The Digital Data Network (DDN) has been established by subsidiary Smart Highway Co Ltd. Using the latest  digital cross connect technology, it is now possible to provide reliable, high-speed data transmission facilities for private companies. To complete the package, the firm provides access to the network and related equipment wired direct to customers' premises. In 1988, Compunet Corporation Ltd. was set up to provide a range of telecom services to businesses in Thailand, including the provision of private business satellite networks (VSAT) and Compunet Corporation Ltd. was the first company to obtain telecommunications license from the Post and Telegraph Department of Thailand. Today, Compunet Corporation Ltd., is one of the dynamic telecommunications companies to provide the "Total Telecommunications Solution" service to wide area of customer sectors for example financial, banking, oil & energy, manufacturing and others.

With their ability to overcome a variety of difficult geographical conditions, as well as their overall stability, satellites are playing a more important role in communication systems including those using Internet Protocol.

Subsidiary company Acumen Co., Ltd., with its expertise in this area, was the successful bidder for the two 15-year concessions offered by the Telephone Organisation of Thailand (presently known as TOT Corporation Public Co., Ltd. (TOT) to operate and maintain a TDMA satellite network as well as to provide a VSAT service through its Integrated Satellite Business Network (ISBN). Using a Shared Hub Network configuration, the system provides high performance, low to medium speed data links from subscribers' headquarters to branches across the country. Businesses such as banks, hotels and dealership networks benefit from this economic and reliable system.

The services available through the ISBN network include data through the Personal Earth Station system and voice through the Telephony Earth Stations (TES) system. TES connections are crisp, clear and continuous, regardless of weather or terrain. Unlike normal telephones, TES function perfectly in areas where infrastructure is unstable or inconsistent, so if connections to the fixed-line network are difficult, this is a better solution. The latest compressed speech algorithms offer the clearest, non-echo transmissions possible, with 24-hour customer support services nationwide The system has a self-diagnostic facility to ensure greater reliability.

High security connections can be made with digital encoding direct to fax or modems for Internet purposes, supporting all protocols such as TCP/IP, DECnet, NetBIOS, AppleTalk, LAN Manager, SNA/SDLC, Telenet, TN 3270, Netware, VINES, XNS, SLIP and PPP, with seven-digit numbers available exclusively to each user at a single, low-rate charge across the country. Instant installation, removal, relocation or modification is available, within a week of receiving the order.

Acumen has also joined a consortium to operate Sky LAN, which allows simultaneous transmission of batch files from the hub, with the time required to deliver the files being independent of the number of sites. Address filtering SkyLAN distinguishes between local and distant LAN traffic, and transmits only that data which is addressed to a distant LAN, optimising network efficiency and ensuring high throughput.

Being self learning and aging, SkyLAN learns the address of devices on the local network, simplifying network reconfiguration requirements. The so-called aging of these addresses removes them from the address table when they are inactive for a user-specified period. It is protocol transparent because SkyLAN is insensitive to the type of traffic protocol; new applications with different Protocols can be added to SkyLAN.

Also available are video conference facilities which can enhance the efficiency of any business. The firm is a turnkey service provider, with 24-hour system troubleshooting and hardware maintenance. Link set-up for video on demand can be arranged, with maintenance contracts and management fees set at affordable rates. The firm offers intensive training courses, and comprehensive packages including all audio and video accessories, conference room modifications, and mobile video conference trucks or vans for rental or outright purchase.

When the Telephone Organisation of Thailand (presently known as TOT Corporation Public Co., Ltd.  (TOT) ) realised the need to provide a reliable transmission system to satisfy the need for telephone lines in all areas of the country, Jasmine Submarine Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (JSTC)  was awarded a 20-year concession as co-investor. The company designed and constructed, and now operates and maintains an underwater fibre-optic cable system along Thailand's southeastern coast. The cable was ploughed into the sea bed to maximise security and minimise risks associated with fishing activities.

The cable incorporates 12 fibre-optic cores, transmitting digital signals at 565Mbps, providing about 7,500 circuits per pair. TOT uses around 15,000 circuits and only six fibre cores. Excess capacity is available for future projects such as expansion of Internet Protocol networks.

In 1995 the network was expanded by subsidiary Thai Long Distance Telecommunications Co., Ltd, along the west coast of Thailand. This expansion provided much-enhanced communication with Malaysia after cooperation with Malaysian Time Telekom. It improved the reliability of the overall system, and moved towards the development of the Telephone Organisation of Thailand's international gateway. This second cable incorporates 24 fibre-optic cores and data speeds of 2.5Gbps. TOT uses around 10,000 circuits. Expansion to Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam is planned.

Other services include working barges and platforms for marine operations, a tug boat for off-shore operations, and experienced diving teams backed up with high-technology equipment.

TOP