People like to stay connected, even when they’re on the train. Some trains travel at very high speeds, though, presenting a problem in maintaining wireless links to the Internet. A satellite is the answer, but contact is still a challenge. The StarRail antenna system from Starling Advanced Communications, though, enables wireless systems at speeds up to 300 km/h.

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The StarRail covers the full Ku band from 10.7 to 14.5 GHz (see the figure, below). The satellite transmit frequencies are 14 to 14.5 GHz, and the receive frequencies are 10.7 to 12.75 GHz. The gain is 33.5 dBi at 14 GHz, and the antenna’s overall figure of merit is 11 dB at 10.7 GHz. The antenna is a phased array with beam steering. Azimuth coverage is a full 360°, and elevation coverage is 0° to 90°.

The antenna serves as a band pipe from the Ku band to the L band in receive mode and a band pipe from the L band to the Ku band in the transmit mode. The antenna is connected directly to the L band modem. End users communicate through a wireless local-area network (WLAN) connected through a server to a modem.

The StarRail uses Starling’s CoMPA coherent multi-panel antenna technology, which helps deliver transmit bit rates of 1 to 5 Mbits/s and receive bit rates for 10 to 25 Mbits/s. Applications include voice, streaming Internet, and video. Another version of this antenna known as the StarCar can be mounted on the roofs of police cars, ambulances, and search and rescue vehicles.

Starling Advanced Communications Ltd.

The StarRail Ku band antenna is 38 in. long and 7.5 in. wide and weighs 60 lb. All of its electronics are fully self-contained within the unit.