The SeaTel 4009, 1.0 Meter Ku band VSAT antenna
Photo: Cobham

[Via Satellite 10-03-2013] Comtech EF Data Corporation has completed interoperability testing with a selection of Cobham SATCOM Maritime VSAT stabilized antenna systems and the ROSS Open Antenna Management (ROAM) protocol.

The interoperability enables the Cobham SATCOM Sea Tel XX12 series Maritime VSAT antenna systems equipped with IMA electronics, including the 4012GX, 4009 MK3, 5012 and 6012, to globally roam across multiple satellite beams, maintaining connectivity moving through different satellite footprints. Interoperability with the Cobham SATCOM Sea Tel XX12 supplements the Sea Tel USAT series, Sea TEL 3011, Sea Tel XX06, Sea Tel XX09, Sea Tel XX10, Sea Tel XX07 and Sea Tel XX97 antenna systems utilizing a DAC-2202 antenna controller first implemented in November 2012, thus providing a broad range of Cobham SATCOM Maritime VSAT systems capable of interoperability with the ROAM protocol.

The ROAM protocol offers a common management interface for Comtech EF Data’s Roaming Oceanic Satellite Server (ROSS) and third-party Antenna Control Units (ACUs) by providing a generic set of commands, information, interfaces and status queries. ROSS is an integrated location server that works in conjunction with Comtech EF Data’s Vipersat Management System to facilitate on-the-move satellite communications for oceanic vessels. ROSS enables remote modems to interface with stabilized, auto-tracking antennas, maintaining connectivity as vessels move through footprints of different satellites. Vessel position data, satellite signal and management status are constantly monitored to determine when satellite handoff is necessary.