Improving security through satellite telecommunications

Orbit Research Ltd and MediaMobil Communication GmbH are implementing an ESA-supported project to introduce a solution for alarm monitoring and video surveillance via satellite to meet the increasing demand for security systems from the government and corporate market.

The companies have announced their intention to introduce the Satellite Alarm and Surveillance System (SASS). SASS is independent of terrestrial infrastructure and can be interfaced with standard video surveillance systems.

SASS enables the interconnection of alarm and video surveillance systems to security centres via satellite. Alarm messages and live video images can be simultaneously transmitted. The video images can be used for alarm verification or for surveillance. Bi-directional audio and internet-like data channels provided emergency voice communications and remote control of devices such as cameras.

The system is cost effective and can provide primary or redundant connectivity for security systems where terrestrial networks are either not available or are unreliable.

Orbit's SASS satellite terminals can be deployed at any location within the coverage of the Eutelsat Eurobird-3 satellite.

The terminals consist of a 90-centimetre outdoor antenna and an indoor interface unit. This indoor unit provides standard interfaces for the connection of alarm panels, CCTV cameras, telephones, microphones, speakers and a standard computer data port (ethernet) for user-defined applications. The installation and activation of the satellite alarm terminals is done by a network of certified security installers.

The terminals are linked via a geostationary satellite to the ViaOrbit hub in the UK. From the hub, all traffic is routed via broadband networks to alarm response centres. The satellite transmission links are controlled by the ViaOrbit network operations centre.