In order to ensure reliable and dependable access to the internet and corporate data networks, many businesses are turning to terrestrial networks using dual redundant fibre access circuits and advanced MPLS network infrastructure. However, when it comes to coverage in rural areas and mobility, satellite has emerged as a strong, credible service.

This is exactly what Q-KON brings to the table. The company is a tier one provider of telecommunications services to emerging markets across Africa and has introduced H-2 (High capacity, high-availability satellite access service) to offer customers in remote locations where coverage is limited.

The end-to-end service is known to be extremely reliable, offering enterprise customers the ultimate in network availability. Satellite access circuits can be fully scalable to meet requirements from entry operations to full production sites. It boasts capabilities up to and beyond 10Mbps.

The service is offered with satellite redundancy option, which means that customers can take advantage of services on a redundant satellite and teleport infrastructure.

The H-2 solution is engineered to use fully redundant remote terminal equipment that is configured with auto-failover facilities to ensure maximum service reliability.

A turnkey solution

The offering is based on customer remote site equipment which includes two complete satellite terminals integrated to form a single full redundancy solution.

Q-KON has ensured that because of its satellite access platforms, it is possible to provide connectivity to customer premises via two independent communication channels over two different satellites and with termination at different gateway teleports.

Reliability of connectivity and the ability to control costs effectively remain key considerations for businesses across Africa. An end-to-end service availability of approximately 99% can be reached with options to increase this availability by installing of larger size equipment.

"We have structured the solution so that satellite communication channels are integrated to ensure optimum load balancing between to two circuits. It also features an Xiplink unit to provide additional data transmission optimisation and acceleration, as well as a real time out-of-band telemetry system to provide online access and monitoring of the equipment vital parameters," explains Dr Dawie de Wet, CEO of Q-KON.

"The solution represents a combination of our expertise, our technology and our knowledge of market requirements. It includes our turn-key field engineering support service," he continues.

H-2 brings together Q-KON's insight into satellite application and the benefit of an ongoing service inclusive of all support and maintenance cost.

Other value-adds of the service include the provision of monthly management reports, all service are underwritten with an extensive equipment warranty to eliminate any unexpected maintenance cost items, and the integration of Q-KON's advanced remote site monitoring solution to provide realtime status to a central control room of all equipment critical health parameters.

"With this solution we believe we have ticked all the boxes with regards to satellite-based connectivity service integration and application in Africa," Dr de Wet concludes.