VSAT

As specialists in satellite communications systems, SatCom Distribution can offer the design and installation of VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) systems. These provide dedicated, reliable, cost effective and private communications links for the individual and corporate users, with the provision of total system capabilities to support high bandwidth secure data, voice and video communication.

What is a VSAT system?
The use of VSAT systems is growing throughout the world as a way of establishing private satellite communications networks for large organisations that have several widely dispersed locations, or providing higher bandwidth for the individual. Depending on bandwidth requirement (data speed and/or communications channels), VSAT systems can be relatively small (1 - 2 metre antenna) and easily installed. By linking VSAT terminals to larger hub stations (or land earth stations), a network can be established inexpensively, although in this type of configuration, VSATs can communicate only via the hub and not from remote terminal to remote terminal. This configuration is called STAR configuration. VSAT networks can readily be configured so that the hub can broadcast data to all the VSAT terminals at higher rates than they can communicate to the hub.

How does a VSAT work?
For satellites to gain a foothold in the delivery of advanced broadband services, seamless interconnectivity with terrestrial networks is imperative. For best results, the network should be designed to exploit the unique virtue of satellite in geostationary orbit, namely that it can be a shared resource available, as needed, to many users spread over a very large proportion of the Earth's surface. This is the concept of bandwidth-on-demand. In an ideal network, each terminal communicates with all others (full-mesh connectivity), but utilises satellite capacity only on an as-needed basis. Such an architecture can be implemented if the terminals operate in a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) mode (transmit in bursts) and are capable of doing this at a variety of different frequencies (FDMA and TDMA).

The DAMA System (Demand Assigned Multiple Access)
A DAMA system is typically a mesh network that allows direct connection between any two nodes in the network, sharing the bandwidth of a satellite transponder space which can be allocated to each remote terminal as required. DAMA supports full mesh, point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communications - any user can connect directly to any other user anywhere within the network - and the most superior systems achieve this with TDMA. The result is economical and flexible bandwidth sharing with any mix of voice, fax, video and data traffic. The key point is that DAMA optimises the use of satellite capacity by allocating satellite resources to each active node upon demand. By using a DAMA system, satellite resources can support a very much larger number of users than a Single Channel Per Carrier (SCPC) system.

Why choose SatCom Distibution?
SatCom Distribution's VSAT systems are designed to offer the user a completely private telecommunications network and accommodate customer exact requirements in size, operational ability and coverage areas. These systems eliminate the user's reliance on third party telecom providers, thus security, reliability and capacity can be improved, whilst operation costs can be reduced. We take great care to ensure that our designed VSAT systems are extremely flexible and user-friendly. The systems can be configured to integrate seamlessly to the level the user requires. This can take the form of a solution that would include interfacing with existing components of local and remote networks, to complete end-to-end "turn key" solutions. For added security, our systems offer compatibility with advanced encryption devices. In addition, we can offer a solution with customised PBX and billing systems for total flexibility. Our systems are designed to be compatible with technological advances, making future system enhancement easily achievable as communications technology progresses.

Who uses a VSAT system?
The installation of a VSAT system need not be an expensive option. With our expertise we can recommend a system which will cater for your requirements without selling you technology you have no need for. A whole variety of industries use VSAT systems, such as oil and gas exploration corporations, banks, insurance companies, general stores, manufacturing organisations, ATMs and government/military departments, as well as VIPs. We would be delighted to explain the system in greater depth if you would care to contact us at SatCom Distribution.