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Showing posts with label about vsat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label about vsat. Show all posts

by ©Comsys

Comsys has staff working in all telecommunications and media technologies and services, but we do specialise in satellite communications. In a nutshell, our satellite-related activities break down like this:
  • VSATs - The VSAT Report, Regulations, Marketing Sales Assistance, Statistical Analysis.
  • Broadband and Multimedia - we have conducted several Broadband Multimedia studies covering terrestrial and satellite services, technologies and markets. These have included prospects for Ka-band and Ku-band satellite systems as well as an analysis of competitive terrestrial technologies.
  • Marketing and Competitive Analysis
  • Expert Witness Advice - we are Law Society accredited as an expert witness.
  • Financial Due Diligence
  • High Level Executive Recruitment
  • Frequency Co-ordination
  • Transponder Contract and Pricing Negotiations
  • TV Broadcasting and Satellite Capacity
Our strengths are our responsiveness, our primary research and our in-depth knowledge of the issues, technologies, companies and, most importantly, people in this industry. Please have a look around, we want to tell you about Comsys and what we offer, but we also want you to enjoy your visit so you will hopefully find our site interesting and amusing. At the bottom of this page you will also find our client reference list.

Comsys has staff working in nearly all telecommunications and media technologies and services although we do specialize in satellite communications. In a nutshell, our satellite related activities break down as follows:



Comsys areas of expertise include:
Satellite Technology, Marketing and Competitive Analysis: Through acquiring extensive experience in the satellite industry, the technology involved and services it can provide Comsys has developed a well established and resourceful satellite media services team. The company tracks the satellite manufacturing industry contract by contract (in a similar vein to our well known VSAT industry analysis). Through our satellite manufacturers’ database we are able to provide detailed information on planned and proposed launches, satellite capacity, system coverage and transponder availability. Comsys additionally has considerable experience in all areas of satellite planning, service and marketing strategies. Over the past two years we have been retained by three of the largest satellite manufacturers in the world to advise on a number of strategic and tactical issues. In 1997 we advised Loral on a number of issues relating to its acquisition of AT&T's Skynet division, primarily in quantifying the market for satellite services in two regions of the world. We also advised Hughes on potential business opportunities in one of developing markets. We spent most of 1998 in advising Lockheed Martin Intersputnik on a number of strategic and tactical issues, including developing its business plan, partnership strategies and co-ordination issues.

During 1998 we carried out a number of strategic planning and competitive analysis studies, including:
  • Development of a business plan for a Teleport operator, including detailed analysis of complementarity and interoperability with fibre optic cable networks.
  • Competitive analysis of broadband and mobile satellite services, including development of a cost model.
Television Services and Satellite Capacity:
is well versed in all areas of television broadcasting issues including licensing, marketing, sales assistance, programming issues and strategic alliances. This enables us to quickly identify and source available capacity and, in conjunction with our wide contacts within the industry, arrange either capacity reservations or leases on any commercial satellite system currently in operation. We have also worked extensively in channel genre analysis enabling us to offer advice for sourcing programming for inclusion in an operator’s bouquet. Additionally, Comsys is a Direct Access User of the INTELSAT system, enabling us to directly reserve or lease capacity on any available INTELSAT spacecraft for a client and avoiding it having to pay an additional mark-up to a Signatory.

Broadband and Multimedia Markets:
The potential of Ka-band satellites, Broadband satellite communications and the multimedia marketplace is already being realised and offers further advancement for satellite communications. Comsys has been involved in client studies on Ka-band technology for over a decade and the Broadband industry is a key area for Comsys with a great deal of expertise in this field. In 2000 we published the Comsys Broadband Report. The methodology behind our forecast model was extensively tested and the study was widely used by several large satellite and terrestrial broadband service projects and ventures as part of their finance activities and core business plans. We continue to actively work in this area, now focused on VSAT systems.

Expert Witness Advice:
Comsys has previously advised on a number of litigation issues relating to satellite transponder contracts, spacecraft insurance and contractual issues. All of this work has been conducted for cases heard by the English courts, where the Expert’s duty is to advise the court and not to act as a partisan advocate for one of the parties. In a recent case we produced a 130-page report for the High Court which described the way in which transponder contracts are negotiated and we are currently advising on matters relating to satellite insurance.

Frequency and Orbital Co-ordination Issues:
Over the past two years we have been heavily involved in a number of co-ordination issues, primarily in advising clients on the practicalities of co-ordination negotiations. Over the past few years the number of satellite network filings has increased dramatically with many of these unlikely to come to fruition. Our in-depth knowledge of the satellite industry on a global basis allows us to provide clients with a unique perspective on the potential threat posed by each filed network. We have also conducted a number of on-site due diligence investigations in which we were retained to verify the co-ordination status of a specific network and were retained to conduct a due diligence exercise on one of the mobile satellite operators.

Financial and Project Due Diligence:
2000 saw a huge number of acquisitions and mergers both directly within and associated with the satellite communications business. Comsys has long been involved in financial, commercial and technical due diligence and has worked on many projects of this type. Our extensive knowledge of the business and many contacts help us offer support which give a potential bidder a marked advantage when assessing an opportunity. We have supported both acquisition activities and the raising of capital for many companies through specific tasks as well as our multi-client studies. During the past seven years we have been retained to advise on many major and smaller acquisitions. COMSYS was involved in advising clients in all but one of the major satellite operator sales over the past few years as well as most of the major VSAT vendor processes and many operator acquisitions. Comsys has strong links to the Wall Street financial community and has directly helped some companies in their search for capital as well as providing specialised support for some of the largest accountancy firms in their work for industry players. We also assist a number of merchant banks by providing statistical information and related analysis on many aspects of the satellite industry.

Executive Recruitment:
with our long history in the satellite business and extensive industry contacts at the most senior levels, Comsys is ideally placed to provide high level executive sourcing services. Over the past few years we have been consulted by many companies seeking to fill positions from Director level upwards. Comsys is able to identify and approach potential prospects with proven track records of success by working through our own resources and through specialised contacts with past experience of both the industry and the recruitment process. We are known for both our reliability and discretion from our primary consultancy activities and this gives clients the confidence when working with us to source and place individuals in new and existing positions.

Transponder Contract and Pricing Negotiations:
In the mid-1980's we advised Kinnevik in its transponder negotiations with SES/Astra - the first commercial transponder contracts to be negotiated outside the USA. We acted as the interface between the legal and technical officials and provided cost comparison data to our client. In 1994-97 we provided strategic advice to the Multichoice / Nethold group (now the biggest television operator in Africa), primarily in identifying which transponders the group should be using for its pay-TV and related operations around the world. At that time, the group had contracts for more than thirty equivalent transponders with an annual cost of almost $150 million. We continue to advise clients within the Multichoice group on related satellite issues for capacity in Asia, Africa and Europe.

Selected Past Client List:

UK / Eire

Asia / Pacific / Africa

British Petroleum

AsiaSat

BT

Fujitsu Corporation

Cable & Wireless

Hutchison Corporate Access

Department of Trade and Industry

KDD Japan

Europe*Star

MBNS/Binariang

Eversheds

Mitsubishi Corporation

Freshfields

NEC Corporation

Government of Ireland

News Corporation

INMARSAT

Pacific Century Group

Kingston Communications

PT Asia Cellular Satellite

London Stock Exchange

PT Indosat

Matra Marconi Space

SingTel

Merlin Communications

Telstra

Simmons & Simmons

TV New Zealand







Europe

North America

Alcatel Space

Aerospace Corporation

Alenia Spazio

Astrolink

Belgacom

AT&T Communications

Chello Broadband

Bear, Stearns and Co

DeTeSat

BellSouth Corporation

ESA/ESTEC

CBS News

Ericsson

Comsat Corporation

EUTELSAT

Disney Interactive

Commission of the European Communities

Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette

Infocom

GE Americom

Kokua

Harris Corporation

KPN Station 12

Hughes Network Systems

Lockheed Martin Intersputnik

INTELSAT

Government of Luxembourg

McKinsey & Company

Mindport Solutions

Motorola

ND Satcom

Price Waterhouse Coopers

New Skies Satellites

Salomon Smith Barney

Nera Satcom

Scientific Atlanta

NTL

Space Systems / Loral

SES-Astra

Teledesic

Telenor Broadband

US State Department

Teleport Bulgaria

White House/ National Economic Council

Telia

Wilkie, Farr & Gallagher







Africa/Middle East

Latin America

Gilat Satellite Networks

Advance/Telefónica

Multichoice (MIH)

Comsat International

Spacecom

Impsat Fiber Networks

Tadiran Electronics

SatMex

Telkom S.A.



For more reports information, services please visit www.comsys.co.uk

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Erect your tripod and attach the offset adapter. Please see Appendix B, Assembling the Offset Adapter , for more detail. The budget adapter is pictured here.

It is important to correctly orient the tripod legs and offset adapter, to ensure a stable setup. It is recommended that the front leg of the tripod be aligned with the azimuth direction, as shown.

Use your compass to align the front leg with the desired azimuth. The offset adapter will also be aligned with the azimuth, but extending in the opposite direction, midway between the two rear legs. Once aligned, tighten the adapter to the tripod. The figures above show the top and side views of the recommended orientation of the tripod and mounted offset adapter.

Note: As previously noted, the instructions included in this manual are only guidelines, to help you achieve an optimum setup that doesn't interfere with other users on the satellite. There are other approaches besides the one shown here, but they will all stress the importance of a properly pointed antenna. For example, some users prefer to align the rear leg with the azimuth and position the offset adapter directly over it.

From : Satellite Mobility Support Network (SMSN) HughesNet User Guide

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Let's define what is meant by inroute and outroute transmissions:

Inroute transmission - This is everything transmitted by your VSAT, to the HughesNet NOC. It is characterized by Co-Pol and Cross-pol.
Outroute transmission - This is everything received by your VSAT, from the HughesNet NOC. Outroute performance is characterized by Signal Quality.
Defining Polarization
The HughesNet VSAT antenna transmits and receives signals in two linear polarizations: horizontal and vertical, as shown in the figure, above.

The first thing to keep in mind when talking about linear polarization, is that the electric field's orientation describes the polarization. The electric field radiates off of, and is in the same plane, as the "radiating antenna" in the transmitter. The magnetic field is induced by, and is perpendicular to, the electric field. Also, remember that the antennas on the satellite are oriented with respect to the earth at it's meridian or line of longitude. So vertical for the satellite may be skewed from our point of view. These points also hold true for the LNB, only the inroute signal excites the "pickup antenna" in the LNB.

When we adjust the skew or polarization, the little radiator assumes the polarization that we set.

The transmit cross-polarization component can interfere or "disturb" the receiving co-polarization signal, and vice versa. These disturbances need to be kept to a minimum, by proper pointing of the dish. Every antenna has some parasitic cross-polarization. The goal is to have a cross-pol component that is as small, as possible.

Circular polarization is also shown, but is not used by HughesNet and will not be discussed further. Satellite TV uses circular polarization.

Pointing the Antenna and Fine-tuning
After each move, the antenna is redeployed , by first making sure that the mast for the dish is plumb, with respect to gravity. Then, the skew, azimuth, and elevation are set on the antenna assembly, per the values provided by the HughesNet modem or DSSatTool.

After locating the satellite, the azimuth and elevation are then adjusted, with the help of an electronic pointing device, such as a OPI meter or a Birdog meter, to achieve the strongest possible received signal. If your mast is plumb AND you have optimized your receive signal, you are likely to also have an optimized co-pol signal and a minimized cross-pol.

From : Satellite Mobility Support Network (SMSN) HughesNet User Guide

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This section is very important. It presents and describes some things you should understand, in order to become skilled at properly pointing your HughesNet satellite dish. The following are discussed, as well as the methods used for measuring the relevant values, and why this is important:
- Co-pol - The desirable transmitted signal
- Cross-pol - The interfering transmitted signal
- Signal quality - The received signal

Pointing the Antenna Properly
TV satellites transmitting their signal to the earth have a large footprint. As long as you are in that footprint, it is a relatively easy task to aim towards the satellite and acquire the signal. Transmitting a signal back is a much more precise task.

Satellites in geostationary orbit, like the HughesNet satellites, are spaced approximately 45-50 miles apart. If you draw a straight line between your dish and the satellite, it will be about 22,300 miles long. If you move your dish even one degree off peak, the other end of your line will have wandered off target, by approximately 389 miles.

There is also the very real possibility that if your antenna is not pointed or aligned correctly, you could be firing a high frequency transmission to an adjacent satellite and potentially disrupting service to thousands of its users. This is referred to as Adjacent Satellite Interference (ASI).

This is a very serious issue to satellite operators and is why it is so critical that your dish is correctly pointed, locked down tight, and stabilized properly.

A properly pointed antenna has the strongest possible received and transmitted signals (signal quality and co-pol, respectively). And, it creates the least possible interference for other users on the satellite (cross-pol).

Note: The most important thing to remember is that a properly pointed antenna doesn't waste bandwidth or interfere with your own or others' transmissions. This means a better online experience for everyone. And, most important in properly pointing the antenna is minimizing the cross-pol or interfering signal

From: Satellite Mobility Support Network (SMSN) HughesNet User Guide

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Being a mobileHughesNet user means that you can "take your Internet with you!" Here are the requirements to be a successful mobile HughesNet user:
- Set up your HughesNet account.
- Get your satellite and mobility equipment.
- Receive hands-on training.
- Learn how to use DSSatTool.
Each of these requirements is discussed in more detail later.

Setting Up Your HughesNet Account
Setting up your account involves providing some information to the installer or dealer and selecting the service plan and options. The dealer will get a Site Account Number (SAN) and Personal Identification Number (PIN), which are needed to commission your modem.

Home, Pro, and ProPlus Service Plans
The most commonly selected service plans use the standard .74 meter dish and a 1-watt transmitter. The lowest cost HughesNet service plan is the Home Service, which provides up to 700 Kbps down and 128 Kbps up for $59.99 per month. Another popular choice is the Pro plan. For $69.99 per month, it provides up to 1 Mbps down and 200 Kbps up. Then there is the ProPlus plan, which provides up to 1.5 Mbps down and 200 Kbps up, for $79.99 per month. You can also get a static IP address with the ProPlus plan, for another $10 per month. With all three plans you receive up to 5 email accounts, a 15-month service contract, and an equipment warranty for the life of the service plan. Extended service warranties, for on-site service, and dial-up access are also available.

Small Office and Business Internet Service Plans
Equipment costs are higher, but you receive the larger .98 meter dish and a 2-watt transmitter. The service plans cost $99.99 and $179.99 per month, for 1.5 Mbps and 2.0 Mbps down, 300 Kbps and 500 Kbps up, respectively. With this equipment you can extend coverage to much or all of Canada and/or Mexico, depending on satellite.

PowerPak
HughesNet now offers the 98 meter dish and a 2-watt transmitter as an add-on option to any service plan.For $299.99, it extends the coverage area and reduces rain fade.

Getting Your Satellite and Mobility Equipment
After you have provided the necessary information to set up your HughesNet account, your equipment will be ordered. You will need the HughesNet satellite equipment and mobility accessories to take your system on the road.

Satellite Equipment
The satellite equipment is provided by Hughes Network Systems. This includes the DW7000 and HN7000S satellite modem, a .74 or .98 meter dish, and the feed arm, which holds the LNB and a 1- or 2-watt transmitter. Shown on the previous page is the latest HughesNet outdoor equipment, the metal Prodelin dish and feed arm.

Mobility Kit
The mobility kit includes all of the accessories you will need to move your satellite system to a new location and get back online. Items include at the least: a tripod and offset adapter, an elevation adjuster, a meter, a compass, a level, a method of attaching ballast, and cables. Some of these things are pictured on the previous page.

Receiving Hands-on Training
The original installation and commissioning is performed by a professional installer. It is also the responsibility of the original installer or dealer, to train the new mobile user in proper alignment and verification procedures, when moving the satellite dish. Receiving hands-on training is very important - it can make the difference between a stressful experience and enjoying your new system immediately.

Using DSSatTool, from Don Bradner and DatastormUsers.com
For the commissioning of your modem, the installer/trainer must use the web interface of your modem and the Registration - Installer functions. After commissioning, Don Bradner's DSSatTool provides an easier way to get your modem to communicate with the satellite from a new location. It is also uses fewer network resources. This is discussed in Chapter 2, Every Time You Move - Redeploying Your HughesNet VSAT.

From : Satellite Mobility Support Network (SMSN) HughesNet User Guide

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Hughes Net Mobility Kit
There are different options available from MobileInternetSatellite.com and other Satellite Mobility Support Network (SMSN) dealers, for HughesNet VSAT systems. Each kit contains everything you need to properly set up and point (redeploy) your satellite dish.

Mobility Kit Components
Following is a list of mobility kit components, along with a brief description of each:

Aluminum Tripod - The tripod supports the antenna assembly. It should always be weighted down with at least 50 lb. of ballast. Shown in the figure is the 60-SMSN25 tripod, which was specially developed for this purpose by CST/berger.

Offset Adapter - This custom designed offset mount moves the center of balance of the satellite dish to directly over the center of the tripod. This creates a well-balanced antenna assembly, less prone to tip over. The one shown is the original design and the sturdier of the two models offered.

T-Level - Attached to the mounting adapter, a T-Level makes it incredibly easy to get a plumb mast. Achieving a plumb mast is the key to properly pointing your dish, for optimum signal quality and minimum cross-pol. This is described in Chapter 2, See Every Time You Move - Redeploying Your HughesNet VSAT .

Adapter Hardware Set - This is to securely attach the offset adapter to the tripod. It also provides a large eyebolt for attaching ballast.

Ballast Strap - This attaches to the eyebolt (part of hardware set), for adding a minimum of 50 lbs. of ballast.

50' Dual RG-6 Cable - This is the receive and transmit InterFacility Link (IFL) cable, which connects the outdoor equipment to the satellite modem indoors. All connections use compression-fit connectors.

Collapsible Water Jug - When filled with water, this provides the needed ballast. When empty, it is very compact and lightweight, for travel. Hard-plastic water containers are much more durable, but are bulkier to transport.

Lensatic Sighting Compass - This is used to help determine your azimuth - the direction in which you will point your dish

Suunto Tandem Compass - This is the ultimate compass, which allows you to determine your line of sight, even when there are lots of potential obstacles, such as in a heavily wooded area. You can sight elevation, as well as azimuth.

BirDog Satellite Meter - This digital satellite meter kit includes everything you need. It makes locating the right satellite and adjusting the dish to optimize the signal even easier than the OPI. Because this meter positively identifies the satellite, you will be immediately able to set up your antenna and know you are online, before you ever connect the cables and turn on the modem.

Outdoor Pointing Interface (OPI) Meter - This digital satellite meter kit includes a 22KHz filter, which is needed if you use an OPI with a model RA6-074, RC6-074 or newer radio assembly. It is not used with the DW4000 pre-ISIS transmitters. It makes locating the right satellite and adjusting the dish to optimize the signal simple and straight-forward.

User Guide and Setup Card - The SMSN HughesNet Mobility User Guide contains more than 100 pages of useful information, including fully illustrated setup instructions. The Setup Card contains a checklist for setup and other information.
Not Shown - The following mobility kit items are not shown on the previous page:

Note:
The items pictured are only representative of the actual kit components.
In some cases, an item of equal or greater value may be substituted.


Source : Satellite Mobility Support Network (SMSN) HughesNet User Guide

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HughesNet Satellite Modem :

The HughesNet Model DW6000, DW7000, or HN7000S modem supplies DC power to the LNB and the transmitter. It also transmits the inroute signal and receives the outroute signal. Both outroute (received) and inroute (transmitted) signals operate at L-band, between the modem and the outdoor electronics. The numbers in the illustration above indicate the order in which the lights come on, after a normal power reset. The DW6000 can no longer be commissioned.

The HughesNet Satellite Modem Lights
The lights on the HughesNet satellite modems provide you with status information. Which lights are on or off can help you pinpoint a problem, when it occurs.

Following is a description of each light's state (from top to bottom), when the terminal is powered on and transmitting or receiving data:

- The LAN LED is on and blinks intermittently as frames are transmitted or received.
- The Transmit LED is on and blinks intermittently as frames are transmitted.
- The Receive LED is on and blinks intermittently as frames are received.
- The System LED is on.
- The Power LED is on.

Meaning of LEDs on Front of Modem
LAN : Solid blue LAN is connected and usable; Flashing blue There is transmit or receive activity on the LAN.

TRANSMIT : Solid blue= OK ; Flashing blue=Transmitting frames; Off Some condition is preventing transmission.

RECEIVE : Solid blue= OK ; Flashing blue=Receiving frames ; Off= Some condition is preventing acquisition of outroute (preventing receipt).

SYSTEM : Solid blue (DW7000)=System is operating normally ; Flashing blue (DW7700)= System is operating normally with DVA enabled ; Off= Some condition is preventing full operation.

POWER : Solid blue= Power is on and unit is functioning normally ; Blinking blue = Unit is operating with the fallback.bin (backup) version of software ; Off = There is no power ; Off with another LED flashing= This indicates a fatal error ; Off with all other LEDs flashing in unison= This indicates an unrecoverable key error.

Note:
If the power LED blinks, the terminal is operating with a backup version of software referred to as the fallback.bin . This usually happens when the unit is first installed. The unit may operate with the fallback.bin, if the primary version of software, referred to as the main.bin , does not successfully load. If this occurs, power cycle the unit by disconnecting the power cord from the power source, wait 10 seconds, and then reconnect power.

Source : Satellite Mobility Support Network (SMSN) HughesNet User Guide

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The ODU or antenna includes the dish, or reflector, and the feed arm, which holds the active elements (transmitter and receiver). These are pictured above

The Dish or Reflector
The older dish, shown on the left with the TV attachment, is made of fiberglass, with an embedded wire mesh. It measures 0.74 meter in surface area (39" x 23"). The newer Raven dish is still .74 meter, but is rounder (34 1/4" x 28 1/2") and it is made of a lightweight metal. Often, when only referring to the dish, without the feed arm, the term reflector is used. The latest Prodelin dish was shown earlier.

The Feed Arm
Located on the fully assembled VSAT dish assembly, the Rx-Tx feed arm is normally removed and safely stored, as part of the process for moving to a new location. The feed arm consists of the feed support arm and the outdoor electronics.

All of the active outdoor components connect to the support arm, which also adds strength (and weight) to the completely assembled antenna. The outdoor electronics consist of the LNB, which receives outroute (from the NOC) Ku-band signals from the satellite, and the transmitter, which transmits inbound (to the NOC) Ku-band signals to the satellite. Power is supplied by the HughesNet satellite modem. For those who are interested, this is discussed in more detail, below.

LNB
The Low-Noise Block down-converter (LNB) is used to amplify and frequency convert outroute signals received by the antenna, for input into the modem via the Sat-In cable.

The antenna receives the outbound signal in the Ku-band frequency, for input to the wave guide end of the LNB. The LNB first amplifies the input Ku-band signals. It then uses a local oscillator (LO), to frequency translate input signals to L-band frequencies, which are used on the coaxial cables.

The signal noise value is an electrical specification for the LNB, which is critical to outroute signal (your received signal) quality performance. The lower the noise figure, the better the signal quality performance will be.

The LNB is powered from the modem, via a DC power supply coupled on the coaxial RF input connector, which connects to the receive IFL cable.

Transmitter
The transmitter is used to frequency translate and power amplify inroute signals from the modem and output them to the antenna, for transmission to the satellite.

The modem sends the inroute signal at an L-band frequency to the transmitter, using Sat-Out and the transmit coaxial cable. This signal is input to the transmitter, where it is frequency converted to the transmit Ku-band frequency, using a nominally fixed local oscillator (LO). This Ku-band signal is then power amplified to operate the transmitter at a nominal one-watt output power (at saturation). The fixed output power is input to the antenna, for transmission to the satellite.

The transmitter is powered from the modem, via a DC power supply coupled on the coaxial RF output connector, which connects to the transmit IFL cable

Ku-band
Communications satellites send and receive electromagnetic Ku-band signals, which are in the super high-frequency range. Microwave phone signals, which are relayed between tall towers, are in this same frequency range. However, satellite Ku-band signals are usually not susceptible to interference from these towers.
Satellite Mobility Support Network (SMSN) HughesNet User Guide

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By Bob Hett

VSAT broadband is similar to cable and DSL services for your computer. It is Internet service through a satellite dish that is placed on your home or business. It is another option for a high-speed Internet connection that is considered to be one of the best technologies available today.

One of the greatest advantages of VSAT broadband is that you do not need any special software, hardware or networks to use it. It works with nearly any email provider and uses a satellite dish that is like the ones used for satellite TV. A person or business can use what they have and not have to digest and learn a lot of new information before being able to use their computer.

Many people are curious about weather issues with a satellite Internet connection. Although the weather can impact your satellite TV use, this does not happen with VSAT technologies. The dish is larger, which makes weather problems almost nonexistent. The only requirement for this dish is being able to place it so that it faces the southern sky to access the satellite. The satellite coverage of the planet is also quite extensive, so that you can have the high-speed access you desire almost everywhere.

There are many other advantages to using this type of Internet connection. It is very easy to use, the connections are extremely fast, and the service is flexible and always reliable. For both companies and individuals, this is very important. You can connect to the Internet anywhere, at any time. This includes customer service, as well. It does not matter what time you have a question, there is someone available to answer it. The possibilities with this technology are endless.

VSAT broadband offers top of the line VPN encryption for the security of your personal information and data. They also offer full services for things like web hosting, net meeting, etc.

This type of Internet connection is also great for areas that are rural or are perhaps underserved by reliable Internet Service Providers. In areas like this, new Internet service capabilities are often not cost-effective. Many of these areas cannot afford to have Internet service that does not have outages. Internet services in these types of areas can also be expensive and the ISPs do not often have the latest technology to offer to their subscribers. Dial-up service is the norm in rural areas or small towns. VSAT broadband is a way to have the latest technology without having to go through a local ISP.

For companies, VSAT broadband offers a single vendor for all of their services. The convenience of this service is a great time saver for both small and large businesses. This makes paying bills easier, sending emails a quicker process, and allows for easy understanding among employees.

The cost of VSAT broadband service is comparable to other types of service. It takes only 14 days to get the service, and the installation of the dish can be done in about 3-6 hours. VSAT broadband is definitely a wave of the future.

Bob Hett offers simple and concise information for the sometimes confusing world of Internet service. Get the answers to all of your questions at http://www.dslinternetcenter.info/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Hett


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by Orbital Data Net

The most advanced VSAT emergency communication link built with this level of performance and ease of operation.

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Satellite
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
This article is about artificial satellites. For natural satellites, also known as moons, see Natural satellite. For other uses, see Satellite (disambiguation).
A full size model of the Earth observation satellite ERS 2
In the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an object which has been placed into orbit by human endeavor. Such objects are sometimes called artificial satellites to distinguish them from natural satellites such as the Moon.
Contents
1 History
2 History of artificial satellites
3 Space Surveillance Network
4 Non-Military Satellite Services
4.1 Fixed Satellite Service
4.2 Mobile Satellite Systems
4.3 Scientific Research Satellite (commercial and noncommercial)
5 Types
6 Orbit types
6.1 Centric classifications
6.2 Altitude classifications
6.3 Inclination classifications
6.4 Eccentricity classifications
6.5 Synchronous classifications
6.6 Special classifications
6.7 Pseudo-orbit classifications
7 Satellite Modules
7.1 Spacecraft bus or service module
7.2 Communication Payload
8 Launch-capable countries - space powers
9 Attacks on satellites
9.1 Jamming
10 Satellite Services
11 See also
12 References
13 External links
Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite
Version 1.2, November 2002 Copyright (C) 2000,2001,2002Free Software Foundation, Inc. 51 Franklin St, Fifth Floor,Boston, MA 02110-1301 USA Everyone is permitted to copy anddistribute verbatim copies of this license document, but changingit is not allowed.

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The first satellite, Sputnik 1, was put into orbit around Earth and was therefore in geocentric orbit. By far this is the most common type of orbit with approximately 2456 artificial satellites orbiting the Earth. Geocentric orbits may be further classified by their altitude, inclination and eccentricity.


Various earth orbits to scale; cyan represents low earth orbit, yellow represents medium earth orbit, the black dashed line represents geosynchronous orbit, the green dash-dot line the orbit of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, and the red dotted line the orbit of the International Space Station (ISS).
The commonly used altitude classifications are Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and High Earth Orbit (HEO). Low Earth orbit is any orbit below 2000 km, and Medium Earth Orbit is any orbit higher than that but still below the altitude for geosynchronous orbit at 35786 km. High Earth Orbit is any orbit higher than the altitude for geosynchronous orbit.

Centric classifications
  • Galactocentric orbit: An orbit about the center of a galaxy. Earth's sun follows this type of orbit about the galactic center of the Milky Way.

  • Heliocentric orbit: An orbit around the Sun. In our Solar System, all planets, comets, and asteroids are in such orbits, as are many artificial satellites and pieces of space debris. Moons by contrast are not in a heliocentric orbit but rather orbit their parent planet.

  • Geocentric orbit: An orbit around the planet Earth, such as the Moon or artificial satellites.Currently there are approximately 2465 artificial satellites orbiting the Earth.

  • Areocentric orbit: An orbit around the planet Mars, such as moons or artificial satellites.

Altitude classifications

  • Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Geocentric orbits ranging in altitude from 0–2000 km (0–1240 miles)

  • Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): Geocentric orbits ranging in altitude from 2000 km (1240 miles) to just below geosynchronous orbit at 35786 km (22240 miles). Also known as an intermediate circular orbit.

  • High Earth Orbit (HEO): Geocentric orbits above the altitude of geosynchronous orbit 35786 km (22240 miles).

Inclination classifications
Inclined orbit: An orbit whose inclination in reference to the equatorial plane is not zero degrees.
Polar orbit: An orbit that passes above or nearly above both poles of the planet on each revolution. Therefore it has an inclination of (or very close to) 90 degrees.
Polar sun synchronous orbit: A nearly polar orbit that passes the equator at the same local time on every pass. Useful for image taking satellites because shadows will be nearly the same on every pass.

Eccentricity classifications

Circular orbit: An orbit that has an eccentricity of 0 and whose path traces a circle.
Hohmann transfer orbit: An orbital maneuver that moves a spacecraft from one circular orbit to another using two engine impulses. This maneuver was named after Walter Hohmann.



Elliptic orbit: An orbit with an eccentricity greater than 0 and less than 1 whose orbit traces the path of an ellipse.
Geosynchronous transfer orbit: An elliptic orbit where the perigee is at the altitude of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and the apogee at the altitude of a geosynchronous orbit.
Geostationary transfer orbit: An elliptic orbit where the perigee is at the altitude of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and the apogee at the altitude of a geostationary orbit.
Molniya orbit: A highly elliptic orbit with inclination of 63.4° and orbital period of half of a sidereal day (roughly 12 hours). Such a satellite spends most of its time over a designated area of the planet.
Tundra orbit: A highly elliptic orbit with inclination of 63.4° and orbital period of one sidereal day (roughly 24 hours). Such a satellite spends most of its time over a designated area of the planet.


Hyperbolic orbit: An orbit with the eccentricity greater than 1. Such an orbit also has a velocity in excess of the escape velocity and as such, will escape the gravitational pull of the planet and continue to travel infinitely.


-Parabolic orbit: An orbit with the eccentricity equal to 1. Such an orbit also has a velocity equal to the escape velocity and therefore will escape the gravitational pull of the planet and travel until its velocity relative to the planet is 0. If the speed of such an orbit is increased it will become a hyperbolic orbit.
Escape orbit (EO): A high-speed parabolic orbit where the object has escape velocity and is moving away from the planet.
Capture orbit: A high-speed parabolic orbit where the object has escape velocity and is moving toward the planet.

Synchronous classifications
Synchronous orbit: An orbit where the satellite has an orbital period equal to the average rotational period (earth's is: 23 hours, 56 minutes, 4,091 seconds) of the body being orbited and in the same direction of rotation as that body. To a ground observer such a satellite would trace an analemma (figure 8) in the sky.
Semi-synchronous orbit (SSO): An orbit with an altitude of approximately 20200 km (12544.2 miles) and an orbital period of approximately 12 hours
Geosynchronous orbit (GEO): Orbits with an altitude of approximately 35786 km (22240 miles). Such a satellite would trace an analemma (figure 8) in the sky.
Geostationary orbit (GSO): A geosynchronous orbit with an inclination of zero. To an observer on the ground this satellite would appear as a fixed point in the sky.[10]
Clarke orbit: Another name for a geostationary orbit. Named after the writer Arthur C. Clarke.
Supersynchronous orbit: A disposal / storage orbit above GSO/GEO. Satellites will drift west. Also a synonym for Disposal orbit.
Subsynchronous orbit: A drift orbit close to but below GSO/GEO. Satellites will drift east.
Graveyard orbit: An orbit a few hundred kilometers above geosynchronous that satellites are moved into at the end of their operation.
Disposal orbit: A synonym for graveyard orbit.
Junk orbit: A synonym for graveyard orbit.
Areosynchronous orbit: A synchronous orbit around the planet Mars with an orbital period equal in length to Mars' sidereal day, 24,6229 hours.
Areostationary orbit (ASO): A circular areosynchronous orbit on the equatorial plane and about 17000 km(10557 miles) above the surface. To an observer on the ground this satellite would appear as a fixed point in the sky.
Heliosynchronous orbit: An heliocentric orbit about the Sun where the satellite's orbital period matches the Sun's period of rotation. These orbits occur at a radius of 24,360 Gm (0,1628 AU) around the Sun, a little less than half of the orbital radius of Mercury.

Special classifications
Sun-synchronous orbit: An orbit which combines altitude and inclination in such a way that the satellite passes over any given point of the planets's surface at the same local solar time. Such an orbit can place a satellite in constant sunlight and is useful for imaging, spy, and weather satellites.
Moon orbit: The orbital characteristics of earth's moon. Average altitude of 384403 kilometres (238857 mi), elliptical-inclined orbit.


Pseudo-orbit classifications
Horseshoe orbit: An orbit that appears to a ground observer to be orbiting a certain planet but is actually in co-orbit with the planet. See asteroids 3753 (Cruithne) and 2002 AA29.
Exo-orbit: A maneuver where a spacecraft approaches the height of orbit but lacks the velocity to sustain it.
Orbital spaceflight: A synonym for exo-orbit.
Lunar transfer orbit (LTO)
Prograde orbit: An orbit with an inclination of less than 90°. Or rather, an orbit that is in the same direction as the rotation of the primary.
Retrograde orbit: An orbit with an inclination of more than 90°. Or rather, an orbit counter to the direction of rotation of the planet. Apart from those in sun-synchronous orbit, few satellites are launched into retrograde orbit because the quantity of fuel required to launch them is much greater than for a prograde orbit. This is because when the rocket starts out on the ground, it already has an eastward component of velocity equal to the rotational velocity of the planet at its launch latitude.
Halo orbit and Lissajous orbit: Orbits "around" Lagrangian points.

Retrieved from 'http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite'

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Astronomical satellites are satellites used for observation of distant planets, galaxies, and other outer space objects.

Biosatellites are satellites designed to carry living organisms, generally for scientific experimentation.

Communications satellites are satellites stationed in space for the purpose of telecommunications. Modern communications satellites typically use geosynchronous orbits, Molniya orbits or Low Earth orbits.

Miniaturized satellites are satellites of unusually low weights and small sizes.[8] New classifications are used to categorize these satellites: minisatellite (500–200 kg), microsatellite (below 200 kg), nanosatellite (below 10 kg).

Navigational satellites are satellites which use radio time signals transmitted to enable mobile receivers on the ground to determine their exact location. The relatively clear line of sight between the satellites and receivers on the ground, combined with ever-improving electronics, allows satellite navigation systems to measure location to accuracies on the order of a few meters in real time.

Reconnaissance satellites are Earth observation satellite or communications satellite deployed for military or intelligence applications. Little is known about the full power of these satellites, as governments who operate them usually keep information pertaining to their reconnaissance satellites classified.

Earth observation satellites are satellites intended for non-military uses such as environmental monitoring, meteorology, map making etc. (See especially Earth Observing System.)
'Space stations are man-made structures that are designed for human beings to live on in outer space. A space station is distinguished from other manned spacecraft by its lack of major propulsion or landing facilities — instead, other vehicles are used as transport to and from the station. Space stations are designed for medium-term living in orbit, for periods of weeks, months, or even years.

Tether satellites are satellites which are connected to another satellite by a thin cable called a tether.
Weather satellites are primarily used to monitor Earth's weather and climate.[9]


Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite"
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Main article: Timeline of artificial satellites and space probes
See also: Space Race

The first artificial satellite was Sputnik 1, launched by the Soviet Union on 4 October 1957. This triggered the Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States.
In May, 1946, Project RAND had released the Preliminary Design of an Experimental World-Circling Spaceship, which stated, "A satellite vehicle with appropriate instrumentation can be expected to be one of the most potent scientific tools of the Twentieth Century.[4] The United States had been considering launching orbital satellites since 1945 under the Bureau of Aeronautics of the United States Navy. The United States Air Force's Project RAND eventually released the above report, but did not believe that the satellite was a potential military weapon; rather, they considered it to be a tool for science, politics, and propaganda. In 1954, the Secretary of Defense stated, "I know of no American satellite program."

On July 29, 1955, the White House announced that the U.S. intended to launch satellites by the spring of 1958. This became known as Project Vanguard. On July 31, the Soviets announced that they intended to launch a satellite by the fall of 1957.

Following pressure by the American Rocket Society, the National Science Foundation, and the International Geophysical Year, military interest picked up and in early 1955 the Air Force and Navy were working on Project Orbiter, which involved using a Jupiter C rocket to launch a satellite. The project succeeded, and Explorer 1 became the United States' first satellite on January 31, 1958.[5]

The largest artificial satellite currently orbiting the Earth is the International Space Station.

Space Surveillance Network
The United States Space Surveillance Network (SSN) has been tracking space objects since 1957 when the Soviets opened the space age with the launch of Sputnik I. Since then, the SSN has tracked more than 26,000 space objects orbiting Earth. The SSN currently tracks more than 8,000 man-made orbiting objects. The rest have re-entered Earth's turbulent atmosphere and disintegrated, or survived re-entry and impacted the Earth. The space objects now orbiting Earth range from satellites weighing several tons to pieces of spent rocket bodies weighing only 10 pounds. About seven percent of the space objects are operational satellites (i.e. ~560 satellites), the rest are space debris.[6] USSTRATCOM is primarily interested in the active satellites, but also tracks space debris which upon reentry might otherwise be mistaken for incoming missiles. The SSN tracks space objects that are 10 centimeters in diameter (baseball size) or larger.

Non-Military Satellite Services
There are three basic categories of non-military satellite services:[7]

Fixed Satellite Service
Fixed satellite services handle hundreds of billions of voice, data, and video transmission tasks across all countries and continents between certian points on the earth’s surface

Mobile Satellite Systems
Mobile satellite systems help connect remote regions, vehicles, ships and aircraft to other parts of the world and/or other mobile or stationary communications units, in addition to serving as navigation systems

Scientific Research Satellite (commercial and noncommercial)
Scientific research satellites provide us with meteorological information, land survey data (e.g., remote sensing), and other different scientific research applications such as earth science, marine science, and atmospheric research.

Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite
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The first recorded fictional depiction of a satellite being launched into orbit is a short story by Edward Everett Hale, The Brick Moon. The story was serialized in The Atlantic Monthly, starting in 1869.[1][2] The idea surfaces again in Jules Verne's The Begum's Millions (1879).
In 1903 Konstantin Tsiolkovsky (1857–1935) published Исследование мировых пространств реактивными приборами (The Exploration of Cosmic Space by Means of Reaction Devices), which is the first academic treatise on the use of rocketry to launch spacecraft. He calculated the orbital speed required for a minimal orbit around the Earth at 8 km/s, and that a multi-stage rocket fueled by liquid propellants could be used to achieve this. He proposed the use of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, though other combinations can be used.
In 1928 Herman Potočnik (1892–1929) published his sole book, Das Problem der Befahrung des Weltraums - der Raketen-Motor (The Problem of Space Travel — The Rocket Motor), a plan for a breakthrough into space and a permanent human presence there. He conceived of a space station in detail and calculated its geostationary orbit. He described the use of orbiting spacecraft for detailed peaceful and military observation of the ground and described how the special conditions of space could be useful for scientific experiments. The book described geostationary satellites (first put forward by Tsiolkovsky) and discussed communication between them and the ground using radio, but fell short of the idea of using satellites for mass broadcasting and as telecommunications relays.
In a 1945 Wireless World article the English science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) described in detail the possible use of communications satellites for mass communications.[3] Clarke examined the logistics of satellite launch, possible orbits and other aspects of the creation of a network of world-circling satellites, pointing to the benefits of high-speed global communications. He also suggested that three geostationary satellites would provide coverage over the entire planet.
Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite
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  • VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminals)
    VSAT or Very Small Aperture Terminals are small, software-driven earth stations (typically 0.9-2.4 meters, which equates to 3-8 feet, though larger units are available) used for the reliable transmission of data, video, or voice via satellite. It requires no staff or additional technology to operate it. It simply plugs into existing terminal equipment.

    Reliable Communications
    VSAT satellite communications provide virtually error-free digital data communications and better than 99.9% network reliability.

    Remote Communications
    No matter how remote or dispersed your operations are, VSATs provide a link to your headquarters. VSAT can provide remote diagnostics, remote monitoring, and data streaming services from remote or hazardous sites.

    System Integration
    Turnkey seamless integration of communications requirements provide a one point contact for your private data network From design, implementation, installation and management a turnkey solution to your communications requirements. These services are provided in an individualized cost-effective solution.

  • IP Based Wan Network Services
  • E-Mail Service
  • Interface with Telephone PBX
  • Mobile VSAT Communications System
  • Data and Voice Connectivity
  • Fax
  • Video
  • Installation, Moving And Set-up Services
  • Broadcast Services
  • Contract Installation and Service on VSAT Networks
  • Real-Time Data Acquisition and Broadcast
  • 7/24 Hour Service and Support
  • Lease-Line, Backhaul Support
  • CDMS (Code Division Multiple Access) Technology
  • SCPC (Single Carrier Per Channel) Technology
  • TDMA (Time-Division Multiple Access) Technology
  • Multiple Network Configurations

VSAT services are delivered through the use of either C-Band or KU-Band geostationary satellites for video, voice, fax and data transmissions. VSATs use a star network with the use of satellite earth stations that rely on a large central hub. Alternatively the use of mesh (hubless) VSAT networks can provide communication between VSAT terminals directly. They can be configured in both one-way (receive only) and two-way (interactive) VSAT terminals. Most VSAT terminals utilize satellite dishes in the 1 to 2.4 meter range, though both smaller and larger dish configurations are available. The selection of satellite, terminal size and configuration is based on the specific requirements of the applications for which VSAT will be utilized.

VSAT is growth compatible, VSAT allows the user to make incremental increases in its network. The use of VSAT provides the ability to expand capacity and system growth, while maintaining a handle on costs which are closely associated with the increase in capacity or system growth. The VSAT network is highly manageable, and allows many options in planning the network with regards to bandwidth, services and protocols. VSAT can provide a seamless means of integrating your Wide Area Network (WAN) across the country, or across the world. Source : www.donegal-holdings.com

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System quickly configures C-130 aircraft for U.S. Special Forces missions

ViaSat Inc. has provided the U.S. Special Forces with a new airborne broadband satcom system to greatly enhance its warfighting capabilities. The system is already in use in the Middle East and coverage areas will expand as more terminals and hubs are delivered. This new operational capability, an extension of the ArcLight® mobile broadband system, is installed on C-130 aircraft, primarily for sending high resolution video back to higher command authorities for further analysis and identification. It also provides two way broadband communications for a variety of command and control needs. The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is the first military organization to use the new satcom system which taps into the ArcLight commercial broadband satellite network for private business jets and maritime applications operated by ViaSat and SES Americom Government Services.
The C-130 satcom system is built around the advanced ArcLight modem and networking technology using a spread spectrum waveform to enable the use of mobile satellite antennas as small as 29 centimeters in diameter. The antenna is enclosed in a radome attached to a redesigned emergency escape hatch. In a few minutes, operators can configure an aircraft for their specific mission without any permanent aircraft alterations, then quickly return the aircraft to its normal configuration when the mission is complete, while maintaining safety-of-flight integrity. The U.S. Air Force-certified hatch-mount terminal enables secure access to Department of Defense wide area networks at raw data rates up to 10 Mbps inbound and 512 kbps outbound while airborne.
“This system was first demonstrated by the U.S. Joint Forces Command, was JITC Certified, declared ready for network-centric operations, and now is operational on these USSOCOM aircraft,” said Larry Taylor, ViaSat Government Satcom director of business development. “This new broadband service provides a much greater level of real-time situational awareness while leveraging commercial satcom technology to greatly reduce operational and support costs compared to other systems.”
The ArcLight spread spectrum technology assures regulatory compliance with FCC and ITU rules governing adjacent satellite interference. Licensed in over 25 countries, the system delivers a terrestrial broadband experience to aircraft, small maritime vessels, European trains, and ground on-the-move vehicles using commercial Ku-band satellites. It can also easily adapt to other frequency bands. source:http://viasat.com/

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