By utilizing the iDirect (News - Alert) Evolution X5 Satellite Router and the new operating software, iDX 3.0, maritime VSAT network operator Marlink has upgraded its global services so that vessels operating Marlink’s WaveCall services could realize increased reliability and bandwidth efficiency for core voice, email, Internet and remote business applications.

According to Marlink, its WaveCall system is suitable for a variety of maritime environments and with the Ku-band antenna, it can provide regional, multi-regional and global coverage at a fixed, affordable price. It also delivers high-level VSAT communications services designed to support remote business solutions, along with email, Internet, voice, news, and banking applications. The new upgrades by Marlink are aimed at satisfying growing customer requirements for more bandwidth and advanced tools for core voice and data connectivity.

iDirect asserted that the Evolution X5 is ideally suited for high-performance broadband applications such as enterprise connectivity, cellular backhaul, maritime, secure banking, and other mobile applications. Featuring iDirect’s highly efficient implementation of the DVB-S2 standard with Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) on the outbound carrier and along with deterministic MF-TDMA technology or SCPC Return, 2D 16-State FEC, the Evolution X5 router maximizes the efficiency of satellite capacity to enable new opportunities.

Marlink stated that competition in the maritime VSAT market has recently grown more intense, making it imperative for Marlink to differentiate its services and keep customers satisfied. The company’s three pillars of distinction are control, flexibility and support – iDirect's Evolution product line is an integral component to delivering these. By upgrading to Evolution, it has addressed an increased range of customer application requirements and expanded its customer base without sacrificing service quality or affordability.

“As vessels at sea increasingly become integrated with land-based operations, it's critical for today's maritime network to handle emerging corporate data and productivity application requirements as well as recreational traffic. Additionally, providers like Marlink must be able to prioritize critical traffic for their customers and guarantee reliable, always-on access to broadband anywhere. Our Evolution product line is engineered to deliver the industry's highest efficiency and availability, so Marlink can continue providing a world-class maritime VSAT service now and in the future”, said Steve Tunnicliffe, regional vice president of iDirect Europe. 

In other news, Marlink recently was certified as a “Platinum Partner” by Inmarsat (News - Alert). The Platinum status is the highest level of Inmarsat's Partner Accreditation Program, confirming Marlink's strength in the MSS market with its 8000 seagoing vessels with Inmarsat equipment.