The software tool I developed for the Nokia MM9500 (and MM9xxx series) receivers allows users to stream unencrypted internet data transmitted by satellites directly to a PC through the SCSI port. This data, broadcast in the form of MPE (Multi-Protocol Encapsulation) streams, could include internet traffic from multiple users who utilized Internet-by-Satellite services. The tool processes and organizes this data, splitting it into readable files on the PC, which made it possible to observe and analyze internet packets from satellite broadcasts in real time.

Reflecting on this tool’s functionality these days, it’s clear just how dangerous such a capability would be today. With modern concerns about data privacy, this tool’s potential to intercept unencrypted internet traffic would raise significant security risks. In today’s world, with stricter data protection laws and far more sensitive digital communications, a tool that could capture and read user internet traffic without encryption would likely be seen as a major breach of privacy, and it could even be considered illegal in many jurisdictions.

About the Nokia MM 9500

The Nokia MM 9500 is a digital satellite TV receiver from the late 1990s and early 2000s. This receiver was popular in European markets and designed to work with various digital satellite broadcasts, particularly in the DVB-S (Digital Video Broadcasting – Satellite) format.

The Nokia MM 9500 satellite receiver had a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) port. This was an uncommon feature for satellite receivers at the time and allowed for unique functionalities, especially related to data transfer and storage.

About Dr. Overflow and our collaboration

Doctor Overflow developed custom firmware that expanded the receiver’s capabilities far beyond what the original Nokia firmware offered, providing satellite TV enthusiasts with greater control over channel management, encryption options, and additional functionalities, including enhanced SCSI port usability for recording and more functionality.

I’d like to express my gratitude to Dr. Overflow, known to his friends as Uli, for the invaluable support and mentorship he provided during my early years working with technology. Uli, a highly skilled programmer and hacker, helped me develop a custom PC software tool that could communicate with my Nokia MM 9500 satellite receiver via SCSI. His depth of knowledge and innovative approach enabled us to achieve what, at the time, felt groundbreaking.

One of the most remarkable features Uli created was a specialized function to dump the MPE (Multi-Protocol Encapsulation) data stream, including TCP/IP packets, known as “The Orange Screen”. This capability was quite advanced and allowed us to analyze and extract valuable data directly from the satellite feed. Uli’s custom firmware, combined with the software we built together, made it possible to access and manage data in a way that even the original designers of the receiver hadn’t envisioned.

Our collaboration largely took place through IRC (Internet Relay Chat), where Uli would patiently guide me, offering insight and troubleshooting tips. His willingness to explain complex concepts in a clear and encouraging way meant a great deal to me, especially as a young enthusiast eager to learn. Each conversation helped me deepen my understanding of satellite technology, networking protocols, and even the fundamentals of programming.

The tool 
 

Download

Not available anymore

Providers and transponders

Europe Online

Space Gate Global Ukraine

Tele2 Internet via Satellite

SkyDSL

StarSpeeder EUROPE*STAR

 

Other providers:

  • Netsystem
  • Astra-Net
  • BBI IP Data
  • uk.infosat.net
  • LuckyLink
  • Web-sat (2-way by sat)
  • Open Sky Streaming Media
  • Phoenix Net
  • TelkomNet Turbo
  • Wanadoo France
  • the F@LCON STREAM internet service

Explanation

Multi Protocol Encapsulation

MPE		12 bytes
IP-header	20 bytes
TCP-header	20 bytes (+12 bytes options)
DATA

MPE

example: 3E 71 B9 F3 09 C1 00 00 01 BC 90 00

3E			table-ID
71			bit 7 : 0 section_syntax indicator
			bit 6 : 1 private indicator
			bit 5-4 : 11 reserved always 11
			bit 3-0 : 0001 => 0x01
B9	0xB9 => 0x1B9 	section length : 441 Bytes
F3			MAC-adress 6
09			MAC-adress 5
C1			bit 7-6 : 11 reserved always 11
			bit 5-4 : 00 payload scrambled
			bit 3-2 : 00 address-scrambled-control
			bit 1 : 0 LLC-Snap-Flag
			bit 0 : 1 current-next-indicator
00			section Nr.
00			last section Nr.
01			MAC-adress 4
BC			MAC-adress 3
90			MAC-adress 2
00			MAC-adress 1

IP-header

Version			4 bits
IHL			4 bits (length of DATA = IHL - 20 - 20)
Type of Service		8 bits
Total Length		16 bits
Identification		16 bits
Flags			3 bits
Fragment Offset		13 bits
Time to Live		8 bits
Protocol		8 bits
Header Checksum		16 bits
Source Address		32 bits
Destination Address	32 bits

version=4
IHL=5
type of service:
Astra=00
Hotbird=20
Sirius=00

TCP-header

Source Port		16 bits 
Destination Port	16 bits 
Sequence Number		32 bits
Acknowledgment Number	32 bits
Data Offset		4 bits
Reserved		6 bits
Control Bits		6 bits
Window			16 bits
Checksum		16 bits

Links

http://www.no-access.de/en/en_software_data.html
Bu Hadi transformed my program into the Arabian language. Without a notification to me! 

Wayback machine:

 

Screenshots

In that time, the year 2000, it was such a popular program that is was hacked, by Bu Hadi, into the Arabian language :-)

History

Back in the year 2000 my website, which hosted this piece of software, was http://quassi.virtualave.net. Ofcourse not existing anymore, but I luckely could find it back on the Wayback machine of web.archive.org.

Year 2000 website

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