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Strengthening Hospital Communications Through Blended Satellite Connectivity
Remote Satellite Systems, in partnership with IP Access International
At Remote Satellite Systems, we understand that in a hospital, every moment matters. Communication breakdowns can delay emergency responses, disrupt coordination, and put patient safety at risk. That’s why when San Francisco General Hospital needed a dependable backup communication network for its facilities, we designed a blended satellite system engineered for reliability, speed, and long-term support—working closely with IP Access International as the technology partner.
This project demonstrates how advanced technology, practical engineering, and strong collaboration can come together to strengthen an institution’s emergency readiness.
A Hospital That Can’t Afford Downtime
As one of the largest and busiest public hospitals in Northern California, San Francisco General must remain connected through every situation—from citywide power outages to major disasters. Traditional cellular and fiber networks can be vulnerable to congestion or physical damage during emergencies, so the hospital needed a solution that would maintain voice and data connectivity regardless of conditions on the ground.
Remote Satellite Systems engineered a fully integrated blended communication system linking two separate hospital buildings located several blocks apart. With IP Access International’s SuperGIG™ platform at the core, both structures now share a unified satellite-backed network, ensuring instant redundancy and uninterrupted communication across the emergency response environment.
What Makes a Blended System Different
A true blended system doesn’t simply provide backup connectivity–it intelligently unifies multiple network paths into a single, adaptive communications layer.
In this deployment, IP Access International integrates satellite, LTE, and priority cellular networks through Dejero’s Smart Blending Technology™ (SBT). SBT continuously monitors real-time network conditions and dynamically distributes traffic across available connections–without changing IP addresses or requiring manual intervention.
Rather than switching after failure, the system actively balances and optimizes traffic at all times.
For San Francisco General, this architecture delivers:
- Continuous connectivity even if one path becomes congested, degraded, or unavailable
- Simultaneous voice, video, and clinical data support across departments
- Priority access on Verizon, T-Priority, and FirstNet for emergency communications
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity via Eutelsat OneWeb, providing lower latency and improved responsiveness compared to traditional geosynchronous systems
Together, these capabilities create a resilient, always-on communications layer that adapts automatically–so hospital staff can stay focused on patient care, not network management.
Engineering the System from the Ground Up
Every Remote Satellite Systems installation begins with engineering—not sales. For this project, our team conducted a detailed assessment of the hospital’s infrastructure, antenna placement options, cable pathways, and operational requirements before finalizing the design.
The deployed solution includes:
- A Hughes 1120W LEO Terminal for low-maintenance satellite access
- A Dejero GateWay M6E6 with Smart Blending Technology™ to intelligently manage and blend multiple network paths
- SuperGIG™, delivered and supported by IP Access International, serving as the orchestration layer that blends satellite and terrestrial connectivity into a single operational network
Both hospital buildings connect through a shared satellite gateway, creating a unified communications hub that supports coordination between departments, campuses, and external agencies—even during severe disruptions.
Speed and Simplicity Through LEO Innovation
Traditional geosynchronous (GEO) satellite systems have long been used for backup connectivity, but their high orbital distance introduces latency that can impact real-time applications. The adoption of LEO satellite networks represents a significant advancement in responsiveness and usability.
By integrating LEO connectivity from Eutelsat OneWeb into the system design, the hospital benefits from:
- Faster data transfer and lower latency
- Simplified operation for non-technical staff
- Reduced maintenance through flat-panel antennas with no moving parts
The result is a future-ready communications backbone that combines the proven reliability of satellite with the performance required for modern hospital operations.
More Than Installation: Training and Ongoing Support
A communication system is only effective if people know how to use and maintain it. Following installation, Remote Satellite Systems provided hands-on training for hospital staff, along with clear procedures for testing, routine checks, and emergency operation.
Comprehensive documentation was also delivered, detailing every cable, device, and connection. In environments with frequent staff turnover, preserving institutional knowledge is critical—and this documentation ensures continuity long after the initial deployment.
Support doesn’t stop there. When issues arise, our clients speak directly with knowledgeable technicians—not automated systems—so help is available exactly when it’s needed.
Setting a New Standard for Emergency Communication
The San Francisco General Hospital project illustrates how blended networks—when thoughtfully engineered and properly supported—can redefine emergency communications. By combining Remote Satellite Systems’ field expertise with IP Access International’s SuperGIG™ platform and managed connectivity services, the hospital gained a resilient solution built for real-world conditions.
This system doesn’t just function during emergencies—it’s designed to perform under them.
Partnering for the Future
As communication technology continues to evolve, our focus remains the same: designing systems that serve real people in critical environments. Hospitals and public safety organizations need solutions they can rely on without hesitation.
At Remote Satellite Systems, we’re proud to partner with organizations like IP Access International to deliver intelligent, resilient connectivity solutions that protect lives and sustain operations.
If your organization is exploring communication upgrades or blended network architectures, we’d be glad to share our expertise. Contact our team to learn how we design, install, and support systems that keep communities connected when it matters most.