Page 31 - EngineerIT September 2021

IN CONVERSATION

Layer-2-over-satellite is thus the capability of smart satellite services to implement a
layer-2 network which enables the network routing to be done by the end-user network
end points. This greatly simplifies the satellite network architecture and enables very
specific application benefits.

Benefits of layer-2-over-satellite (L2oS)
Integrating a smart satellite network configured for layer-2-over-satellite (L2oS) with an
end-user core network offers several advantages. These are also the points that enable
current networks to overcome the old myths and include:
• Improved efficiency: Layer-2 enables MPLS to be used across the satellite link,
eliminating the need to use tunnelling to extend the customer MPLS. By removing
all routing from the satellite network segment and implementing this in the end-user
end point equipment, it eliminates the need for encryption over the satellite links and
improves the end-to-end efficiencies.
• Improved SD-WAN performance: Layer-2 improves the performance of SD-WAN over Dawie de Wet
satellite when compared to layer-3. In one particular customer scenario, SD-WAN on
the end-user layer-2 showed a >30% increase in throughput performance and user
experience than when using a layer-3 connection. effectively making latency no more a
• End-user routing architecture: With no routing functionality implemented in the satellite factor with satellite links than it is with
communication links, the core network architects can implement the end-to-end routing any other type of data network. De
topology to comply with the application requirements. From a remote satellite terminal Wet further explained that Twoobii is
perspective, there is only one hop between the CPE and the core router. It simplifies not positioning itself as a competitor
the configuration and deployment of the new sites. technology to 5G and fibre, but
• Enabling decentralisation: Smart satellite services also incorporate advanced VLAN rather as an alternative connectivity
functionality which enables different network end-points for different customers. Using solution for situations where its unique
this architecture option, one customer network can terminate, for example, in Teraco, advantages are applicable to the
while another network terminates in a neighbouring country. Smart Satellite Services challenging situations often found in
features such as L2oS enables seamless integration with core MPLS networks Africa. Twoobii is effectively busting the
unlocking performance and operational advantages. three major myths of satellite services,
namely - it’s expensive, it’s slow and
An unexpected complication applications don’t work due to latency.
Perhaps unexpectedly, smart satellite services need smart satellite network architects and Twoobii is able to offer services over
smart satellite implementation teams within smart satellite business models. This is really huge areas, and as it is not affected by
the underlying issue that will drive the positive change within the satellite industry as a outages such as loadshedding, it offers
whole and map the road for full adoption of the emerging satellite services. The ability to unmatched availability. This in turn
apply current and emerging satellite services to unlock user markets will be determined as makes it particularly suited to critical
much by the satellite features and specification, as by the capabilities and business models service applications such as ATMs and
of the service providers. To simply follow the old ways of offering satellite services from a retail point of sale. The service is also
pre-set product menu with a one-size-fits-all structure will not lead to market success, even exceptionally cost-effective thanks to
with latencies at fewer than 50msec. its on-demand billing. Combined with
Today’s smart satellite networks, such as the Twoobii-on-Flex service operated smart satellite technology, this means
by Q-KON on the Intelsat Flex networks, incorporate advanced data communication that Twoobii will prove to be the ideal
features which seamlessly integrate user applications such as voice and video calls, internet connectivity solution for African
enterprise users in off-grid areas.
The launch of new satellite networks
Dr Dawie de Wet (Pr. Eng. M.Sc. Eng.) – Group CEO of Q-KON.
With over 30 years’ experience in designing, engineering, developing and implementing wireless, such as Elon Musk’s Starlink has brought
microwave and satellite communication systems in Africa, Dawie is focused on developing telco satellite technology back into focus.
solutions that integrate user requirements, emerging markets and leading technology. “We welcome the buzz surrounding new
During his time with Q-KON, the company has demonstrated its communications technology smarts on international entrants into the market,
numerous occasions, including: and we are confident it will translate into
• Taking Wi-Fi underground through a combination of Wi-Fi and satellite technology principles (1994). an increased focus of businesses to look
• Developing the first non-line-of-site 20Mbps broadband wireless network, using Cisco and DOCSIS
technologies (mid-1990s). closer to home for fast, reliable satellite
• Conducting the very first IP-over-satellite tests for the then-PanAmSat Africa office (2000). broadband – especially now that we
• Developing the first Ku-band satellite broadband platform to service West Africa and later the entire have addressed legacy latency issues,”
continent (2005). de Wet said. The satellite landscape that
• Building, owning and operating the first large-scale satellite platform in South Africa (2010). is changing with smart satellite services is
• Bringing the very latest Twoobii product to market and offering best-of-both-worlds satellite just the beginning of the new generation
broadband (2018).
of services coming”. n

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