[Satellite TODAY Insider 12-06-11] The Satellite Interference Reduction Group (sIRG) is forming a new working group covering Satellite Identification (ID), the company announced Dec. 5. The group will focus on finding cost-effective ways to introduce Satellite ID, as well as working towards a standard for auto-deploy systems, with the aim of significantly reducing interference during deployment of those systems.
Martin Coleman, Executive Director, sIRG, told Satellite Today Insider that Satellite ID is a growing problem facing the industry. “Satellite ID, i.e. recognizing a satellite correctly, is considerably more complicated to achieve than Carrier ID and it is something we simply cannot do as yet, but it is something we are working to achieve,” he said. “The first step towards this is the formation of our new working group. The first task of that group is to look at Satellite ID and the numerous methods of achieving the identification of any satellite accurately and simply. This should lead naturally to the improvement of Auto-Deploy and Comms-On-The-Move (COTM) systems specifically, and thus formulating new standards.”
The Working Group has two main focuses in the initial months. Coleman commented, “The key objectives are, firstly, to find cost-effective ways to introduce Satellite ID across the industry so that auto-deploy systems and other equipment can verify that it has found the correct satellite. Secondly, to work towards a standard for auto-deploy systems, ensuring that they all have Satellite ID and other functionality built-in to reduce interference.”
Coleman hopes that in the next year, the working group will make key progress on some of its challenges. “The biggest challenge currently is the complicated and potentially costly nature of introducing Satellite ID. This group will need to look into the various ways of overcoming those challenges, as discussed at (our) recent conference, but I am confident it will have a significant impact on the fight against interference. I am also confident that we have some very talented individuals involved with this group, who will undoubtedly work hard towards a resolution. I am hoping that we will be able to have some practical results and conclusions by our next annual conference in Q4 of 2012.”
sIRG has a number of key battles ahead. The move to Carrier ID has grabbed a lot of headlines in recent months. In terms of the differentiation between Carrier ID and Satellite ID issues for sIRG, Coleman said, “Carrier ID is about identifying the carrier. It means that when a transmission mistake is made, a satellite operator can quickly identify which carrier is correct and which one is wrong. The problem can then be resolved quickly and efficiently. Whereas Satellite ID ensures that any transmit systems can ensure they are pointing to the correct satellite before making any transmissions. Satellite ID is proactive and Carrier ID is reactive. Identifying the satellite, however, is complex and we are only at the beginning of thinking this through. There is no one technology that fits. We will have to figure that out from scratch, but with a view to being practical and cost-effective.”