[Satellite TODAY 07-21-10] Cisco’s Space-router technology has passed a U.S. Department of Defense satellite-orbit test for use of next-generation satellite-based IP services and communications from space, the company announced July 20.
    The U.S. military tested Cisco’s Internet Routing in Space (IRIS) through its Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) evaluation. During the JCTD test, military users on land and at sea evaluated IRIS services in real-world scenarios. Cisco said the technology provided on-demand connectivity to the Internet and allowed users to collaborate using applications, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and video/data transfers, via satellite in real-time.
    “IRIS achieved 99.95 percent availability during the test, making it a solid foundation on which to do mission-critical operations. It also allowed for seamless IP communications, secure IP-based VPNs and allowed for real-time chat and voice communications,” Cisco said in a statement.
    Cisco launched IRIS as the first IP router on an Intelsat IS-14 commercial satellite in November.