DIFI - Digital Intermediate Frequency Interoperability

DIFI consortium is to enable the digital transformation of space, satellite, and related industries by providing a simple, open, interoperable Digital IF/RF standard that replaces the natural interoperability of analog IF signals and helps prevent vendor “lock-in”. The standard will provide all manufacturers to build interoperable technologies resulting in highly flexible networks and enabling the industry to respond rapidly to customer demands.

Digitizing the interface between modem and RF components using this new standard will leverage the industry to the latest virtualization, cloud computing and network functions as well as greatly improve the performance and scale of satellite hub, gateway, and modem equipment.

The ability to convert hardwares (like modems) into softwares that is installed and managed remotely via third-party data centers will give satellite operators more flexibility. Modems are a critical part of the ground segment. They are used in teleports and at customer sites to translate the satellite signals an antenna receives and convert them for transmission through other networks.

Why is there so much talk about the All-Digital Teleport?

The Digital Teleport is going to be integral to the development of the satellite industry and its integration into the wider connectivity landscape as it complements and works alongside terrestrial and cellular technologies. Signals from satellites today are traditionally connected to physical modems via analog cables that are not directly compatible with cloud-based networks. The analog signals that are used to connect modems, data centers, teleports and terminals are complex and prone to error when it comes to digital signal processing. Our increasing migration to the cloud means that future satellite connectivity must be established from a cloud environment through the digital interface directly to antennas.

By virtualizing the gateway, baseband and modems that are usually located in the teleport, their functionality can be run on private or public cloud platforms.

Credits https:// dificonsortium .org

https:// www. idirect.net/blog/difi-proof-of-concept