BGAN

Hardware

Inmarsat’s BGAN Radio Module (BRM) is a credit card-sized core module board housing a full-duplex BGAN modem, which enables Inmarsat Value Added Manufacturer (VAM) Partners to integrate BGAN connectivity into their User Terminals. The BRM can be used with various Front End Module (FEM) and antenna configurations, and includes a RESTful command interface accessed via Ethernet.

About

The BGAN Radio Module (BRM) enables VAMs to fast-track and reduce costs for development of BGAN User Terminals (any Market); streamline the Inmarsat Type Approval process and can be integrated into a variety of M2M; Land; Maritime; Aero solutions.

The BRM works with a wide range of existing and new components, from mobile, fixed or portal antennas to application boards and RF Front End Modules.

Network

The BRM uses the BGAN network. Click here for more information on the BGAN network.

Hardware

BGAN Radio Module for Use in BGAN Terminals

The BRM includes low power Radio Frequency (RF), physical layer data processing, GNSS receiver, and high level application interfaces.

The BRM can be used in all markets (Land; Government; Maritime; Aero) and BGAN technologies (Fleetbroadband, SwiftBroadband and BGAN M2M) when used with a wide range of Front End Module (FEM) (High Power Amplifier (HPA); Low Noise Amplifier (LNA); diplexer; antenna) configurations making it suitable for a wide range of operating environments, especially mobile operation.

A secure RESTful command interface, with embedded customisable web server interface is the primary command interface to the module. It is accessible locally via Ethernet and is for configuration; network access; administration; firmware upgrade; debug/monitoring of the BRM.

An Ethernet interface supporting Network Address Translation (NAT) and Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) protocols will allow the BRM to be used in a wide range of network configurations, including for enterprise use.

The BRM will enable VAMs to fast-track and reduce costs for development of BGAN User Terminals (any Market); streamlines the Inmarsat Type Approval process and will be able to be integrated into a variety of M2M; Land; Maritime and Aero solutions.

Manufacturers will be required to follow Inmarsat’s Type Approval Process which validates compliance with international rules relating to RF interference and BGAN services. Due to the fact that the BRM will be partially approved the process is expected to be lighter than a full development and will become faster and more cost-efficient as FEM/Antenna components are re-used.

Hardware Enabler

Inmarsat has developed the BRM as a hardware enabler to allow Inmarsat Value Added Manufacturer (VAM) Partners to perform integrations with existing BGAN Terminals.

The BRM is a radio module board that houses a full-duplex BGAN modem. It can be used with a variety of Front End Module (FEM) configurations and has a secure RESTful command interface and an Ethernet interface.

Resources

Inmarsat has partnered with Value Added Manufacturers in the development of terminals and solutions for our services. A range of terminals and manufacturers can be found at:

Services Supported

  • IP Background Data Connectivity (data rates at up to 492Kbps)
  • Streaming Data (averaging 650Kbps)
  • Voice
  • SMS
  • Remote Management