SASS enables interconnection of alarm and video surveillance systems to security centres via satellite. Alarm messages, live video images can be simultaneously transmitted for alarm verification and general surveillance. Bi-directional audio and IP data channels provided emergency voice communications and remote control of devices as video cameras. The system is cost effective and can provide primary or redundant connectivity for security systems where terrestrial networks are not available or reliable.
Orbit's SASS satellite terminals can be deployed at any location within the coverage of the Eutelsat Eurobird-3 satellite (image below). The terminals consist of a 90-centimetre outdoor antenna and an indoor interface unit. This indoor unit provides standard interfaces for the interconnection of alarm panels, CCTV cameras, telephones, microphones, speakers and a standard computer data port (Ethernet) for user defined applications. The installation and activation of the satellite alarm terminals is done by a network of certified security installers.
Satellite coverage of the Eutelsat's Eurobird-3
The terminals are linked via a geostationary satellite to the ViaOrbit hub in the UK. From the hub all traffic is routed via broadband IP networks to Alarm Response Centres (ARC's). The satellite transmission links are controlled by the ViaOrbit Network Operations Centre. The NOC ensures that the alarm transmission performance complies with the requirements of the European and British Standards. Furthermore SASS meets the highest European and British standards in terms of quality-of-service, alarm transmission time, line fault reporting time, availability and information security. SASS achieves this through the development of advanced mechanisms for the allocation of satellite network resources dependent on traffic priorities, bandwidth on-demand management and real time monitoring of the end-to-end transmission links. SASS' introduction at BAPCO represents the system is now entering its commercial phase and is the first in a series of market launches throughout Europe. "We are excited to see interest in SASS from satellite service providers and system integrators throughout Europe and the initial interest in the system they received from their customers in the corporate and government security market," stated Mr Andreas Nil, general manager of MediaMobil Communication GmbH. "For the commercial introduction in other countries in Europe we have established co-operation with Multimedia Satellite Services (M2sat) in the Netherlands, who will take the lead in building out our partnership network." Ian Jones, general manager of Orbit Research Ltd. remarked, "We see excellent opportunities for SASS in the UK and will support the system through our UK based hub station which offers our clients unprecedented flexibility and access to satellite services. As we live in a world that asks for a proper response to emergency situations and security threats, we see an increasing demand for security systems and video surveillance systems also on those locations where terrestrial telecom facilities are not available." BackgroundDeveloped under the ARTES Start-up Projects initiative, the SASS underwent successful three month long field trials connecting, among others, a nuclear power plant in Slovakia to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna Austria. IAEA tested SASS's ability to monitor nuclear facilities in near real-time. SASS was able to provide higher quality information in a shorter time. Because the system is always-on, vigilance and safety are enhanced and the nature of satellite means global coverage. Mr. Stefano Badessi, ESA responsible for application projects in the area of emergency management and security, expressed his appreciation for the excellent performance of the company: "MediaMobil, with the SASS project, has confirmed the validity of the ESA Start-up Projects Initiative. MediaMobil, a German SME, has been supported in the early development stages of their research in the field of satellite alarm system and succeeded in refining a very promising business proposition." To read more about SASS click under related links at the right of this page. Image courtesy of Via Orbit
