Case Study: SmartSky Networks achieves remote access and management of ground-station equipment with Perle Console Servers

SmartSky Networks manages 250 ground-stations with Perle Console Servers

SmartSky Networks, an in-flight broadband service provider, faced the challenge of remotely managing and monitoring mission-critical Cisco equipment in its widely dispersed and often remote ground stations across the United States. Their 4G LTE air-to-ground network required reliable, out-of-band access to these systems even during network outages. Following a recommendation from Cisco, SmartSky turned to Perle for its console servers.

The solution implemented by Perle involved deploying its Console Servers to provide secure remote access to the serial console ports of all ground-station equipment, enabling management regardless of network status. Frank Wang, Principal Network Architect at SmartSky, noted the Perle devices were easy to install, use, and were valued for their reliability in hardened environments. This allowed SmartSky to maintain its nationwide network and deliver high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity, enabling services like video calls and streaming for airline passengers.

SmartSky Networks