Driven by the rapidly changing space segment, satellite ground networks are in the midst of an evolutionary change called digital transformation. The digital transformation will enable satellite communications (SATCOM) to realize benefits in terms of speed of innovation, scale, and cost. More importantly, the digital transformation will help fulfill the key demands of next-generation DoD SATCOM networks. Digital transformation comprises two components that are widely accepted and adopted in the larger telecommunications industry: digitization and virtualization. Digitization modularizes and commoditizes SATCOM modem architectures to use common hardware and introduces a new digital intermediate frequency (IF) interface. Additionally, the standardization of digital IF (DIFI) is paving the way for these next-evolution architectures. Through a digitally transformed ground network, SATCOM systems can leverage new operational use cases that improve network and terminal agility and resilience. This half-day workshop includes a poster session and technology demonstrations where new approaches to digital IF and virtualization use in SATCOM can be shared. The workshop will conclude with a panel session to discuss the current DIFI protocol issues and the future role of DIFI in the digital transformation of SATCOM.
Poster author guidelines are found on the DIFI website:
https://dificonsortium.org/milcom-2022-poster-demonstration-updates/
Date: 28 November 2022 - Monday
Time: 8:30 am - 12:15 pm
Location: Grand Ballroom - Main H
This half-day workshop begins with a poster session and technology demonstrations showcasing digital IF and virtualization in SATCOM. The workshop concludes with a panel session titled “When will the digital transformation begin breaking ground?”, that will be moderated by Chris Badgett, DIFI Board Member and Chief Technology Office for Kratos, and will feature the following panelists:
- Carmel Ortiz, Vice President of Systems Innovation, Intelsat
- John Heskett, Chief Technology Officer, Kongsberg Satellite Services
- Lt. Col. Scott Davis, Product Manager, Wideband Enterprise Satellite Systems
- Vince Squitieri, Technical Director, Navy PEO C4I PMW/A 170.
