ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. –
The 744th Communications Squadron proudly announces the newest addition to the capabilities and services it provides to the base: Internet Protocol Television system. IPTV provides the ability to pass streaming video through the base network allowing network users to view television directly from their desktop computer.
The goal of implementing IPTV is to meet situational awareness needs while at the same time reducing operating costs. With the need to increase vigilance, there are a greater number of personnel that have a need to know world events, global weather, and local conditions. Using the base computer network, the 744 CS can support a wider audience than the current cable TV locations.
The system is connected to the network and accessible by clicking the IPTV link that will appear on the Andrews Intranet page. The satellite service currently provides six channels: CNN, The Weather Channel, Fox News, MSNBC, and as well as local CBS and ABC stations.
Additionally, the 744 CS has a number of set top box modules, which are similar to a normal cable TV box. The STBs allow stand alone TV monitors to connect to the network and receive service anywhere on the base. All that is required is a local area network connection and a TV.
The locations of the STBs have been pre-defined based on a cable television audit conducted by the 744 CS.
As a result, some cable television users will transfer from Comcast Cable service to the new IPTV STB configuration during the month of October.
While most people would think that streaming video across the base network would bog down the network's bandwidth, it will not. Senior Airman Eric Fortner, the lead technician explained "The components of the IPTV system use IP multicasting which utilizes the network infrastructure efficiently by requiring the source to send a packet only once, even if it needs to be delivered to a large number of receivers. The network nodes take care of replicating the packet to reach multiple receivers only where necessary. Essentially, regardless of how many users are watching the system at any time, the strain on the network is negligible."
Staff Sgt. Joseph Shediack, the project manager expressed, "The base will incur an average monthly expense of $1,000 to support 1,000 simultaneous viewers. The 744 CS will monitor viewer activity to confirm whether additional licenses are required. Even with 1,000 people viewing at one time, the transfer will save the base roughly $80,000 annually in cable costs."
The 744 CS will provide unit CSAs with support guides that will assist in issues that may arise with the service. Additionally, the 744 CS Help Desk will provide support to CSAs. Andrews AFB customers can use the new IPTV system by clicking on the Andrews AFB Television link that will appear on the Andrews Intranet web page.
Future plans include making IPTV available to Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., network users.
(Courtesy of the 744th Communications Squadron)