Global satellite communications and network service provider, SpeedCast, has released Sigma Net, a new standard for shipping and remote site network management designed specifically for VSAT and MSS.
Sigma Net, a small, industrial-grade VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) and Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) network management device is designed for ships and remote sites, and provides automated and efficient management of multiple WAN links.
“Sigma Net is a robust and secure cloud-based management platform that will both revolutionise and simplify vessel IT administration, both for shore-based support staff and a vessel’s crew,” said Dan Rooney, maritime product director for SpeedCast.
“The highly-configurable and flexible prepaid voucher services allow for time-consuming administrative tasks such as voucher generation to be managed centrally, rather than relying upon the captain.”
{loadposition peter}Rooney says cyber security is at the heart of Sigma Net, which incorporates a stateful firewall and virtual private networking between the vessel and the Internet plus “unique methods to regulate Internet access, including rejection of update services to Windows or mobile devices”.
“Voice calling across multiple satellite equipment is simplified via Sigma Net’s integrated VOIP server, allowing a caller to choose the outbound call route via a prefix. National numbers can also be allocated, allowing for cost-effective calling from shore to a vessel. Feature and performance enhancements are automatically applied, ensuring that the Sigma Net’s software is always kept up to date,” Rooney notes.
V Fotinias, vessel IT manager at Danaos Shipping, Greece, says Sigma Net has introduced a new degree of connection and network management to the Danaos fleet.
“The Sigma Net Portal provides a web interface that enables remote configuration of SIGMA Net terminals across our fleet. The reporting provided by Sigma Net Portal gives us full visibility on traffic sent and received via the WAN links.”