What is VSAT? A VSAT consists of two parts, a transceiver that is placed outdoors in direct line of sight to the satellite and a device that is placed indoors to interface the transceiver with the end user's communications device, such as a PC. The transceiver receives or sends a signal to a satellite transponder in the sky. The satellite sends and receives signals from a ground station computer that acts as a hub for the system. Each end user is interconnected with the hub station via the satellite, forming a star topology. The hub controls the entire operation of the network. For one end user to communicate with another, each transmission has to first go to the hub station that then retransmits it via the satellite to the other end user's VSAT. VSAT can handle up to 56 Mbps. VSAT technology has emerged as a very useful, everyday application of modern telecommunications. VSAT systems can provide a variety of services including broadband communication systems, satellite-based video, audio, Internet and data distribution networks as well as worldwide customer service and support. VSAT technology represents a cost effective solution for users seeking an independent communications network connecting a large number of geographically dispersed sites. VSAT networks offer value-added satellite-based services capable of supporting the Internet, data, LAN, and voice/fax communications, and can provide powerful, dependable private and public network communications solutions. VSAT BANDS There are 3 major signal bands available on the VSAT system. They are the C-band, KU-band and the KA- band. The C-Band is the lowest frequency signal based transponder, which exhibits reliable capability to withstand weather interference. It also allows the largest bandwidth upgradeability. The KU band is subject to weather change interference. A prolonged rain or cloudy weather sometimes affects transmission. Typically, interactive Ku-band antenna sizes range from 75 centimeters to 1.8 meters and C-band from 1.8 meters to 2.4 meters. |
