Iridium Data Services

The Iridium system is a satellite-based, wireless personal communications network providing a robust suite of voice and data features all over the globe. It is comprised of three principal components -- the satellite network, the ground network and the Iridium modems supplied by VAR's such as JouBeh.

The unique geometry of Iridium's low earth orbiting (LEO) satellites provides true global coverage, including the Polar Regions NOT covered by geostationary satellite systems. The low satellite orbits permit communication with our terminals using very small external antennas. The Iridium satellite constellation consists of 66 operational satellites which are organized into 6 orbital planes. The satellites are in near-polar orbits at an altitude of 780 km (485 miles) above the earth. They circle the earth once every 100 minutes and have a footprint of ~4500 km (2800 miles).

The constellation architecture ensures that every location on the globe is covered by at least one satellite at all times. Each satellite is cross linked to four other satellites, two in the same orbital plane and two others in adjacent planes. The network routes messages between satellites, therefore it is not necessary for the satellites to be in view of the gateway.

JouBeh Data Services

JouBeh Technologies is an Iridium Value-Added Reseller (VAR); we specialize in providing airtime for data services and messaging. These services include Short Burst Data (SBD), Circuit Switch Data (CSD), Router-based Unrestricted Digital Internetworking Connectivity Solution (RUDICS) and short-messaging service (SMS).

Short Burst Data (SBD)
Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD) is an efficient network protocol designed for shorter sized data messages, which is ideal for remote applications such as asset tacking or oceanographic platforms. It is possible to send Mobile Originated SBD (MO-SBD) data messages (up to 1960 bytes with 9522B & up to 340 bytes with 9601) and Mobile Terminated SBD (MT-SBD) data messages (up to 1850 bytes with 9522B & up to 270 bytes with 9601). Remote terminals can send MO-SBD using their application controller or microprocessor to communicate via AT commands through a RS-232 serial port. The application then transfers the data message in the transceiver across the Iridium satellite network utilizing inter-satellite links to reach the Iridium Gateway and delivered to the specified operational control centre.

Circuit Switch Data (CSD)
For remote applications that require a higher rate of data transfer, JouBeh offers Circuit Switch Data (CSD). CSD is an Iridium dial-up service that provides bi-directional communications at 2400 bits per second. The 9522B L-Band transceiver is used in the remote terminals and the CSD communications can be through a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or another remote modem.

RUDICS
RUDICS is a circuit switched data service designed to be incorporated into an integrated remote terminal. These applications are designed to support a large number of remote terminals. The key difference between RUDICS and dial-up CSD is the remote terminals are connected directly to the Iridium Gateway. RUDICS uses routers to allow termination and origination of the circuit switch data calls to and from a specific IP address. The capability is designed to support applications that have many field devices and one central host application. The service allows field devices to directly call the host application and the host application is able to directly call the field devices.