Mentat launches new SkyX Gateway software

LOS ANGELES -– Mentat Inc. launched SkyX Gateway version 2.0, adding SNMP management, multi-link configuration, QoS enhancements, and other new features to its Internet-over-satellite performance-enhancement product.

The SkyX Gateway is a unique, patent-pending system for overcoming the limitations of Internet protocols when used over satellite networks. By transparently replacing TCP with a highly efficient protocol designed for long latency, asymmetric bandwidth, and high loss conditions typical of satellite networks, the SkyX Gateway makes possible terrestrial-like performance over satellite links. The SkyX Gateway is made for enhancing the performance of both Internet and private network links and is entirely transparent to end clients and servers.

The SkyX Gateway is available as a ready-to-install hardware solution which can be added to any satellite network. The XR10 model is designed for satellite links of up to 10 Mbps and the XH45 model is available for high-speed links of up to 45 Mbps.

The new features available in version 2.0 include:

SNMP management: The SkyX Gateway can be configured and monitored by industry-standard SNMP management tools, making the SkyX Gateway easier to install into large-scale, carrier-class networks.

Multi-link configuration: A single SkyX Gateway can be utilized to enhance the performance of multiple point-to-point links. This feature is of particular value to teleports, corporations, and other operators providing large numbers of separate outbound links from a single uplink facility. The XR10 model can support up to 4 separate links, while the XH45 can enhance up to 32 individual links. Both models can continue to be used in point-to-multipoint and full-mesh configurations as well.

Private virtual circuits: With version 2.0, the SkyX Gateway can allocate a specified bandwidth to each individual remote site. This Quality of Service (QoS) enhancement allows link operators to service multiple customers with guaranteed bandwidth on a single physical link.

Simplified installation: Version 2.0 expands the applicability of passive routing, making the SkyX Gateway transparent to nearly any network architecture.

Dynamic rate adjustment: The SkyX Gateway transmission rate can now be adjusted on-the-fly. This enhancement makes the SkyX Gateway compatible with Bandwidth on Demand (BoD) satellite transmission equipment.

“In the thirteen years since Mentat began developing networking software, the most important key to our success has been working closely with our customers and understanding their needs,” says Kay Guyer, Mentat president. “Version 2.0 of the SkyX Gateway offers our customers new features and enhancements to make the SkyX Gateway even easier to install and operate across the wide range of different networks built by our quickly expanding customer base.”

Mentat customers may upgrade their existing SkyX Gateway hardware to version 2.0 free of charge by downloading the new system software from the Mentat Web site.