Audio Conference Bridge Technology
Inducted In: 2020, Communications Technology, Featured
Compunetix was founded in 1968 as a small contract-services technology provider. In 1987, they won a contract to deliver a digital voice switching system for NASA that would accommodate the agency’s wide range of communication needs.
At the time, NASA’s communication network was an analog system requiring the manual switching of cables to relay communication lines. Compunetix integrated their patented algorithm into the NASA infrastructure, developing two new digital systems for voice switching and voice distribution — allowing software-enabled switching, and eliminating the need for manual switching.
By 1992, the new 4,000-port system had been installed, and after testing, it entirely replaced NASA’s previous communications system. Following that success, Compunetix developed a commercial version of the technology, and today, the Compunetix bridge hardware is used by nearly every major conference call provider.
Join us for the 2020 Space Technology Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony here.
Related Technologies

Traveling-Wave Tube Amplifier
Inducted In: Communications Technology, Computer Technology, Featured
First developed in the 1930s, Traveling-Wave Tube Amplifiers (TWTAs) were designed to amplify radio frequency signals. It was in the early 1960s that NASA and L3 teamed up to evolve the technology so it would meet the transmission needs of…

Ka-Band Software-Defined Radio (SDR)/Harris AppSTAR™ Architecture
Inducted In: Communications Technology, Featured
Communication devices, such as smart phones and radios, rely on electromagnetic spectrum, particularly the “S-band” portion to transmit data. Given the growing use of these technologies, the S-band has become congested with many users. This is a challenge for space…

Miniaturized Laser Terminals for the Skies and Beyond
Inducted In: Communications Technology
Reliable and affordable Laser Communication technology connecting the world There is an increasing worldwide demand for internet access to connect all aspects of our modern society. Miniaturized Laser Terminals for aircraft, UAVs and satellites can provide backbone connectivity for such…