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Satellite Basics VSAT PDF

This document discusses satellite technology basics. It describes how satellite networks provide voice and data services independent of terrestrial infrastructure. A satellite network consists of user terminals, satellites located in orbit, and hub stations that connect signals to public or private networks. There are various types of satellite systems including mobile satellite services with small portable terminals, and fixed satellite services that use larger stationary antennas. The document provides examples of different satellite systems and services and considerations for using satellite technology in emergency situations.

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522 views21 pages

Satellite Basics VSAT PDF

This document discusses satellite technology basics. It describes how satellite networks provide voice and data services independent of terrestrial infrastructure. A satellite network consists of user terminals, satellites located in orbit, and hub stations that connect signals to public or private networks. There are various types of satellite systems including mobile satellite services with small portable terminals, and fixed satellite services that use larger stationary antennas. The document provides examples of different satellite systems and services and considerations for using satellite technology in emergency situations.

Uploaded by

crispix2000
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Satellite Technology Basics

Bruce A. Henoch
March 27, 2007
Why Satellite?

Voice and data service completely


independent of local terrestrial
infrastructure

Not (generally) dependent on use of


local power supply (BUT make sure
batteries are charged!)

Easy to deploy on short notice

Provides full range of voice and data


communications options; if you can
do it by wire, you can do it be
satellite (with limitations)

Slide 2
Satellite Technology
What is it, and how does it work?

Slide 3
Satellite Network Elements

User Terminal Device used in the field to connect to satellite


network; can be mobile or fixed depending on site, needs, etc

Satellite Located in orbit, either low earth or geostationary

Hub Station Takes signal from satellite and switches it to the


PSTN, Internet, or private network

Public or Private Network The prime communications target

Slide 4
User Terminals

Types of terminals vary with the satellite system to


be used:
Mobile Satellite Systems use proprietary
terminals
Fixed Satellite Systems (Ku-Band, Ka-Band,
C-Band) use standard antennas

Slide 5
Satellite Systems

Numerous satellite constellations in orbit


Mobile Satellite Service:
Inmarsat
Iridium
Globalstar
MSV

Fixed Satellite Service


Intelsat
SES Americom
Loral Skynet
New Skies

Slide 6
Hub Facilities

Operated by numerous companies


Different stations contain different modem systems
Connection at hub to PSTN, Internet, private networks

Slide 7
So What Does It All Mean?

There are numerous options available for companies looking for


satellite solutions. Each option has its positives and its negatives.

Slide 8
Mobile Satellite Services

Characterized by small- to medium-sized voice and data terminals; terminals are


proprietary to the particular network

Benefits: Relatively small, easily transportable, operate on internal batteries;


relatively easy to train field personnel

Negatives: Relatively high airtime costs, slow data speeds; proprietary


equipment not switchable to other systems; latency (geo)

Slide 9
Inmarsat System

Distributed by resellers such as Stratos


State-of-the-art I-4 satellite network (geo)
Many flavors of service: new services (BGAN) and older (GAN, Mini-M)

BGAN GAN (M4) Mini-M


Voice, Fax, Data Voice, Fax, Data Voice, Fax, Data
Data up to 492 kbps Data up to 64 kbps Data up to 2.4 kbps
Full range of IP services

Slide 10
Iridium System

Distributed by resellers

66 low earth satellites; fleet growing


older; next generation system
announced at Satellite 2007

Very small terminals; no latency


issues; true global coverage,
including the poles

Iridium 9505A
Voice and Data
Data Speed 2.4 kbps

Slide 11
Globalstar System

Capabilities similar to Iridium; 48


satellites vs. 66; Globalstar coverage
is less extensive globally

Similar size, specifications, and


pricing

Faster data speed; comparisons


have shown voice quality superior to
Iridium

Questions abound about coverage Globalstar GSP 1600


and satellite life Voice and Data
9.6 kbps data speed

Slide 12
MSV

Push-to-talk technology
Voice and Data
North America only
Dispatch radio via satellite

Hughes G2 Fixed and


Vehicle Mount System

Slide 13
Fixed Satellite Services

Several flavors exist: C-Band, Ku-Band, etc. System of most interest is


VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminals. Antennas are about 1.2 meters in
diameter and operate anywhere in U.S.

VSAT can be fixed (e.g. banks, gas stations) or transportable

Antennas that must be set up in a fixed position prior to use; generally non-
proprietary: can be used with variety of satellite networks in same band

Slide 14
VSAT

Positives: Transportable, easy to set up, high data speeds,


interchangeable; technology is ubiquitous; cheaper data rates than MSS;
very easy FCC licensing process

Negatives: High initial cost; requires external power source; not truly
portable; requires time to set up; subject to rain fade: i.e., poor quality in
rain or fog

Slide 15
Fly-Away VSATs

Offered by numerous companies


in many flavors
Support full range of IP services
Transportable in cases; can be
set up and aimed in several
minutes
Excellent data
throughput, up to 4 Mbps
JabaSat VSAT FlyAway System
Uses iDirect Modem Technology

Slide 16
C-Band Fixed Satellite

Large dish systems, generally must be


permanently installed

High bandwidth (video, true high-speed


data), resistant to rain fade, global beam
coverage

Big, expensive, FCC licensing


requirements much stricter than Ku-Band

Slide 17
New Technology: RaySat

In-Motion VSAT System: special low-profile phased array antenna mounts


on vehicles/trains; can be fully utilized while vehicle is in motion
Designed for military/first responder use
FCC application pending for U.S. use

RaySat StealthRay Antenna


Data speeds 1-14 Mbps up/
512 kbps return; std Ku-Band
Mountable on any vehicle
Uses vehicle power supply

Slide 18
Using Satellite Technology In the Field

Hurricane Katrina experiences: PLAN, TRAIN, PREPARE

Assess your needs before a disaster strikes, not after


Iridium phones disappeared from supply lines

Check status on regular basis: keep batteries charged!

Train personnel on use of equipment before disaster strikes, not after! Know
how to deploy and use.
Iridium dialing codes example

Slide 19
Most Important Points To Take Away:

9 Make the use of satellite technology a regular and integral part of


your emergency planning and training program.

9 Plan out your needs, buy the equipment now, maintain it regularly,
and train, train, train on its deployment and use.

Slide 20
For Further Information

Bruce A. Henoch
VP, Legal & Regulatory Affairs
Stratos Global Corporation
6901 Rockledge Drive, Suite 900
Bethesda, MD 20817
(301) 968-1938
[email protected]

Slide 21

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