The University of the South Pacific Upgrades Regional Campus Network with iDirect's Evolution Platform

HERNDON, Va., June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that the University of the South Pacific (USP), a regional institution owned by the governments of 12 countries, has switched its VSAT service to iDirect's Evolution platform. With Evolution, USP is equipped to improve the efficiency, stability and scalability of its network, which provides Internet access, course management applications, and video and audio conferencing services to its campuses. USP has purchased an iDirect 5IF satellite hub as well as Evolution X3 and X5 remote routers. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

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Since 2000, USP has owned and operated USPNet, its regional satellite network that keeps its 12 campuses across the South Pacific connected. As USPNet grew, several stability and efficiency issues began to affect its performance. During high-congestion periods, for example, the quality of individual services suffered, including Internet, video conferencing and the course management system relied on by students and faculty. This, coupled with the network's limited bandwidth capacity, prevented USPNet from effectively expanding or meeting the needs of its users.

By implementing iDirect's Evolution platform, USP has been able to improve its network stability and efficiency. Evolution's built-in Group Quality of Service feature has allowed USP to avoid service degradation by effectively controlling how available bandwidth resources are allocated to each application running on the network. And since Evolution is based on the next-generation DVB-S2 transmission standard with Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM), USP has been able to improve its bandwidth efficiency by 10 Mbps while increasing overall network capacity.

With the efficiency gains provided by Evolution, USP will use the extra bandwidth to also launch a new Ku-band network later this year. The Ku-band network will extend the reach of USPNet beyond the existing C-band service, providing connectivity to sub-campuses located on remote islands of its member countries. Using Evolution's built-in ACM, USP will be able to overcome potential rain or solar fade issues, which typically affect Ku-band services in tropical locations.  

"USPNet is perhaps our most important development in the last decade. It represents the University's broader commitment towards multi-modal, flexible learning and teaching by remaining at the forefront of communication and information technologies. With Evolution, we're able to fulfill that vision, enhancing our student and staff experience by improving network stability and increasing bandwidth efficiency by almost 300% for critical educational tools and course management applications."

~ Kisione FINAU

Director - Information Technology Services, USP

"Given the high costs of bandwidth in the South Pacific, it's critical that USP is able to utilize its bandwidth resources as efficiently as possible, especially in providing critical distance education and Internet access across a decentralized region. With Evolution, the University has realized significant bandwidth savings that will enable it to expand USPNet so it can continue to provide greater access to education for remote island communities with limited resources."

~ John ARNOLD

Regional Vice President - Sales, Asia Pacific, iDirect

The University of the South Pacific (USP) is the premier provider of top-quality higher education in the Pacific Islands region.  It is an international centre of excellence for teaching, research, consulting and training on all aspects of Pacific culture, environment and human resource development needs. Established in 1968, USP is one of only two regional universities in the world, and is jointly owned by 12 Pacific Island Countries - Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is transforming the way the world gets and stays connected. The company's satellite-based IP communications technology enables constant connectivity for voice, video and data applications in diverse and challenging environments. The iDirect Intelligent Platform™ integrates advanced technology into iDirect's portfolio of hubs, routers and network management software to address the growing complexity of deploying and managing global IP networks. With more than 15 years of global satellite communications experience, iDirect serves customers in over 50 countries through a diverse network of service provider partners, including seven of the World Teleport Association's Global Top Ten operators. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, iDirect has offices in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. In 2007, iDirect Government Technologies (iGT) was set up to drive adoption of its IP-based solutions in the US Government market. In 2008, iDirect Asia Pte Ltd was established in Singapore to enhance its value-add and responsiveness to customers in the Asia Pacific region.  Please visit www.idirect.net.

VT Systems is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors.  VT Systems' innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering.  Please visit www.vt-systems.com.

SOURCE iDirect

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