Herndon, VA, February 25, 2019 – VT iDirect, a company of VT Systems, today announced that it has completed a successful proof of concept testing for its OSMOSIS video content distribution technology designed to operate over a satellite network with 4G/5G and Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) integration. OSMOSIS technology transforms multimedia streaming on mobile devices by leveraging efficiencies of a tightly integrated hybrid cellular and satellite network, enhancing user streaming experience and reducing network operation costs. Following 18 months of technology development in partnership with Software Radio Systems and the European Space Agency, a live over-the-air OSMOSIS demonstration will be showcased for the first time over the SATis5 5G satellite test bed enabled by VT iDirect, SES and Fraunhofer FOKUS at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona on 25 – 28 February 2019.

“The key to supporting the global explosion in video content is to push intelligence and processing to the edge,” said Richard Lord, Vice President, Engineering, Strategic Initiatives, VT iDirect. “We are thrilled to take this major next step in enabling our OSMOSIS technology in proof of concepts for our customers, while advancing satellite technology to operate seamlessly in a future 5G connected world.”

The OSMOSIS proof of concept is demonstrated using the SATis5 testbed network showcasing 4G and 5G satellite-enabled user applications. Users will be able to experience multi-media content delivery to smartphones and laptops via satellite-connected base stations in an over-the-air live demo, while experiencing firsthand the benefits of multi-access content delivery and network edge caching.

“Projects like OSMOSIS are extremely valuable to our Satellite for 5G Initiative’s mission to promote the benefits of space-enhanced 5G services,” said Antonio Franchi, Head of ESA’s Satellite for 5G and Future Programmes Acquisition. “Successful integration between satellite and terrestrial networks is key, and this demonstration is an important next step in showing interested partners that it works, while also advancing satellite technology to operate seamlessly in the future 5G-connected world.”

The test bed, enabled by the ESA ARTES funded project SATis5 and the SATis5 consortium members VT iDirect, SES and Fraunhofer FOKUS, provides a platform to demonstrate satellite and 5G use cases, and is built on iDirect hub and remote ground infrastructure as well as Fraunhofer’s 5G technology. The successful 5G integration in a live satellite environment utilizing a Software-Defined network (SDN), Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), and MEC techniques and technologies is made possible by SES’ geostationary satellites, global teleport network and IP transit infrastructure

OSMOSIS technology enables adaptive content distribution, local content caching, and local transcoding at the radio access network (RAN) edge. Further, the implementation is based on ETSI MEC technology, which reduces network congestion and maximizes capacity and security for the operator. These advances combine to generate new levels of traffic optimization and cost-effectively support surging video bandwidth demands in the mobile network.

To see the live demo, please visit the SES booth (Networking Garden, GG3) during MWC 2019, where SATis5 consortium experts will be on the ground. To learn more about the satellite integration and the value it brings to the 5G ecosystem, book an appointment with SES/VT iDirect teams during the show.

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VT iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is a global leader in IP-based satellite communications providing technology and solutions that enable our partners worldwide to optimize their networks, differentiate their services and profitably expand their businesses. For more than 20 years, the VT iDirect organization has focused on meeting the economic and technology challenges across the satellite industry. Today, the product portfolio, branded under the name iDirect, sets new standards in performance and efficiency, making it possible to deliver voice, video and data connectivity anywhere in the world. VT iDirect is the world’s largest TDMA enterprise VSAT manufacturer and is the leader in key industries including mobility, military/government and cellular backhaul. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information please visit www.idirect.net.

VT Systems is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. VT Systems’ innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit www.vt-systems.com.

Media contacts:

Julie Bettinger
Vice President, Corporate Marketing
VT iDirect
Phone: (1) 703 648 8155
Email: jbettinger@idirect.net

Christine Hicks
Manager, Corporate Communications
VT Systems
Phone: (1) 703 399 2769
Email: chicks@vt-systems.com