May 25th, 2004 With the introduction of the Nikon D2H and the WT-1 wireless LAN pack, Nikon has provided an integrated solution for the fast transfer of images using FTP and the IEEE 802.11b (standard wireless LAN protocol).

With the Nikon D2H and WT-1 it is possible to transfer images wirelessly to an FTP server almost instantly. If the server is connected to the Internet using normal communication methods, such as DSL or dial-up then images can be transported around the world automatically. Some users, however, need to perform similar workflows in remote areas of the world where normal communication methods may not exist. Using small lightweight satellite communication units, such as the Regional-BGAN portable satellite modem, this is now possible.

The image below shows the D2H with WT-1 wireless LAN pack which can send images wirelessly to the laptop computer over a distance of up to 30m (150m using extended antenna), if the computer is setup as an FTP server and has a wired connection to the satellite modem, images can then be sent to anywhere in the world from extremely remote world locations.

Inmarsat, a long standing satellite communication company, launched the Regional-BGAN portable satellite modem in early 2003. Combined with the D2H and WT-1 the Regional-BGAN provides a complete wireless travel solution in 99 counties covering Europe, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and North, Central and West Africa. Inmarsat plan to increase the Regional-BGAN coverage to include 86% of the Earths Surface and is due for launch in 2005.

Map of Regional-BGAN coverage

The Regional-BGAN satellite modem weighs only 1.6kg and is smaller than some currently available laptops. The unit allows Internet communication via a satellite in geo-stational orbit 37km above the Earth at rates up to 144 kbit/s using a secure shared channel, under normal operation conditions the rechargeable battery will allow 3 hours of operation. The unit is fully compatible with both Mac OS X and Windows PC's, and requires only basic configuration to use.

Inmarsat Regional-BGAN satellite modems were used throughout the FIA World Rally Championship for communication of telemetry data for the teams, safety information used by the rally organizers, and the timing and location data. The combination of Nikon D2H and Regional-BGAN satellite modem allowed photographers working on the Brecon Beacons in Wales to transmit images via the Regional-BGAN to a web server in Birmingham during the recent 2003 Great Britain Rally. Using Fotoware digital image management software the images where then automatically resized, captioned and posted on the www.worldrallypics.com website. All this was accomplished within a mere 90 seconds of the image being taken.

For more details regarding the Inmarsat Regional-BGAN satellite modem please visit Inmarsat Regional BGAN. Nikon does not offer support for Regional-BGAN satellite modems.