VSAT: A brief overview and its top advantages
When it comes to broadband solutions, VSAT has become a popular option in diverse remote parts of the world. Today there are many transmission mediums available for internet connectivity, starting from fiber optic and copper like to DSL and cellular technologies like GSM, CDMA, LTE, and so on. VSAT essentially uses satellite for internet connectivity, and is well suited for areas where it is difficult to install cellular towers or lay copper or fiber optic cable, which also includes forested areas and hilly terrains.
What is VSAT?
VSAT is the short form for Very Small Aperture Terminal, and this technology majorly comprises of three components- A satellite, a central hub, and a number of smaller nodes that are kept at distinctive locations to form a start topology using the satellite network. All the nodes communicate with the central hub by using the satellite as the medium for communication. If any kind of additional networks has to be integrated with this VSAT network, it can be done effectively at a NOC (Network Operations Center) at the central hub.
Today Geo-Synchronous satellites are popularly used for offering WAN/ broadband Internet connectivity as it has the capability to provide a permanent coverage over a fixed area. Ku, Ka, and C bands are the ones most commonly used for VSAT networks, owing to their high throughput performance capabilities.
Use of VSAT
Satellite in Geo Synchronous orbit has the capacity to cover around 33% of the surface of the earth, and provide connectivity to any region covered by it. A satellite may also focus on a certain high density region and several satellites may work together to provide global coverage. As a result, VSAT Services can prove to be pretty useful for locations where there is limited or no terrestrial connectivity, including hilly areas, coastal regions, ships, rural neighborhoods, and more.
A VSAT network can carry data and latency sensitive applications like video and voice. As a result, one can even enjoy TV Broadcast Services through it. This technology competently supports IP based Multi-cast applications like audio and video streaming
Its easy deployment is one of the best aspects of VSAT networks. After the satellite is put in to its orbit, its deployment at the customer premises can be done in just a couple of hours if the required equipment is available. Detailed information about the deployment of this system can be found online.
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