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.