The Research Vessel James Kirby has added satellite communications to its vessel without the massive costs that often go with it, by installing a Netbox Blue Satellite Communications Optimizer (SCO).

"James Cook University's Research Vessel couldn't have operated effectively without the Netbox Satellite Communications Optimizer.
It allows them to control satellite costs – it's an insurance policy against unexpected bills."
Neil Jamieson, AST Queensland Manager

The RV James Kirby, owned by the James Cook University in North Queensland, undertakes projects on the Great Barrier Reef, the Torres Strait and New Guinea for several months at a time. The researchers require satellite communications to stay in touch. However the University can't afford to risk racking up bills of tens of thousands of dollars a month on unnecessary internet downloads. It also needs a way to bill researchers from other universities for their satellite use.

With the help of Applied Satellite Technology Australia, the University installed a SCO from Netbox Blue. The SCO allows the University to control satellite costs on the RV James Kirby by using a combination of data compression, quota management, advanced spam filtering, category web filtering and the unique PipePlus technology.

PipePlus seamlessly fails over to the least expensive link available, making use of NextG 3G where available, then failing over to a satellite link when necessary, without any intervention from the crew of the Research Vessel. This minimizes time spent on satellite communications and thereby provides large cost savings for the James Cook University.

Category web filtering prevents researchers from downloading non-work related content from the internet, while the advanced spam filtering blocks spam before it has even reached the network, so the Research Vessel is not paying to download spam. Quota management also allows the University to control downloads and to bill users from outside the University as needed.

According to AST Queensland Manager, Neil Jamieson the RV James Kirby now has the benefits of satellite communications without the risks associated with unexpected bills.

"We recommend the Netbox Blue SCO to satellite users because it allows operators to control their satellite costs and avoid bill shock. And I think the SCO is unique in the marketplace because it provides the tools to control costs in one easy-to-manage solution."