Satellite Communication Networks
As soon as you research communication systems for your future voyages, names like Iridium, Inmarsat, or Globalstar appear... But who are they?
We invite you to get to know them better and understand their differences. Indeed, as a provider of onboard communication system solutions, the Advanced Tracking team works closely with these three satellite communication networks.
INMARSAT
Let's start with Inmarsat, which is the historical network as it was the first to provide access to individual satellite phone links thanks to a few geostationary satellites. They are therefore located almost 36,000 km above the Earth and move synchronously with the planet, remaining constantly above the same point on the surface. The coverage of these satellites is therefore not total, but it is very reliable and opens up to a wide range of terminals that allow high-speed voice and data transfer depending on the equipment. One of the widely used solutions with the Inmarsat network is the Inmarsat Fleet One. This equipment provides accessible and affordable satellite connectivity. It offers many features such as telephone, SMS sending, GPS positioning, emergency activation, email sending, photo transfer, social media connection, weather reception (Grib files), and optional tracking on a geolocation interface. This solution provides peace of mind during your voyages.
More information on Inmarsat Fleet One: Click here
IRIDIUM
Unlike Inmarsat, the satellite network Iridium provides total coverage, including at the poles.
Due to its global coverage, the Iridium network is mainly used for voice data transmission, especially for emergency systems. This is why Iridium is associated with geolocation beacons such as the ALIVE beacon, always connected to the 66 low-orbit satellites (780 km altitude) forming the new Iridium NEXT constellation. These satellites relay communication to the terrestrial station operating the network, which also allows for high-speed internet connection. This technology thus opens up all communication possibilities, geolocation on land and at sea, at varying rates depending on usage.
Whether for voice communication, downloading small weather files via a satellite phone or other simple fixed device, or for heavier data with a need for high-speed internet, the Iridium network is adaptable according to your use and terminals. It offers flexibility and, above all, great reliability.
One of the flagship solutions with Iridium for round-the-world navigators is the Iridium GO. This latest technology allows you to communicate via your smartphone or tablet in voice or data mode anywhere on the planet.
More information on Iridium GO: Click here
GLOBALSTAR
Finally, Globalstar is based on a constellation of 48 low-orbit satellites (at 1,414 km altitude) to offer complete coverage, excluding polar latitudes. Unlike the Iridium network which uses inter-satellite communication, each satellite in the Globalstar system communicates directly with terrestrial telecommunication networks, hence the need for each ground station to be within range of each satellite, meaning about forty gateway stations distributed around the globe.
Like the Inmarsat and Iridium networks, voice and data services are offered. The Globalstar network is mainly used for our geolocation beacon solutions such as the SmartOne C or Smartone Solar beacon, particularly for professionals to geolocate containers, trailers, boats, or vehicles. A system designed for intelligent management of fixed or mobile assets.
More information on the SmartOne C beacon: Click here
More information on the SmartOne Solar beacon: Click here
These three satellite communication networks are therefore essential for ensuring communications on board boats navigating offshore, out of reach of terrestrial cell towers. The two main networks, Inmarsat and Iridium, each offer specific features such as total or partial coverage, which must be taken into account depending on your navigation area.
For more information, feel free to contact the Advanced Tracking team
Photo credit: Author OpenClipartVectors