SkyX Gateway XR10
Performance-Enhancing Gateway for Satellite Networks
The SkyX™ Gateway offers increased performance for Internet and private network access over satellites. The XR10 model, easily added to any network, is designed for satellite links of up to 10 Mbps. Through the use of a unique, connection splitting and protocol translation system, the SkyX Gateway overcomes the deficiencies of TCP/IP in satellite-based networks, while remaining entirely transparent to end users.
For general information on the SkyX Gateway, performance test data, or SkyX Gateway software solutions, please see the SkyX Gateway technology white paper.
SkyX Gateway Operation
The SkyX Gateway increases the throughput and reduces the end-to-end latency of network access over satellites by transparently replacing TCP with the SkyX Protocol for the satellite segment of the connection. Especially optimized for satellite usage, the SkyX Protocol provides maximum performance under the long latency, high loss, asymmetric bandwidth conditions typical of satellite communications.
The SkyX Gateway intercepts TCP connections from the sender and converts the data to the SkyX Protocol for transmission over the satellite. The SkyX Gateway on the opposite side of the satellite link translates the data back to TCP for communication with the receivers. Through this unique, patent-pending architecture, the SkyX Gateway requires no changes to TCP/IP stacks on end nodes and does not modify the operation of TCP/IP over terrestrial segments of the connection.
The XR10 is designed for easy installation into any TCP/IP network. In the standard configuration, the XR10 becomes the default gateway for the network, connected via dual Ethernet ports between the router and the local area network.
Advantages
Increased Performance
The addition of the SkyX Gateway to a satellite network allows users to take full advantage of the available bandwidth. For typical satellite conditions, the SkyX Gateway increases the throughput rate by 3 times or more for Web traffic and up to 10 to 100 times for file downloads.
Reduced FEC Usage
The SkyX Gateway offers high levels of performance even at bit error rates that reduce TCP performance to near zero. Improved response to bit errors reduces the effects of rain fade and lowers the level of forward error correction encoding required, thereby gaining additional usable bandwidth from a given link.
Reduced Return Channel Bandwidth
With a highly efficient data acknowledgment mechanism, the SkyX Gateway uses significantly less reverse channel bandwidth than TCP. For typical satellite conditions, SkyX Gateway reverse channel bandwidth usage is one-third or less of that used by TCP, realizing significant cost savings through the provisioning of a smaller reverse channel link than would be required by TCP.
Important Features
High Performance
The SkyX Gateway enhances the performance of Internet, intranet, extranet, private network, or any other TCP/IP connections over satellite links. The SkyX Gateway provides increased performance for any TCP-based application including World Wide Web access and FTP file transfers.
Transparent Operation
The SkyX Gateway is entirely transparent to end users. No changes, modifications, or settings to the clients or servers are required. The SkyX Gateway provides improved performance regardless of the operating system, TCP/IP stack, or settings on end clients or servers.
10 Mbps Capacity
The XR10 is designed for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint satellite links of up to 10 Mbps. The XR10 can also be used as a remote client in combination with the XH45 for hub-spoke networks of up to 45 Mbps.
Web-Based Monitoring Console
Performance of the XR10 can be monitored through a Web-based console, accessible from any browser.
Easy Installation
The XR10 includes two 10/100baseT Ethernet ports for easy installation into any standard TCP/IP network.
Specifications
Capacity
Link speeds up to 10 Mbps
Warranty
1 year
Mechanical Interfaces
Network interface
2 x 10/100BaseT Ethernet
Terminal interface
RS-232 serial interface
Environmental and Physical Specifications
AC Input Voltage
100 to 120 VAC or 200 to 240 VAC
AC Input Frequency
50 to 60 Hz
AC Input Current
0.39 A rms (120 VAC), 0.20 A rms (240 VAC)
Power
47 Watts maximum
Dimensions
17.1” W x 12” D x 3.5” H (2 RU)
(43.5 cm W x 30.5 cm D x 8.9 cm H)
Mounting
Rack mounting brackets included
Weight
12 lbs (5.4 kg)
Operating Temperature
0° to 50°C
Storage Temperature
-25° to 85° C
Humidity
10% to 90% non-condensing
Mentat - the leader in performance networking
The SkyX Gateway is a product of Mentat, the leading supplier of TCP/IP and other high-performance networking solutions to the computer industry since 1987. Just as Apple, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Novell, Sony, Sun, and other computer manufacturers depend on Mentat for the networking software that drives their operating systems, you can depend on the SkyX Gateway to be a solution you can trust.
For more information on the SkyX Gateway or for details on product licensing, please contact Mentat at:
Mentat Inc.
1145 Gayley Ave. Suite 315
Los Angeles, CA 90024 USA
phone: (310) 208-2650 ext. 1
toll free: 888-4MENTAT (888-463-6828)
fax: (310) 208-3724
email: info@mentat.com
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