[Satellite TODAY 05-03-13] The Satellite Interference Reduction Group (IRG) has a made a lot of progress over the last year, not least involving Carrier ID technology, which is a key weapon in the battle against satellite interference. With interference a recurring problem in the industry, there are constant issues that need to be addressed.

 

    Martin Coleman, executive director, IRG, told SatelliteTODAY.com there are three main goals for IRG over the next 12 months to achieve. “We want to see both Network Information Table (NIT) Carrier ID and the new Carrier ID technology implemented for 50 percent of ALL video carriers. We [also] want the industry to supply standardized geolocation reports with a view to starting the process to migrate to an ISO standard. Finally, we want to establish the root causes of common VSAT interference problems and work with manufacturers to start to rectify them with new systems rolled out. These technologies together will make a significant impact on all types of interference situations,” he said.

 

    There does appear to be added momentum in this arena. Carrier ID technology is seen as a major breakthrough in the battle against interference, and was a great success at the London 2012 Olympics. Carrier ID has the ability to quickly identify the cause of interference so operators can quickly rectify the problem.

 

     “The next challenge is to ensure Carrier ID is implemented throughout the global satellite industry and I really hope we can achieve that in time for the next major sporting events. For intentional interference in the Middle East, and elsewhere, Carrier ID can help operators determine which carrier is the correct transmission and thus focus on the problem quickly. If it is deliberate, however, the chances are the source of that interference will not have an ID and we need other tools to locate them and stop future instances,” he added.

 

    Coleman identified geolocation technologies as an area where improvements could make a real difference. “Geolocation is an extremely valuable tool within our toolkit, enabling operators to locate the source of all types of interference. Of course for intentional interference it can often be the only way of determining the source, as they are naturally unlikely to use Carrier ID. By improving geolocation technologies, we can locate the source much more efficiently, as well as becoming more accurate, helping us to pinpoint a much more precise location,” he said.