VSAT Technology

[For Land, Marine and Aircraft solution]

Md. Jahidul Islam
Mobile: 97935311
04 Nov 2015

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What is VSAT
How does a VSAT network work
How Broadband satellite internet work
VSAT system rate plans
Frequency Band for VSAT
VSAT in Maritime
VSAT in Military
VSAT in Aircraft
VSAT in Vehicle
Characteristics and Application of VSAT
Advantage of VSAT
VSAT solution providing companies and addresses

What is a VSAT?
A very small aperture terminal (VSAT) is a device - known as an earth station - that is used to receive
satellite transmissions. The "very small" component of the VSAT acronym refers to the size of the VSAT
dish antenna -typically about 2 to 4 feet (0.55-1.2 m) in diameter- that is mounted on a roof on a wall, or
placed on the ground. This antenna, along with the attached low-noise blocker or LNB (which receives
satellite signals) and the transmitter (which sends signals) make up the VSAT outdoor unit (ODU), one of
the two components of a VSAT earth station.

The second component of VSAT earth station is the indoor unit (IDU). The indoor unit is a small desktop
box or PC that contains receiver and transmitter boards and an interface to communicate with the user's
existing in-house equipment - LANs, servers, PCs, TVs, kiosks, etc. The indoor unit is connected to the
outdoor unit with a pair of cables.

The key advantage of a VSAT earth station, versus a typical terrestrial network connection, is that VSATs
are not limited by the reach of buried cable. A VSAT earth station can be placed anywhere - as long as it
has an unobstructed view of the satellite. VSATs are capable of sending and receiving all sorts of video,
data and audio content at the same high speed regardless of their distance from terrestrial switching
offices and infrastructure.
How does a VSAT network work?
A VSAT network has three components:

A central hub (also called a master earth station)

The satellite
A virtually unlimited number of VSAT earth stations in various locations - across a country or
continent

Content originates at the hub, which features a very large -15 to 36-foot (4,5 -11m)- antenna. The hub
controls the network through a network management system (NMS) server, which allows a network
operator to monitor and control all components of the network. The NMS operator can view, modify
and download individual configuration information to the individual VSATs.

Outbound information (from the hub to the VSATs) is sent up to the communications satellite's
transponder, which receives it, amplifies it and beams it back to earth for reception by the remote
VSATs. The VSATs at the remote locations send information inbound (from the VSATs to the hub) via the
same satellite transponder to the hub station.
This arrangement, where all network communication passes through the network's hub processor, is
called a "star" configuration, with the hub station at the center of the star. One major advantage of this
configuration is that there is virtually no limit on the number of remote VSATs that can be connected the
hub. "Mesh" configurations also allow for direct communication between VSATs.

HOW BROADBAND SATELLITE INTERNET WORKS?

Satellites have brought Internet access to places where IP communications seemed impossible. In this
section, we explain how satellite Internet works. You will understand how bytes of information or simply
a mouse click travels all the way from your computer to the satellite, to our NOC and back.
VSAT Systems uses commercial satellite connections as a high-speed digital link between our customers
and the U.S. Internet backbone. The main components of a satellite system comprises of the following:
1. GROUND-BASED ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

The VSAT dish: It refers to what most people call their dish. VSAT units are two-way satellite
ground stations with dishes that typically range from 0.75m to 1.8m in diameter. VSAT Systems
offers VSAT antennas between 1.2m and 2.4m in diameter, depending on the application and
location.

The indoor modem: A satellite modem facilitates data transfers using a communications
satellite as a relay. VSAT Systems end users typically use the iDirect 3100 series or Evolution
X3/X5 series modems.

The teleports: The teleport is the earth station that controls communications across the space
link. The teleport is the heart of the VSAT Systems satellite Internet system. VSAT Systems has
three 6.3m VertexRSI antennae, transmitters, control systems, redundant links to the Internet,
plus auxiliary power and HVAC.

The Network Operations Center (NOC): The facility which controls all communications over the
satellite link. The NOC monitors for power failures, satellite signal issues and other performance
issues that may affect the network. The VSAT Systems NOC is located in Akron, Ohio.

2. SATELLITE EQUIPMENT

The satellite: In a geostationary or geosynchronous orbit 22,236 miles above the earths surface,
a satellite completes one revolution in exactly the same amount of time that it takes the Earth
to rotate one full turn on its axis. Thus, the satellite always appears at the same position above
the Earth. This eliminates the need for satellite dishes at the user location to track the satellite,
which greatly simplifies their construction and cost. These satellites, used for a variety of
purposes like broadcast and telecommunications, can also be used to provide Internet access at
any location on Earth.

Transponder space segment: The communications channels on a satellite that both receive and
retransmit data. Modern satellites carry between 36 and 72 separate transponders all running at
different frequencies. These frequency segments are used for transmission of data.

Internet Backbone: The backbone is a large collection of interconnected, high-capacity,

commercial, government, and academic data routes and core routers that carry data. They
connect with other countries and continents around the world.

SATELLITE INTERNET GLOSSARY

Acceleration:
In the satellite Internet world, it's the overall name for specific techniques used to optimize satellite
service. The VSAT Systems Web site includes a special section on satellite Internet acceleration
techniques and what it means for Virtual Private Network users.
Aperture:
A cross sectional area of the antenna which is exposed to the satellite signal.
Attenuation:
The loss in power of electromagnetic signals between transmission and reception points.

Attitude Control:
The orientation of the satellite in relationship to the Earth and the sun.
Asymmetrical:
Devoting more bandwidth to downstream (downloads) traffic than upstream (uploads).
Azimuth:
The angle of rotation (horizontal) that a ground based parabolic antenna must be rotated through to
point to a specific satellite in a geosynchronous orbit. The azimuth angle for any particular satellite can
be determined for any point on the surface of the Earth given the latitude and longitude of that point. It
is defined with respect to due north as a matter of easy convenience.
Conus:
Contiguous United States. In short, all the states in the U.S. except Hawaii and Alaska.
Clarke Belt:
Ground breaking visionary scientist (and later turned Science-fiction writer) Arthur C. Clarke invented
the geo-synchrous orbit, upon which satellite communications is based, more than a half century ago.
The mathematical question was how high would a satellite have to be in orbit to appear to be stationary
over the same spot on the Earth at all time. The answer, in rough terms, was 23,000 miles high and
flying west-to-east.
3DES:
Sometimes called Triple DES. A method of triple-securing data (encrypt-decrypt-encrypt) for ensuring
privacy in satellite VSAT transmissions. Security experts went to three-way encryption to foil what are
known as meet-in-the-middle cipher attacks.
Elevation:
The upward tilt to a satellite antenna measured in degrees required to aim the antenna at the
communications satellite. When aimed at the horizon, the elevation angle is zero. If it were tilted to a
point directly overhead, the satellite antenna would have an elevation of 90 degrees.
Feed:
This term has at least two key meanings within the field of satellite communications. It is used to
describe the transmission of video programming from a distribution center. It is also used to describe
the feed system of an antenna. The feed system may consist of a sub reflector plus a feed horn or a feed
horn only.
Forward Error Correction (FEC):
Adds unique codes to the digital signal at the source so errors can be detected and corrected at the
receiver.
Gigahertz (GHz):
One billion cycles per second. Signals operating above 3 Ghz are known as microwaves. Above 30 GHz

they are known as millimeter waves. As one moves above the millimeter waves, signals begin to take on
the characteristics of Iight waves.
Inclination:
The angle between the orbital plane of a satellite and the equatorial plane of the Earth.
IPSec:
Short for Internet Protocol Security. IPsec is a framework for a set of protocols for security at the
network or at the packet processing layer of the network communication. Used in Virtual Private
Networks, one advantage of IPsec is that security arrangements can be handled without requiring
changes to individual computers.
Ku Band:
The frequency range from 10.9 to 17 GHz.
Link Budget:
The term for correctly sizing uplink and downlink paths. Factors include antenna size, satellite
transmission power and potential atmospheric effects (from weather to sunspots).
Latency:
Sometimes called "Ping Time," it refers to the number of milliseconds (ms) it takes to send a data packet
and receive an acknowledgement. Latency across the Internet is generally 100ms or less. In the satellite
world, even with transmission speeds approaching the speed of light, the round-trip off the satellite can
create roughly 700ms - 900ms of round-trip latency. Satellite service providers use advanced techniques
to minimize latency, but some applications -- most notably interactive gaming -- will perform poorly. The
VSAT Systems Web site has a special page on latency issues in satellite VSAT systems.
NetBIOS:
An acronym for Network Basic Input Output System. It's an application program interface (API) used in
local-area networks (LANs). Mentioned here because custom-software relying on NetBIOS, which was
never designed for WANs, cannot be accelerated for better performance over satellite.
Parabolic Antenna:
The most frequently found satellite TV antenna, it takes its name from the shape of the dish described
mathematically as a parabola. The function of the parabolic shape is to focus the weak microwave signal
hitting the surface of the dish into a single focal point in front of the dish. It is at this position that the
feed horn is usually located.
Satellite Footprint:
A satellite Internet footprint diagram will show a picture of the signal level received at a particular
location in terms of the Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) received from the satellite. Areas of
common reception are linked by lines that look like isobars on a weather map; when numbers are
included on the banded lines, the higher the number, the greater the signal strength.

TCP/IP:
Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol. The backbone of the Internet. The IP standard
controls how packets of information travel on the Internet and TCP enables two hosts to establish a
connection and exchange streams of data. Mentioned here because TCP/IP applications can work
beautifully on a satellite.
TDMA:
Time division multiple access. Refers to a form of multiple access where a single carrier is shared by
many users. Signals from Earth stations reaching the satellite consecutively are processed in time
segments without overlapping.
UDP:
User Datagram Protocol. Used primarily for broadcasting messages over local networks. It is a
connectionless protocol and therefore cannot be accelerated for use on satellite Internet connections.
VSAT: Stands for Very Small Aperture Terminal. Term describes a ground unit to receive (or send) data
via satellite. Generally consists of an ODU (Outdoor Unit) and IDU (Indoor Unit). ODU components
include an antenna equipped with a feed system capable of receiving and transmitting a microwave
radio known as a BUC (Block-Up-Converter) and an LNB (low noise block down converter) used to
convert the signal gathered by the feed. The IDU is typically a modem and it converts the data, video, or
voice generated by the customer application for transmission over satellite. The power of a BUC is
measured in watts of transmitting power.

INTERNET VIA SATELLITE - PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS

The satellite industry started out -- literally -- as rocket science. The earliest form of satellite internet
was once exclusively used by disaster response teams and oil rigs out in the middle of nowhere. With
satellite TVs, you saw the early adopters and their huge, yard-eating dishes. But evolving technology
lead to a steep drop in prices and antenna sizes and by the time the World Wide Web came along, there
were companies that grabbed this opportunity and rolled out solutions to meet every possible need.
However, unlike terrestrial connections providers, not all satellite Internet providers provide acceptable
performance levels and the service plans and service levels are often misleading.
Before you decide to choose a satellite ISP partner there are a number of factors to consider. Are they
technically competent? Will they be there for you 24/7? Are there real human beings I can talk to when I
have a question? But no matter how friendly their Customer Care Department is, or how well trained
their Technical Support team is, network performance is still what matters the most.
Will it be fast enough? Will satellite latency have any impact on the performance of my applications?
How do I compare the performance claims of different satellite companies? What questions should I
ask?

SPEED
If T-1, cable modem or DSL service are not available in your location, it is most likely that satellite will be
the fastest connection available. With advances in satellite technology, upload speeds up to 2 Mbps and
download speeds up to 4 Mbps are possible.
But, most ISPs are notorious for advertising up-to speeds which are rarely ever reached. Bandwidth on
satellites or space segment is an expensive and limited commodity. So what do most satellite ISPs do?
Oversubscribe their networks. When the traffic is low during off-peak hours, contention does not pose a
problem. However, the quality of the connection can significantly deteriorate during peak hours in
oversubscribed networks.
HOW DO COMMITTED INFORMATION RATES HELP?
In the satellite Internet world, CIRs ensure a minimum connection speeds at all times. With CIRs, the
customers can be guaranteed to receive at least 110% of the CIR speed at least 90% of the time. CIRs,
business grade equipment and managed networks are key to providing true broadband speeds.
Heres a comparison of the upload speeds and availability that you get for T-1, Cable, DSL, typical
satellite, VSAT Systems satellite and Dial Up.

TCP/IP PROTOCOL AND OTHER APPLICATIONS OVER SATELLITE

In order for a two-way satellite service to perform properly in conjunction with traditional terrestrial
networks (Internet, Intranet), satellite data networks must employ special techniques to deal with the
extra 44,600- mile space segment of the connection. Without those steps, the increased latency, the
time required to traverse the extra distance, means that TCP severely limits performance.
The Internet relies on the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) to ensure packet delivery without errors.
TCP works by sending a certain amount of data, the window size, then waiting for the receiver to send
an acknowledgment of receipt. With TCP, the sender cannot transmit more data until it has received an
acknowledgment. If an acknowledgment does not arrive in a timely manner, TCP assumes the packet

was lost (discarded due to network congestion) and resends it. When packets go unacknowledged, TCP
also slows the transmission rate to reduce congestion and to minimize the need for retransmissions.
TCP/IP sessions start out sending data slowly. Speed builds as the rate of the acknowledgments
increases which verifies the networks capacity to carry more traffic. This is known as slow-start,
followed by a ramp-up in speed. The speed of the connection builds until the sender detects packet loss
from a lack of an acknowledgment. This allows TCP to achieve the fastest practical data transfer rate for
the conditions present on the network.
The standard TCP/IP protocol does not understand that a satellite is involved and operates as if the
satellite latency was caused by congestion whereas the true reason is the distance involved. If
uncorrected, this effect causes all packets over a satellite network to be sent at the slow-start rate.
Current satellite data networks employ a technique referred to as TCP acceleration or IP spoofing to
compensate for the extra time required to transit the space segment. Special equipment at the carriers
main satellite hub appears to terminate the TCP session, so it appears to the sender as the remote
location. In actuality, the device at the satellite hub acts as a relay or forwarder between the originating
terrestrial location and the remote satellite unit.
When the spoofing equipment receives Internet traffic destined for a remote satellite location, it
immediately acknowledges receipt of the packet to the sender so more data packets will follow
promptly. This way, the sender never experiences the actual latency to the remote site because
acknowledgments return rapidly.
As a result, TCP moves out of slow-start mode quickly and builds to the highest practical speed. To
prevent packets from being acknowledged twice, the spoofing equipment suppresses acknowledgments
from the remote site. In this way, computers behind a satellite link communicate seamlessly and
efficiently with servers on the terrestrial Internet. In spite of acceleration techniques, some applications
are latency sensitive.
FIXED, MOBILE AND PORTABLE EQUIPMENT FOR SATELLITE INTERNET ACCESS
Satellite Internet communications can be established using a variety of Fixed, Mobile and Portable
equipment. The type of equipment depends on the bandwidth needs, location and the environment in
which they are used.
FIXED EQUIPMENT
This is the most common type of installation used which consists of the basic .98m, 1.2m or 1.8m VSAT
Dish at the end user site.
MOBILE AND PORTABLE EQUIPMENT
This type of equipment is ideal for disaster response and temporary applications. This equipment
generally consists of an auto-pointing antenna mount, a satellite modem, BUC, LNB and the required

cabling and power generating equipment. Due to advancement in technologies, mobile and portable
solutions can be rapidly and efficiently deployed during emergency situations and during special events.
TURN-KEY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
These are fully self-contained mobile communications trailers that can be easily transported and
deployed. The entire deployment and data communication links can be set-up in less than 10 minutes.
These trailers can serve as a wireless hotspot.
VSAT SYSTEMS IS AN IDIRECT SATELLITE HUB OPERATOR
VSAT Systems is an iDirect technology partner and hub operator. VSAT Systems uses the full suite of
iDirect equipment which includes satellite hubs, line cards, routers and network accelerators to provide
satellite solutions that are scalable and cost-efficient with custom QoS for our customers.
We are a carriers carrier. You lease dedicated bandwidth from us. We provide the teleport and satellite
hub infrastructure and can set up/configure networks to your requirements. You manage end-users as
you see fit and provide custom service levels.
The iDirect platform allows our VNOs to provide tailor made solutions to their customers. Our highperformance satellite hubs enable downstream speeds ranging from 128 kbps to 20 Mbps and highupstream speeds of 128 kbps to 6.5 Mbps. A single line card is all you need to start providing service to
your customers and you can scale up as demand grows.
Our completely integrated NMS and network optimization techniques provide greater bandwidth
efficiency and mitigatates satellite latency. Result: Cost-savings and greater flexibility for you to proviide
tailor made solutions to your customers.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Satellite Hub - HUB 5IF chassis & 1IF chassis

Line Cards - iNFINITI MOD1,
Satellite routers - 3100, 5000 Infinity series or Evolution X3/X5 series

SATELLITE INTERNET SOLUTIONS FOR BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS

BUSINESS CONTINUITY
DATA CENTER CO-LOCATION
3DES AND VPN
VOIP
ERATE

VSAT SYSTEMS RATE PLANS FOR BUSINESS CONTINUITY (http://www.vsat-systems.com)

How important is Internet access to your company? You have a traditional terrestrial network as your
main form of connectivity that performs as expected most of the time. But what happens during a
service interruption or an infrastructure failure? Have total confidence and peace of mind with a backup
satellite system from VSAT Systemsthe most reliable satellite business continuity solution available.
Through our partner resellers, we provide Internet backup services to keep your business running when
your primary Internet connection fails. Our affordable service options are priced $59$99 per
month(plus a la carte usage).

Business Continuity III Service Plans

Service Plans

Basic Package

Standard
Package

Premium
Package

Enterprise
Package

MaxIR (down/up)

2.5M/384k

3.0M/640k

4.5M/1.02M

6.09M/1.5M

CIR (down/up)

512k/128k

768k/384k

1.5M/640k

2.04M/768k

Static IP Address

Included

Included

Included

Included

Minimum
Equipment

3100 or X3 or X5
/ 1.2m / 3w

3100 or X3 or X5
/ 1.2m / 3w

3100 or X3 or X5
/ 1.2m / 4w

3100 or X3 or X5
/ 1.8m / 4w

Equipment Cost

$1999 + frt1

$1999 + frt1

$2,499 + frt1

$2,999 + frt1

Standard
Installation Cost

$450

$550

$550

$950

Monthly Recurring
Fee

$59

$79

$89

$99

A la carte Usage
Charge

$0.20/MB

$0.20/MB

$0.20/MB

$0.20/MB

Business Continuity III Service Plans

Contract Term

36 month1

36 month1

36 month1

36 month1

Monitoring Traffic
Allowance
(included)

62 MB/month

62 MB/month

62 MB/month

62 MB/month

LINK BUDGET CALCULATIONS

If your target market is the Continental U.S., then the link budget estimates are fairly simple as you
would get maximum signal strength in this region. A 1.2m dish and a 2-6 Watt BUC would be sufficient
for most applications. In about 5% of the cases due to high bandwidth requirements and/or due to
location considerations, a 1.8m dish would be required. For Ku band networks, it is a good rule of thumb
to allow 7-8 dB of margin above threshold at the receiving site with clear sky conditions. This will
generally provide link availability in excess of 99.5%.
VSAT Frequency Band:
MSS Frequency Bands
L-band
Uplink 1.6 GHz; downlink 1.5 GHz
L band is primarily used for Mobile Satellite Services, like Inmarsat and Iridium. Being a relatively low
frequency, L-band is easier to process, requiring less sophisticated and less expensive RF equipment, and
due to a wider beam width, the pointing accuracy of the antenna does not have to be as accurate as the
higher bands.
Only a small portion of L-Band is allocated to satellite communications on Inmarsat. Inmarsat uses Lband for its FleetBroadband, Inmarsat-B and Inmarsat-C services. The older Inmarsat A and B
antennas were typically 1 meter in diameter, but, with the launch of more powerful satellites and the
use of steerable spot beams, FleetBroadband antennas are down to less than 30cm (12 inches).
VSAT Frequency Bands
C-band
Uplink 5.925-6.425 GHz; downlink 3.7-4.2 GHz
C-band is primarily used for voice and data communications as well as backhauling. Because of its
weaker power it requires a larger antenna compared to Ku-band, usually 2.4m for maritime use.
However, due to the lower frequency range, it performs better under adverse weather conditions on
the ground. In addition, C-band typically has large beams and makes it possible to provide 'Global'
coverage with only three satellites.

X-band
Uplink 7.9- 8.4 GHz; downlink 7.25 7.75 GHz
X-band is used for military communications and Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) systems.
Ku-band
Uplink 14 GHz; downlink 10.9-12.75 GHz
Ku-band is used typically for consumer direct-to-home access, distance learning applications, retail and
enterprise connectivity in addition to maritime. The antenna sizes are much smaller than C-band
because the higher frequency means that higher gain can be achieved with smaller antenna sizes.
Networks in this band are more susceptible to rain fade, especially in tropical areas.
Ka-band
Uplink 26.5-40GHz; downlink 18-20 GHZ
Ka-band is primarily used for two-way consumer broadband and military networks. Ka-band dishes can
be much smaller and typically range from 60cm-1.2 metres (2' to 4') in diameter. Transmission power is
much greater compared to the C, X or Ku-band beams. Due to the higher frequencies of this band, it is
more vulnerable to signal quality problems caused by rain fade.

VSAT in Maritime:

VSAT technology is used for two way satellite communications for Internet, data and telephony, typically
in rural areas and harsh environments in this case, maritime environments.
Normally VSAT solutions in the maritime market are delivered as packaged solutions including satellite
space segment, equipment and phone and internet services.
VSAT services historically have operated at Ku-band and C-band for the commercial market, using
satellites located at the GEO orbital location. Due to the location of the satellites in combination with
the movement of vessels, stabilised antennas with tracking are required. A stabilised maritime VSAT
antenna typically has a circular antenna (often concealed within a dome) that is 2.4 metres or smaller in
diameter. The majority of maritime VSAT antennas range from 60cm to 1.5 metres for Ku-band and 2.4
metres for C-band (though larger C-band antennas are available).

Data rates typically range from 64kbps up to 8Mbps, but lower and much higher data rates are available.
A remote maritime VSAT system typically consists of two parts:
An antenna and transceiver that is placed outdoors (typically inside a radome) in maritime this
can be referred to as the Above Deck Unit ADU
An indoor unit that interacts with the outdoor unit and controls the antenna in maritime this
can be referred to as the Below Deck Unit BDU
In line with the growth in popularity of VSAT systems in recent years, an interesting shift appears to be
on the horizon as MSS operators are now positioning themselves to provide VSAT. Inmarsat plans to
launch Global Xpress in 2015, which sees the introduction of Ka-band VSAT to the market, based on
iDirect technology. Inmarsat claims that Global Xpress will deliver seamless global coverage and
unprecedented mobile broadband with speeds up to 50MB/s, to customer terminals from 60cm to 1
metre in size. You'll read more about this in The Future of VSAT.
In parallel, VSAT providers are expanding their portfolios and continually advancing their technologies to
drive growth and in to meet the growing demands for more bandwidth and smaller antennas.
VSAT in Military:

A soldier processes a parts request from GCSS-A.

The Army has for years made use of very small aperture terminals (VSATs) to link with satellites and
bring an Internet connection to the battlefield, but a battalion has for the first time connected VSATs to
the Global Combat Support Systems-Army, which is designed to combine multiple systems into a single,
Web-based system for logistics support.
A maintenance troop made the connection during an exercise at the National Training Center at Fort
Irwin, Calif., in the process demonstrating how GCSS-A could be brought down to the unit level in a
battlefield situation.

"GCSS-Army gives the commander the ability to track logistic deliveries and maintenance scheduling
within their unit," Staff Sgt. Don Nottingham, from the Maintenance Troop warehouse, said in a news
release. Adding VSAT to the mix provides real-time updates on orders, deliveries and maintenance
scheduling, significantly speeding up a process that can take days.

A staff sergeant from Maintenance Troop sets up a VSAT.

As Chief Warrant Officer 1 William Evans, head of the communications and electronics shop in
Maintenance Troop, VSAT makes "a 90,000 mile journey through millions of dollars of infrastructure and
sophisticated equipment, all in less than 700 milliseconds."
VSATs are small satellite terminals that can be quickly set up and, using IP protocols, be used to deliver
voice, video and data communications to soldiers in remote areas. The military has employed thousands
of them for years.
The GCSS-A, which after seven years of development, combines a suite of logistical information and
financial management systems into a single place, which of itself has helped speed up logistics support.
Enabling it to work with VSATs further streamlines the operation, cutting down the wait period after
placing an order.
"Having the VSAT capabilities improved the supply support activity warehouse, prescribed load list, and
shop office operations while in a field training environment," said Staff Sgt. Shelly Warren, the
warehouse noncommissioned officer in charge.
Now that its been tested in a deployed environment, the Army said units will be able to use VSATs as
soon they get GCSS-A implemented.
Military tactics now focus on gathering lots of data and acting on it quickly with precision strikes. One of
the important tools in this strategy is the very-small-aperture terminal, which has become so important
that some observers feel the drawdown wont significantly reduce its deployment.
VSATs have become a necessity for Special Forces, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other entities
that need small, lightweight equipment to be able to move quickly. Troops deployed in the mountains of

Afghanistan and other regions, where transmission paths are often blocked by mountains and
sandstorms, like the capability of lightweight terminals. The terminals also are seeing extensive use in
UAVs, which need lightweight components to stay aloft longer. They contain antennas and transmitters
which let aircraft communicate via satellites in the many instances where line-of-sight communications
arent possible. As with man-portable products, size and weight are key issues in this deployment.
Comms on the Move Technology: How VSAT Networks Can Become a Militarys Ultimate Weapon
Militaries rely on satellite communications to achieve a common operating picture across all forces. This
allows them to stay informed and make quick, educated decisions to accomplish their mission.
As forces continue to expand, teams are relying more on communications on the move (COTM)
capabilities to become more mobile across air, land and sea. Northern Sky Research projects $9.7 billon
will be spent on communication services across all terrains by 2021 with $3.7 billion spent on
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and COTM services alone.
To address these challenges, military organizations can leverage a VSAT network to enable COTM
features across the military landscape.
Here is a look at how a VSAT network can become a militarys ultimate weapon:

Supports everything. VSAT remotes can support any band, application, environment, military unit or
speed in any location.
The Right Technology For The Right Mission. Specialized boards are optimized for size, weight and
power for fast field deployment. These boards also come in different forms to fit a variety of
portable solutions from Flyaway terminals to Manpack terminals. And the remotes hardware is
ruggedized to withstand austere environments.
Enables Effortless Travel With No Connectivity Limitations. VSAT remotes can seamlessly switch
from beam to beam with automatic beam switching. This feature allows military units like battle
ships and unmanned UAVs to switch beams automatically while maintaining network coverage
even at speeds under ten seconds. To extend coverage even further, roaming capabilities allow
remotes to travel between different service provider networks, allowing militaries to stay connected
no matter where they travel.
Adapt To Unpredictable Atmospheric Conditions. Different environmental conditions such as rain
fade, can cause spectral degradation and a weak connection when switching beams or nearing the
end of a beam. A VSAT network is equipped with DVB-S2 and ACM MODCODs on the outbound
channel and Adaptive TDMA on the inbound channel to optimize bandwidth during these
environments, maximizing the network connection.
Military grade security. VSAT technology features tamper-evident hardware and software. VSAT
software is also transmission encrypted to ensure all communications and assets are protected from
adversaries. iDirect VSAT technology is certified with all major security protocols including: AES,
TRANSEC, FIPS 140-2, STANAG and SCAPS.
Ensure a network-wide view of all units at any time. VSAT features a global Network Management
System (NMS) to provide military teams with a single, global network view of all remotes and an
asset-tracking system so service providers and control remotes, as military units overlay multiple
satellite footprints.
All these components ensure that militaries can stay connected regardless of location or environment.
The iDirect platform provides diverse form factors, network management capabilities, security features
and the most bandwidth efficient capabilities to build a reliable and secure COTM network.

VSAT And The Connected Aircraft

The Connected Aircraft
Today, nearly every major airline is rolling out or planning to deploy in-flight connectivity. For
passengers, this means video streaming, voice connections and Wi-Fi. For the airline, it means a range of
operational efficiencies, including:

Optimizing crew utilization

Improving on-time performance and charting
Measurement of key data such as speed and fuel consumption

More and more, the airline industry is embracing VSAT to support all such capabilities. With VSAT,
airlines are able to offer higher data rates, with continual coverage for both domestic and international
routes. And the advent of HTS is dramatically improving capacity economics, which addresses the
traditional challenge of higher operational expenses based on the cost of satellite bandwidth.
Maximize Value, Minimize Cost
As VSAT rapidly becomes the enabling technology for commercial airlines, the true value will come from
technology that can help maximize value creation, while minimizing the total cost of ownership. iDirect
is the leading VSAT system for high throughput, bandwidth-efficient in-flight connectivity.
The fundamental system design of iDirects platform can handle unique high-speed communications-onthe-move (COTM) challenges. iDirect allows service providers to manage a complex network in order to
have constant coverage across various flight route, while the hub can provide a high degree of
technology flexibility and handle large bandwidth pools comprised of multiple satellites, frequencies and

bands. The terminal onboard the aircraft needs to be capable of handling high data rate demands
required by a connected aircraft, prioritize those traffic requirements and withstand the added
challenges of high-speed aerodynamic operations while in flight.
Service providers looking to build the most complete and scalable solution for commercial aero must
take all into consideration, and work with a platform that can accommodate all such demands.

Auto Acquire Mobile Patriot VSAT - Vehicle Mounted

TS2 offers mobile VSAT solutions that can be mounted to large trucks, SUV's, RV's, buses or vans.
These mobile VSAT systems can acquire the satellite in less than 10 minutes once the vehicle is parked.

Cost effective, high-speed connectivity via Satellite

The MVSAT solution delivers a two-way, always-on satellite connection for Internet access and other IPbased applications, such as streaming video, distance learning/training, and intranet/extranet access, to
almost any location, with no need for a telephone line or other land-based infrastructure. And, unlike
some satellite services, this system offers unlimited usage for a fixed monthly fee no per-minute or
per-megabyte download charges. Its easy to use and "always on."
Applications Supported:

High-speed Internet, intranet and extranet access,

Real-time multimedia streaming to the desktop,

File Transfer,

Voice over IP (VoIP),

Video conferencing,

IP multicast and broadcast applications,

And much, much more.

Characteristics and Applications of VSAT Satellite Communication

VSAT satellite communication system has very evident characteristics, which mainly includes the
following aspects:
1 Ground (remote) station antenna has small diameter which is generally 2 meters below. Now it mostly
adopts 1.2~1.8m diameter. Climbers sometimes use flyaway personal earth station with 0.3m diameter.
2 Transmission power is lowwhich is generally between 1 and 3w.
3 Weight is light. It is always dozens of kilograms and some are a few kilograms. And they are easy to
carry.
4 Price is low and it is economical and practical. This system has low price and its economic efficiency is
greater than equipment price.
5 Construction cycle is short. It is simpler than traditional ground communication means. Cable and
optical cable are not needed to set up. It doesnt need a relay station setting up every 50km, unlike
microwave communication. In VSAT satellite communication system, just install necessary device at
both ends of communication and equipment assembly is simpler.
6 Communication cost is irreverent to communication cost. As for common communication system, the
longer the distance is, the higher is the cost. But VSAT satellite communication is not related to distance.
The longer the distance is, the more adaptable is VSAT communication.
7 VSAT satellite communication is not affected by terrain and climate because it is not needed to set up
ground facilities and it is little interfered by ground.
8 The biggest advantage of VSAT satellite communication technology is flexible in network combination,
convenient maintenance and easy to expand, for it doesnt have complex ground equipment.
Application of VSAT satellite technology
VSAT station can easily make up flexible and economical network system of different scale, different
rate, and different application. A VSAT network can contain 200~500 small stations, which has a wide
range of application including broadcast type, point-to point type, two-way interactive type and
collection type. It can be applied not only in developed countries, but also in less technologically
advanced countries and undeveloped countries, especially in remote areas of complex terrain, less
population and inconvenient lines. It can be equipped directly to the individual, so it has important
significance for the military. Generally, VSAT technology can be applied in the following aspects.
1 It can be applied for popularizing satellite television broadcast and satellite television, and transmitting
signal of broadcast television and business television. This application mode has a vital role in both the
material and spiritual civilization for remote areas in our country.
2 It can be applied for financial system and securities system to dynamically track and manage market
situation, which greatly shortens cash conversion cycle.
3 It can be applied for water conservancy to manage and hydrological change in order to prevent and
reduce natural disaster. VSAT system can timely transmit the information obtained by meteorological
satellite, maritime satellite, resource satellite and ground detection station.
4 It can be applied for transportation system. Oversea developed countries use it on railway operation
and dispatching, which greatly ease transport tense.
5 It can be applied for military. In Gulf war in 1999, the international military used VSAT for a large
amount of mobile communication and equipped it to each soldier.

6 It can be applied for emergency communication and communication in remote areas. VSAT is the most
convenient emergency communication backup system for natural disaster or emergency incident.

Advantages of VSAT technology

As companies compete for an increasingly savvy customer looking for value (quality and service),
information technology and communications networks are becoming tools to achieve business goals.
Today's networks must support the need to improve customer service, increase per site revenues and
reduce costs (all driving net income growth) - in the most cost-effective manner possible. Further,
network managers want virtual 100% availability. They need to easily expand the network when they
acquire, move or add new sites to the operations. In addition, they require network flexibility - ease of
migration from existing legacy systems as well as addition of new network applications as their
companies offer additional services to its customers
Businesses and organizations give many reasons for using VSAT networks over terrestrial alternatives.
Among them are:

Cost-effective
Flexibility
Accessibility
Availability
Reliability
Versatility
Transmission quality
High network performance
Fast transmissions
Control
Ability to handle large amounts of data
Single vendor solution for both equipment and bandwidth
Broadcast capability
Ability to handle Voice, Video and Data

Companies that are providing VSAT solution in Middle East:

1. VIZO COM
Offices:
a.

b.

c.
d.

USA:
Vizocom
PO BOX 20649
El Cajon, CA 92021
UAE:
PO Box: 123987
#87, 5th floor, Z2 block, Opposite to ENBD bank.
Sharjah International Free Zone
Sharjah, UAE
Tel : +97165579190
Fax : +97165749199
IRAQ:
Baghdad, Basra, Erbil
AFGHANISTAN:
Kabul

2. Global IT
(Winter time GMT+1 - Brussels)
(Summer time GMT+2 - Brussels)
9:00 am -12:00 am
2:00 pm-5:00 pm
Tel : +32 10 48 56 00
Fax : +32 10 48 56 20
Email : info@globaltt.com

3. Hermes DataComms
Dubai
18th Floor, Office 1801, Indigo Icon Jumeirah Lake Towers, P.O Box 454714, Dubai, UAE.
Tel: +971 (0) 44279838
E mail: info.me@hermes.uk.com
Osama Oulabi
Business Unit Manager Middle East
Mobile (UAE): +971 (0) 55 88 614 90
E mail: osama.o@hermes.uk.com
Iraq
Building No. 211\19, Amman Neighbourhood, Opposite Manawi Basha Hotel, Basra, Iraq.
W aleed Sameer Ameen Al-Attiya
Country Manager, Iraq
Tel (UAE): +971 (0) 55 221 9604/ +964 780 926 7852
E mail: waleed.a@hermes.uk.com

4. Yahsat
Al Falah City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Phone: +971 2 510 0000
Email: info@yahsat.ae
Fax: +971 2 510 0001

5. Cobham Communications and Connectivity

Label SAS trading as Cobham Aerospace Communications
18 Alle de Montreal, BP 439, Ville la Grand , Annemasse , France 74108
T: +33 (0) 450 87 7250 F: +33 (0) 450 37 6751

6. Gulfsat
Gulfsat communications Co. Office

Playout Team:

Support

P.O. Box 2400, Safat - 13025, Kuwait

Tel: +965 2291 7715

Tel: +965 2291 7750

Tel: +965 2291 7777

Fax: +965 2328 1311

Fax: +965 2328 1311

SAT Desk: +965 2291 7799

Skype ID: gs.playout

Skype ID: noc.support

Fax: (+965) 2240 2201

Email: playout@gulfsat.com

Email: Support@gulfsat.com