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As the edges of networks continue to be blurred , it is getting more and more difficult to define where space is and where terrestrial is , suggests Martin Coleman , executive director of the Satellite Interference Reduction Group ( IRG ).
As software applications are increasingly becoming the norm , Coleman tells APB : “ What if pieces of radio frequency ( RF ) equipment becomes cloud machines ? And instead of having a satellite that does that and that , you can just use the cloud to send a new application ?”
Emphasising the need for the satellite industry to re-think about
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RF and space management , Coleman adds : “ Imagine converting pieces of equipment into applications — if an engineer needs an RF switching device , he just needs to access an application — and this is also where space joins IP and the broadcast chain .”
Coleman , who also attended APB ’ s IP Master Class held in Singapore on June 25 , described the event as “ extremely informative ” and has given him food for thought on how the space and satellite industry can embrace IP .
Another technology that he is keen to highlight is artificial intelligence ( AI ), which is critical in making
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the transition to make cloud manageable . “ We need AI and machine learning as an assistant to manage tasks such as encryption . To digitise a 500Mb transponder , for instance , you need encryption , which needs some powerful computing capabilities .”
Coleman also has a parting message as ConnecTechAsia 2018 draws to a close today : “ The satellite and space industry needs new blood and talent . As experienced stakeholders , we need to teach what we know , in order for the industry to move forward .
“ Hopefully , with the imagination of this set of new talent , it will come
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Visiting the Inmarsat booth 1S2-01 at CommunicAsia2018 , Martin Coleman , executive director of the Satellite Interference Reduction Group ( IRG ), highlights how technologies like IP and AI are re-shaping the satellite and space industry .
to a point in 10 years ’ time where I don ’ t even understand how things work anymore !”
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Arista Networks , arrived at some definitive conclusions .
The panel , which was convened at BroadcastAsia2018 , agreed that the best time to start the transition to IP would be as if broadcasters were developing a greenfield facility , or if they were planning for a major technology upgrade .
Mc Kiernan was adamant that a total change in mindset was needed on the part of broadcasters still operating in SDI ; and although there may not be a single large benefit from making the switch from SDI to IP , a host of smaller benefits would accrue . However , he admitted : “ We ’ re still struggling with the standards .”
Bayliss felt that flexibility would be the biggest benefit , as networks would operate in a multi-platform environment , where services could be brought up very quickly . For this
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to work , a number of broadcast engineers would have to be re-educated for the move to IP .
“ You won ’ t acquire the requisite skill sets by merely reading about IP ,” he said . “ You would need to get your people fully involved , and allow them to learn on the job .”
One major point that came up several times during the session was that , if you do not start soon , even with a small set-up , to get people trained in the intricacies of IP broadcasting , you would be missing the boat .
“ You don ’ t just hire a systems integrator to do it all for you and hand over the key ,” said Moore . “ You have to make sure your maintenance and operations people are involved in the entire change-over process .”
Another question that arose was whether it was worth switching totally to IP , or starting more cautiously with a hybrid system — a mix of both SDI and IP , working together .
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The panellists agreed that there would be a number of hybrid systems in the foreseeable future , with Goh saying : “ Today , every input and output of major equipment is not 100 % IP yet .
“ We have an example of a hybrid system at our Mediacorp booth upstairs , here at BroadcastAsia2018 .
“ So you will have what we call ‘ gateways ’, similar to what we had when we converted analogue to digital , or SD to HD .”
One of the other major questions raised was about provisioning for an IP network . “ When you buy an SDI router that is 512 x 512 , you have already made a provision that you cannot go bigger than that ; you can only go smaller ,” said Bayliss .
“ When you put in your own IP network , you need to provision it the same way as understanding how much bandwidth you need within your entire facility .
“ But networks keep getting faster
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and faster , so provisioning need not become a critical issue .”
Yet another key issue was that of security . Mc Kiernan raised the rhetorical question of how seriously security has to be taken in an IP system ; and whether all the equipment was to be locked up at the end of the working day .
“ If anyone wishes to hack into your system to take you off the air , the most effective thing they could do is to disable your air-conditioning IP-controlled system , or hack into your automation system , which is already IP ,” he said .
“ Therefore , there is nothing to be achieved by further beefing up your security when you convert to IP . The old security system , run with normal diligence , would be quite adequate .”
To embrace IP is no longer the question … to embark or not to embark is the big question at BroadcastAsia2018 !
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