialog flexibility and scalability principles. Both Host Network

The entire Dialog Platform is monitored, controlled and Operators (HNO) and Virtual Network Operators (VNO)

configured through a fully integrated Network Management can co-exist on the same multiservice platform with different

System. The NMS gives the network operator a full suite of access rights and tools to operate their network. As such the

element and network tools based on intuitive workflows and service provider can easily integrate the management system

an easy to use web-based graphical user interface (GUI). It is with the existing Business Support System applications (e.g.

designed to help service providers to become more efficient and billing, rating, customer-service, etc.) and Operation Support

effective in creating, delivering and monetizing services. System applications (e.g. service quality monitoring, network
performance, resource management). A central NMS system

The FCAPS framework is the core of the Dialog network controls multiple geographically dispersed hub locations, each

management with the following elements: allowing access to multiple satellites.

• Configuration management The NMS includes an extensive set of Application Programmatic

• Fault & Performance Management
Interfaces (API) available to HNOs and VNOs. These machine-to-
• Accounting
machine interfaces allow easy integration with OSS/BSS platforms
• Security
or enable integration into other higher-level NMS systems.

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March 2014

Newtec Satlink Manager BUILDING BLOCK 4:

Enabling various Business Models
The optional Newtec SATLink Manager accompanies the With the service offering, the Newtec technology and the
Newtec Dialog NMS for satellite resource allocation, reservation accompanying Newtec Dialog infrastructure elements in place
and automated satellite link setup or teardown. The SATLink the time has come to initiate the creation of successful Business
Manager smoothly plugs into various NMS eco-systems for Models. The flexibility of the platform allows for the configuration
smooth integration into customer environments. of the network and its elements into an existing business model.
However, the increasing competition from both terrestrial and
Satellite service providers are now able to manage satellite satellite solutions have an enormous impact on traditional
capacity and automate mesh and/or star based satellite links players in the satellite ecosystem. Fighting disruption or seeking
between multiple remote satellite terminals and between to maintain the status quo is ineffective and results in decreasing
satellite terminals and a hub. profits for service providers.

The SATLink Manager supports various use cases within the In order to establish new sustainable business models service
satellite broadcast, VSAT, Government and IP Trunking/IP providers should focus on exploiting the core competence of
Backhauling markets: from the reservation and setup of occasional operators, their flexibility to react to change, the capability to handle
use satellite links to the management of satellite capacity defined multiple applications/services and an innovative network design.
within one or multiple transponders and/or satellites. Moreover The Newtec Dialog platform is the prime tool to cater for these
the satellite capacity is optimized by determining the most new and innovative strategies, business models and services.
appropriate encapsulation and modulation scheme for a given
service. The overarching goal of a business model is to address a business
opportunity in such a way that value is created for customers as
well as for the satellite service provider himself. Next to value
differentiation also needs to be taken into account: how does
the service provider, network operator or broadcaster distinguish
himself from competition. The core competences, value adds and
the interaction with the customer define the way satellite providers
position themselves in the value chain. The provider can stick to a
single activity or ‘verticalize’ their offer and fill different positions in
the value chain.

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 Newtec Dialog
March 2014

In the below (figure 9) example the wholesale business model network can be configured to maximize operational and satellite
is described. In this model the Virtual Network Operator (here spectrum efficiency. The following questions will certainly need
an Internet Service Provider) has the choice to either resell a full to be addressed during the deployment of the network: What is
package of services coming from the satellite network provider or the SLA and throughput required by the customer? Do they need
to create his own value add by reselling bandwidth with his own Peak Information Rates (PIR) or Committed Information Rates (CIR)
defined service package. for their services? Are the services clustered in a package by the
Service provider? How many levels of service providers and VNOs
The inherent strength of the Newtec Dialog platform is that it are present in the network. What is the overbooking ratio? What is
supports both traditional and innovative business models from the optimal return technology per service. Do the services suffer
managed services to VNOs to multiservice and more. Moreover the from adaptive satellite bandwidth?
platform caters for a general business model applied for all services
and customers or different business model approaches depending The basic technologies behind the flexible Business Model
on the application, region, customer base or service itself. strategies are the advanced shaping rules, bandwidth management
and Quality of Service incorporated inside the Newtec Dialog
The starting point is the user profile and the position of the satellite Platform.
service provider inside the value chain. From that point onwards the

Reselling Only

Wholesale Service Profile

Service Profiles

Satellite Satellite VNO

Operator Network (e.g. ISP) End-user
Operator

Wholesale
Service Profile
Mbps Capacity

ISP Defined
Productized Services

Figure 9: Example wholesale business model supported on Newtec Dialog

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 Newtec Dialog
March 2014

Putting Newtec Dialog to the Test

Now the theoretical concepts and the technologies behind the CASE 1:
Newtec Dialog platform are well understood, it becomes time to Leased Line Services in Ku-band
put the platform to the test. In the following example, two use cases In the first case the satellite service provider runs leased line services
based on a star topology satellite network of 20 terminals spread for its customer. In the service level agreement between both
over Sub-Saharan Africa will be demonstrated. In the example we companies a dedicated throughput per site at 99,8% availability
will mainly focus on the return channel technologies SCPC, MF- in Ku-band has been determined. SCPC is traditionally selected
TDMA and Newtec Mx-DMA. as the most optimal technology for leased line types of networks.
The example satellite network (see figure 10) features following But how does it perform against the Newtec Mx-DMA technology
Newtec Dialog Platform elements: when we consider the return channels?

• Newtec HUB6501 1IF Hub Module

• Modems: MDM3100/MDM3300 IP Satellite modems

DVB-S2 CCT KU-BAND

G/T = 1DB
EIRP=45DBW

4.9M
ANTENNA
DVB-S2 SCPC DVB-S2 SCPC DVB-S2 SCPC
MX-DMA HRC MX-DMA HRC MX-DMA HRC
NEWTEC MF-TDMA 4CPM MF-TDMA 4CPM MF-TDMA 4CPM
DIALOG
HUB

1.8M 1.8M 1.8M

TELEPORT ANTENNA ANTENNA ANTENNA
GENEVA

MDM3X00 MDM3X00 MDM3X00

IP MODEM IP MODEM IP MODEM

HEADQUARTER REGIONAL REGIONAL REGIONAL

OFFICE 1 OFFICE 2 OFFICE 20

Figure 10: Example satellite network with Newtec Dialog Hub and MDM3100/3300 modems

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 Newtec Dialog
March 2014

When implementing 20 separate return channels using DVB-S2 service profile dedicated capacity. As a consequence operators
technology with a 20% roll-off factor and short frames, the total can apply a statistical multiplexing gain on the aggregated
occupied bandwidth for 18 Mbps throughput equals 12,44 MHz. To capacity compared to the sum of the individual links (which is
achieve the dedicated service levels for SCPC DVB-S2 is required to also common practice in terrestrial networks). The statistical
have terminals based on a 1.8m antenna and 8W BUC. multiplexing will not burden the end-user experience or the
For the same 18 Mbps of dedicated throughput over the service level agreements. Newtec Mx-DMA technology and its
leased lines Newtec’s Mx-DMA only requires 8,06 MHz satellite on-demand bandwidth allocation fully supports the “statistical
bandwidth. In other words, by deploying Newtec Dialog and multiplexing in the sky” feature.
the Newtec Mx-DMA return technology 35% savings can
immediately be generated for this leased line network. For this leased line network a conservative 25% statistical
multiplexing gain has been considered for the 20 sites, reducing
We can even take the efficiency gains a step further by engaging the throughput from 18 to 13.5Mbps.
the full potential of Newtec’s Mx-DMA technology. In the
above sizing, each of the 20 sites gets the dedicated return By implementing statistical multiplexing together with Newtec
throughput according to its service profile, resulting in the total Mx-DMA technology, the satellite service providers can realize
aggregate capacity of 18Mbps in the return link. However, it is a 52% bandwidth saving, compared to DVB-S2, going from
very unlikely all the 20 sites are instantaneously using the full 12.44MHz to 6.02MHz satellite bandwidth.

Sites Fixed bitrate Service Profile

4 sites 2 Mbps dedicated
4 sites 1 Mbps dedicated
12 sites 512 kbps dedicated

SCPC DVB-S2 SCPC DVB-S2

12.44 MHz 12.44 MHz - 18 Mbps
20% roll-off, short frames 20% roll-off, short frames

Mx-DMA HRC 35% saving 8.06 MHz Mx-DMA HRC 35% saving 8.06 MHz - 18 Mbps

Mx-DMA HRC 52% saving 6.02 MHz - 13.5 Mbps

Incl.25% Stat. Mux. Gain

Figure 11: Comparison performance Mx-DMA (with and without statistical multiplexing) and SCPC

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 Newtec Dialog
March 2014

CASE 2: More Throughput, More Customers per MHz

Shared Services in Ku-band Both use cases clearly demonstrate the Newtec Mx-DMA
In the second case the service provider offers shared and benefits over SCPC and MF-TDMA as return technology. For
overbooked services in the return link over satellite for the 20 dedicated capacity services Mx-DMA HRC typically brings two
remote sites. The SLA provides 2 Mbps peak rate (PIR) for all equally attractive options when compared to SCPC: save more
remotes and three types of committed information rates (CIR) than 35% bandwidth or serve 54% more customers within the
for the satellite network over a Ku-band transponder at 99.8% same bandwidth. By applying statistical multiplexing together
availability. Traditionally MF-TDMA would be the selected with Mx-DMA the bandwidth gain will be increased to 52%.
technology to handle these types of traffic. In this scenario we will For shared and overbooked services, the bandwidth saving of
compare the MF-TDMA performance against Newtec’s Mx-DMA. Mx-DMA HRC is even more than 50%, equivalent to serving more
When selecting MF-TDMA as the technology for the return link for than double the number of customers in the same bandwidth.
the 20 remote sites running shared and overbooked services, a
total satellite bandwidth of 7.76 MHz would need to be allocated.
In this MF-TDMA network a 1.8m antenna and 4W BUC are put
into operation.

Alternatively Newtec’s Mx-DMA only requires 3,89 MHz to run

the same throughput for the same PIR and CIR services. As such
Mx-DMA, running on the Newtec Dialog platform, results in a
50% gain compared to MF-TDMA technology.

Sites Shared Service Profile

4 sites 2 Mbps PIR – 1Mbps CIR
4 sites 2 Mbps PIR – 512 kbps CIR
12 sites 2 Mbps PIR – 256 kbps CIR

MF-TDMA
4CPM
7.76 MHz

Mx-DMA 50% saving 3.89 MHz

Figure 12: Comparison performance Mx-DMA and MF-TDMA

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 SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

Conclusion

Successful business strategies in the satellite market are based on The Newtec Dialog Platform allows service providers and network
platforms and technologies that embrace change and increase operators to build, adapt and extend their infrastructure easily
profitability. The need to innovate business models, strategies according to their business growth and capitalize on changes
and network infrastructure leveraging on change has never been taking place in the satellite market.
so pressing for satellite service providers, network operators and
broadcasters. It is needed in order to play a significant role in the The Flexibility, Scalability and Efficiency of the Newtec Dialog
entire satellite communications ecosystem. Companies that fail to Platform is directly related to the agility and success of business
do so expose themselves to the risk of losing ground in their core operations, and therefore profit, efficiency and market share too.
markets and suffer decreasing profitability. A wide spectrum of services and applications in the Broadcast,
Cellular Backhaul and Trunking, VSAT and Government markets
This is where the new Newtec Dialog Satellite Platform comes to can be covered on a single platform. One platform for all network
the rescue. All satellite service providers big and small can seize sizes, all services on one hub.
the opportunity today to fulfill their ambitious business objectives. Do not fear change, embrace it with Newtec Dialog.

More Information:
Contact us for more information: [email protected]

Visit our website: www.newtec.eu/newtec-dialog

Contact us: Newtec Cy N.V.

Laarstraat 5
B-9100 Sint-Niklaas
Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)3 780 65 00
Fax: +32 (0)3 780 65 49

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Tel: +32 3 780 65 00 Tel: +1 203 323-0042 Tel: +55 11 2092 6220 Tel: +65 6777 22 08 Tel: +86 10-823 18 730 Tel: +971 4 443 60 58
Fax: +32 3 780 65 49 Fax: +1 203 323-8406 Fax: +55 11 2093 3756 Fax: +65 6777 08 87 Fax: +86 10-823 18 731 Fax: +971 4 368 67 68

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