What’s Vsat?
VSAT stands for “Very Small Aperture Terminal” and refers to receive/transmit terminals installed at dispersed sites connecting to a central Hub via satellite using small diameter antenna dishes (0.75 to 3.8 meter).
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 satellite services able to support the Internet, LAN, VOIP communications, video, data, security, and provide powerful; dependable private and public network communications solutions. These systems operate in the C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band frequencies.
VSAT networks come in various shapes and sizes from Star Network (Private Hub), Point-to-Point, and customized private Hubs able to support thousands different sites. Finally Mesh systems have traditionally been somewhat smaller in size than star systems (between 5 and 30 sites generally).
VSAT use different platforms to transmit and receive data via satellites using for exemple: iDirect, Newtec, Comtech EF Data, Datum.
Advantages:
- Easy network management;
- Guarantied bandwidth provision, delivery commitment;
- Independent distance service;
- Global and immediate coverage;
- Easy and fast establishment in difficult access places;
- Possibility of adaptation to the needs of each company;
- Easy reconfiguration and network extension;
- With the satellite you can set contact with any point in coverage area;
- Stability of the operating costs of the network for a long period;
- Avoid restrictions imposed by a public network in terms of cost and access points;
- Cost independent from the place of use;
- Single Platform service delivery (one-stop-shop);
- Flexibility;
- Network life cycle costs are lower than some alternatives;
- Fast Deployment: Install & Commission: 1/2 – 2 Days;
- Reliable Service: availability minimum guarantee of 99.5% in downstream and 99.5% in upstream for the link satelite (datas);
- Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) > 25,000 Hours (3 Years);
- Unrestricted ubiquitous coverage of large geographical areas by single systems;
- Costs decreasing by additional unit.
VSAT networks can be configured to receive only or transmit and receive.
Examples of frequent uses of VSAT configured to receive information:
- Stock market & other news broadcasting;
- Training or continuing education at distance;
- Distribute financial trends & analyses;
- Introduce new products at geographically dispersed locations;
- Update market related data, news, and catalogue prices;
- Distribute video or TV programs DTH (direct to home);
- Distribute music in stores & public areas;
- Relay advertising to electronic signs in retail stores.
Examples of uses we see for receive/transmit are:
- Interactive computer transactions;
- Internet;
- Distance Learning Video Tele conferencing;
- Database inquiries;
- Bank transactions, ATM (Automated Teller Machine);
- Reservation systems;
- Distributed remote process control and telemetry;
- VoIP communications;
- Airport flight and weather data;
- Emergency services;
- Electronic fund transfer at Point-of-Sale;
- E-mail;
- Medical data transfer;
- Sales monitoring & stock control;
- Surveillance and monitoring.