SmartSky Networks has selected the CommAgility telecommunications systems software from Wireless Telecom Group as a key part of its next-generation air-to-ground (ATG) inflight connectivity network. The software and tools will give SmartSky a full protocol stack and physical layer (PHY) for its Aircraft Base Radio (ABR), which is the user equipment (UE) onboard the aircraft. The ABR connects to a ground base station and provides broadband inflight connectivity for the aircraft, passengers and crew.
Inflight connectivity systems must address challenges of ATG communications such as long-range transmission and Doppler shift, caused by high-altitude and high-speed air travel. Thus CommAgility customised its software to meet SmartSky’s specific requirements. For SmartSky’s UE, CommAgility has provided its MobilePHY-TI and MobileSTACK software, as well as development tools and test software.
“We’re combining the best telecoms technologies to deliver the optimal airborne communications network. We enhance standards-based 4G LTE and 5G technologies in an integrated system designed to provide high-bandwidth and reliable performance at close and long-range, in the most challenging mobility use-case – aviation,” said David Claassen, CTO at SmartSky Networks.
