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The ST Engineering iDirect iQ Desktop+ Satellite Modem is a compact, software-defined satellite modem designed for broadband, enterprise, SME, and professional satellite communication networks. Developed as part of the iQ series, the modem combines DVB-S2/S2X outbound capabilities, Adaptive TDMA return-channel technology, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, advanced modulation, Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking, and 256-bit AES link encryption in a very small professional-grade enclosure.
The iQ Desktop+ is designed to provide network operators with a flexible platform for building fixed and mobility satellite networks while supporting applications ranging from Internet and Intranet access to SCADA, VoIP, video streaming, multicasting, and other bandwidth-intensive services. According to the supplied ST Engineering iDirect product sheet, the modem can achieve throughput of up to 200 Mbps when operating in L2oS mode.
For customers looking for a compact and capable iDirect satellite modem, VSATPLUS offers the iQ Desktop+ and can assist with product sourcing, configuration, pricing, availability, and ordering.
The iQ Desktop+ is part of ST Engineering iDirect’s iQ series of DVB-S2/S2X remote modems. The product family is based on a software-defined architecture, allowing the platform to support flexibility and future expansion.
The supplied product sheet states that the iQ series is compatible with both Evolution® and Velocity® technologies and is designed for fixed and mobility networks. This makes the platform suitable for network operators looking to deploy satellite connectivity across different types of remote locations and service environments.
The modem has a very small form factor and includes dual Gigabit Ethernet VLAN-aware networking ports, making it suitable for prosumer, broadband access, and small enterprise networks. Its supported applications include:
The product sheet also specifies compatibility with a variety of Outdoor Unit (ODU) configurations.
One of the most important capabilities of the iQ Desktop+ is its support for advanced DVB-S2/S2X outbound transmission.
The modem supports:
This gives operators a broad range of options when designing high-efficiency satellite networks.
Higher-order modulation such as 256APSK can be used in appropriate link conditions to increase spectral efficiency, helping network operators make more effective use of available satellite bandwidth.
For the return channel, the iQ Desktop+ supports Adaptive TDMA up to 7.5 Msps and 16QAM modulation.
The product’s network configuration specifications list BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, and 16QAM for the Adaptive TDMA return path.
The combination of Adaptive TDMA and multiple modulation options allows the satellite network architecture to accommodate different service requirements and link conditions.
The iQ Desktop+ is designed for high-throughput satellite applications despite its compact physical design.
The product sheet specifies throughput of up to 200 Mbps when used in L2oS mode.
This makes the modem suitable for applications that require considerably more bandwidth than traditional low-throughput VSAT services, including broadband access, enterprise connectivity, video, cloud applications, and data-intensive remote operations.
Actual achievable throughput depends on the network architecture, satellite capacity, modulation and coding configuration, service plan, link conditions, and other system parameters.
The iQ Desktop+ is built around a software-defined architecture.
This is particularly important for satellite network operators because a software-defined platform can provide greater flexibility than a modem designed around a single fixed configuration.
The product sheet describes the iQ series as providing flexibility and expansion and states that the series is compatible with both Evolution and Velocity features.
This makes the modem suitable for operators developing or expanding iDirect-based satellite networks.
The iQ Desktop+ incorporates Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and supports both Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking architectures.
The product sheet identifies:
This makes the modem useful not only as a satellite transmission device but also as part of a broader IP networking environment.
The iQ Desktop+ supports a broad range of networking protocols and functions.
According to the supplied technical documentation, supported protocols include:
This broad protocol support enables the modem to integrate into conventional IP networks and support different types of applications.
For example, IGMP support is particularly relevant for multicast applications, while DHCP, DNS, NAT/PAT, and routing capabilities facilitate integration into enterprise and broadband network environments.
The iQ Desktop+ supports a broad range of modulation schemes.
The documented DVB-S2X/ACM modulation options include:
The supported modulation options include:
The availability of high-order modulation schemes enables the modem to support efficient satellite transmission configurations when the satellite link provides suitable signal conditions.
Forward Error Correction (FEC) is a fundamental part of modern satellite communication because it allows systems to maintain reliable communications under varying link conditions.
The iQ Desktop+ specifications include LDPC and 2D 16-State coding configurations.
The documented symbol-rate ranges are:
These ranges give network operators considerable flexibility when designing satellite carriers and return channels.
Security is another important feature of the iQ Desktop+.
The modem supports 256-bit AES Link Encryption.
For enterprise, government, infrastructure, remote-site, and other professional applications, link-level encryption can provide an important security layer for data transmitted through the satellite network.
The exact security architecture and implementation should be evaluated according to the customer’s network design and security requirements.
The iQ Desktop+ provides dedicated interfaces for both transmit and receive satellite signals.
The transmit interface uses:
The receive interface provides:
This integrated BUC and LNB power capability simplifies the connection between the modem and the outdoor satellite equipment.
The iQ Desktop+ is compatible with a variety of ODU configurations.
The TX port provides power for the BUC, while the RX port provides the required LNB power and 22 kHz LO selection.
This means the modem can act as the central indoor networking and RF-interface component connecting:
IP Network → iQ Desktop+ → BUC → Antenna → Satellite
and in the opposite direction:
Satellite → Antenna/LNB → iQ Desktop+ → IP Network
This architecture makes the modem suitable for conventional VSAT installations as well as more specialized broadband and enterprise deployments.
One of the most attractive characteristics of the iQ Desktop+ is its physical design.
The product specifications list dimensions of:
18.28 cm × 11.17 cm × 4.44 cm
or:
7.2 × 4.4 × 1.75 inches
Its weight is only:
0.41 kg / 0.91 lb
For remote installations, transportation, field deployment, and space-constrained network sites, this compact form factor can simplify installation and logistics.
The modem is housed in a professional-grade metal enclosure, according to the product description.
The iQ Desktop+ has different operating specifications depending on the selected power supply configuration.
The documented configurations include 65W AC, 65W DC, and 90W AC power supplies.
| Power Supply | Operating Temperature | Maximum Power Consumption |
|---|---|---|
| 65W AC PSU | 0°C to +50°C | 53W |
| 65W AC PSU | 0°C to +40°C | 65W |
| 65W DC PSU | 0°C to +50°C | 65W |
| 90W AC PSU | 0°C to +50°C | 75W |
| 90W AC PSU | 0°C to +40°C | 90W |
| Storage | -40°C to +85°C | — |
ProductSheet-iQ-DesktopPlus-SatelliteModem.pdf
Humidity specifications are:
The iQ Desktop+ supports both AC and DC power input.
The documented input voltages are:
The availability of DC input is particularly useful for remote and infrastructure environments where DC power systems are already available.
The manufacturer provides additional limitations regarding combined power delivered through the TX and RX ports.
For example, with the 65W AC PSU:
For the 65W DC PSU:
For the 90W PSU:
These limits should be considered during system design, particularly when selecting the BUC and LNB configuration.
| Parameter | iQ Desktop+ Specification |
|---|---|
| Product | iQ Desktop+ Satellite Modem |
| Manufacturer | ST Engineering iDirect |
| Architecture | Software-defined |
| Network platforms | Evolution® / Velocity® |
| Outbound | DVB-S2 / DVB-S2X |
| DVB-S2 outbound symbol rate | Up to 45 Msps |
| DVB-S2X outbound symbol rate | Up to 100 Msps |
| DVB-S2X MODCOD | Up to 256APSK |
| Return technology | Adaptive TDMA |
| Return symbol rate | 128 ksps–7.5 Msps |
| Return modulation | BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM |
| Outbound modulation | QPSK, 8PSK, 16APSK, 32APSK, 64APSK, 128APSK, 256APSK |
| Maximum stated throughput | Up to 200 Mbps in L2oS mode |
| TX connector | F-Type, 75 Ohm |
| TX frequency | 950–2400 MHz |
| TX level | +0 dBm to -35 dBm |
| BUC power | +24V, 2.3A max. |
| BUC reference | 10/50 MHz |
| RX connector | F-Type, 75 Ohm |
| RX frequency | 950–2150 MHz |
| LNB power | 13/18/21V, 0.5A |
| LNB LO selection | 22 kHz ON/OFF |
| Data Ethernet | 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Management Ethernet | 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Security | 256-bit AES Link Encryption |
| Protocols | TCP, UDP, ICMP, DHCP, NAT/PAT, DNS, ROHCv2, RIPv2, IGMPv2/v3, IPv4, IPv6 over L2oS, L3 |
| Dimensions | 18.28 × 11.17 × 4.44 cm |
| Dimensions | 7.2 × 4.4 × 1.75 in |
| Weight | 0.41 kg / 0.91 lb |
| Operating temperature | Up to +50°C depending on PSU |
| Storage temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Operating humidity | 10–90%, non-condensing |
| Storage humidity | 5–95%, non-condensing |
| AC input | 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz |
| DC input | 12–36 VDC |
The specifications above are taken from the supplied ST Engineering iDirect iQ Desktop+ Satellite Modem Product Sheet, D0001047 Rev C.
The iQ Desktop+ is designed for broadband access networks and can provide the satellite modem component for remote Internet connectivity.
Its Gigabit Ethernet interfaces and high-throughput architecture make it appropriate for sites where satellite connectivity is the primary or backup broadband connection.
Small offices, branches, remote facilities, and distributed enterprise locations can use the iQ Desktop+ as the satellite connectivity gateway.
Its compact form factor can be particularly useful where equipment space is limited.
The product sheet explicitly lists SCADA among its supported applications.
ProductSheet-iQ-DesktopPlus-SatelliteModem.pdf
This makes it relevant to remote monitoring and control environments where reliable IP connectivity is needed for operational data.
Potential environments include remote infrastructure, industrial sites, energy facilities, and other geographically distributed operations.
The modem’s IP networking capabilities and support for UDP/TCP-based applications allow satellite connectivity to support VoIP deployments where the network architecture and link characteristics are properly engineered.
The manufacturer specifically identifies video streaming and multicasting among the applications supported by the iQ Desktop+.
This can be useful for organizations distributing video or other multicast content across remote locations.
The iQ series is described as supporting both fixed and mobility networks and is compatible with Evolution and Velocity features.
The exact suitability of a particular deployment should be determined based on the selected network platform and service configuration.
At only 0.41 kg, the iQ Desktop+ is significantly easier to transport and install than larger rack-based satellite modems.
The product sheet specifies throughput of up to 200 Mbps in L2oS mode, providing a platform for demanding broadband and enterprise applications.
DVB-S2/S2X and advanced MODCODs up to 256APSK provide extensive options for efficient satellite network design.
Gigabit Ethernet, VLAN-aware networking, Layer 2 and Layer 3 operation, and extensive protocol support simplify integration into modern IP networks.
The modem provides BUC and LNB power through its RF interfaces, helping simplify the indoor-to-outdoor equipment architecture.
256-bit AES link encryption provides an additional security capability for professional satellite networks.
Support for both AC and DC input makes the platform suitable for different site environments.
The metal enclosure and operating temperature capability make it appropriate for professional network deployments rather than purely consumer applications.
For organizations searching for an ST Engineering iDirect iQ Desktop+ Satellite Modem, VSATPLUS can supply this product and assist customers with product selection, configuration, availability, pricing, and ordering.
The iQ Desktop+ can be an appropriate solution for customers building or expanding iDirect Evolution or Velocity networks, broadband satellite services, enterprise VSAT networks, remote infrastructure connectivity, SCADA systems, and other IP-based satellite applications.
When ordering, it is important to define the complete network architecture and requirements, including:
Contact VSATPLUS for current pricing, availability, configuration assistance, and ordering of the iQ Desktop+.
The ST Engineering iDirect iQ Desktop+ combines the capabilities of a professional satellite modem with an exceptionally compact form factor. Its software-defined architecture, compatibility with Evolution and Velocity, DVB-S2/S2X support, Adaptive TDMA return channel, advanced modulation up to 256APSK, Gigabit Ethernet networking, Layer 2/Layer 3 capabilities, 256-bit AES link encryption, and broad protocol support make it a flexible platform for modern satellite networks.
With dimensions of only 18.28 × 11.17 × 4.44 cm and a weight of 0.41 kg, the modem is particularly well suited to installations where equipment size and weight matter. At the same time, its documented throughput capability of up to 200 Mbps in L2oS mode allows it to address broadband and enterprise applications requiring substantially higher capacity.
From broadband Internet and enterprise connectivity to SCADA, VoIP, video streaming, multicasting, and remote network infrastructure, the iQ Desktop+ provides a versatile satellite connectivity platform.
VSATPLUS is ready to provide the iQ Desktop+ Satellite Modem and support customers with sourcing, product configuration, pricing, availability, and ordering. For your next iDirect satellite network deployment, contact the VSATPLUS team to discuss the appropriate iQ Desktop+ configuration for your application.
