Course Number: 5022
Length: 3 Days
VSAT Training
There are multiple advantages to using a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) – and heading that list is VSATs are easy to deploy.
The VSAT ground station essentially communicates with satellites, which then redirects the data to several hubs at different locations on the earth. What that means is that there is considerable cost savings because there are lesser infrastructural requirements for setting up access to services – even at remote locations.
An example of this kind of VSAT setup is an exploratory drilling site where there is a need for relaying drill logs back to headquarters on a daily basis.
Another advantage of VSAT is that it functions independently of local telecom networks. Again, cost savings here as well because this makes VSAT an ideal system for reducing the risk of business recovery and for setting up backup systems.
A backup system is commonly used in cases where the wired network goes bust. Consequently, the business can still continue operating smoothly by means of the VSAT network.
Many users of VSAT are ecstatic with this kind of system because it eliminates structural issues in data transmission. Organizations often turn to VSATs instead of large physical networks because VSATs bounce the signal via an orbital satellite, as opposed to transporting that data through a physical medium, such as an Ethernet connection.
A VSAT consists of two parts: a transceiver placed outdoors in direct line of sight to the satellite, and a device that is placed indoors to interface the transceiver with the end user’s communications device, such as a PC.
The transceiver receives or sends a signal to a satellite transponder in the sky. The satellite sends and receives signals from a ground station computer that acts as a hub for the system.
Each end user is interconnected with the hub station via the satellite, forming a star topology.
Star topology VSAT is a type of network topology in which every device in the network is individually connected to a central node, known as the switch or hub. When represented visually, this topology resembles a star which gives it its name.
Star topologies are often combined with bus topologies, resulting in what’s called a tree. This occurs when the switch of the star topology is connected to the backbone of the bus topology.
The advantages to a star topology VSAT network are considerable, and include:
- Limits the impact of a single point of failure because each device is isolated by its relationship to the switch
- Adding or removing devices to the network is simple and doesn’t disrupt the network
- High-performance as no data collisions can occur
- Fault detection is easy
- Each device only requires one port to connect to the switch
Analysts contend that the future is very bright for these low-cost VSAT systems.
VSAT Training Bootcamp by Tonex
VSAT Training covers very small aperture terminal (VSAT) systems. VSAT is growing throughout the world as a way of establishing private satellite communications networks for large organizations that have several widely dispersed locations, or providing higher bandwidth for the individual.
Depending on bandwidth requirement (data speed and/or communications channels), VSAT systems can be relatively small and easily installed.
Very Small Aperture Terminals access satellites in geosynchronous orbit to relay data from small remote earth stations (terminals) to other terminals (in mesh configurations) or master earth station hubs (in star configurations).
VSAT Training is an intensive, learning experiences that cover the essential elements of your chosen subject. VSAT Training is ideal for busy professionals who want to stay current in their fields but have limited time to be away from the office.
This intensive technical VSAT Training provides the attendees with an in-depth background of VSAT techniques as well as a state of the art update on key emerging technologies and future systems.
VSAT technical boot camp details the technology of satellite communications, focusing on VSAT networks and how they compete with terrestrial alternatives. The fundamentals of constituent parts of a VSAT configuration, planning, network architecture, orbits, link budget, coverage, ground equipment hardware, installation, operation, and maintenance are covered.
Tonex provides a solid, fundamentals-based training program for VSAT, broadband, and maritime satellite terminal technicians, engineers, users, and operators. The VSAT program is endorsed and recommended by the major satellite operators and government agencies.
Tonex offers several customized training paths based on the customer needs and requirements:
- For fixed VSAT professionals: VSAT Basic, Advanced, and Specialist VSAT and Satcom Training Programs.
- For marine VSAT professionals: Marine VSAT and Satcom Professional Training.
- For marine VSAT operators (crew): Marine VSAT and Satcom Operator Training.
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VSAT Training
Who Should Attend
Technicians, operation staff, managers and engineers who need a technical introduction to SATCOM and VSAT.
Objectives
Upon completing of this course, attendees will be able to:
- Explain the basics of Satellite Communications (SATCOM)
- Define Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT)
- Understand VSAT services and features
- Understand VSAT architecture, system design , multiple access, modulation and coding schemes
- Step through VSAT propagation aspects and antennas
- Investigate the state of the art in new areas such as speech and video coding, and VSAT networking
- Understand VSAT subsystem & launching
- Understand VSAT link design and analysis
- Explain TCP/IP, VoIP and Video applied to VSAT
- Understand VSAT-base IP communications technologies
- define VSAT voice, video and data applications
- Step through VSAT installation, operation, maintenance and Troubleshooting
Outline
Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Overview
- Communications Satellites
- Common Types of Satellites
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO)
- Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
- Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO
- Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Networks
- What is a VSAT System?
- How does a VSAT Work?
VSAT Networks
- Deployment Options
- International and National
- VSAT Network Architecture
- Star and Mesh Topologies
- Traffic multiplexing
- Multiple access and Assignments Strategies
- Modulation and Modems
- Channel Characteristics
- Security and Encryption
- VSAT Service Provisions and Quality
- VSAT-based IP Communications Technology
- VSAT Voice, Video and Data applications
- Voice and Video over IP
- VPN and Data Services
- VSAT Equipment
- Basic VSAT Components
- Transmitters
- Antennas
- Power Generation
- Air Interfacing and Networking
- Downconversion and Upconversion
- VSAT Components: LNB, BUC, Cables, IDU/modem, Feed systems
- VSAT Block Diagrams
VSAT Access Methods and Modulation
- Fixed Point-to-Point Links
- Bandwidth Sharing
- TDM, TDMA, FDMA, SCPC, DVB-RCS, DAMA, CDMA
- Modulation and Coding
- Analog and Digital Modulation
- BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM, 64QAM
- Overview of Shannon's Theory
- Symbol Rate and Bit Rate
- Intersymbol Interference (ISI)
- Forward Error Correction (FEC)
RF and Microwave applied to VSAT
- Electromagnetic Waves and Frequencies
- Amplitude, Frequency and Phase
- The Spectrum
- Bands: C, Ku, and Ka Band
- Signals and Noise
- Amplitude and frequency review;
- Overview of Watts, decibels, and gain
- Signal Power and Bandwidth
- Noise power and Bandwidth
- Overview of C/N and C/No, and Eb/No
- EIRP, G/T, SFD, Input/Output Backoff
- Link Budget
- Fade Levels
- Link Margins
- Availability
- Fade Countermeasures
Propagation Effects
- Blockage
- Free Space Loss
- Water Loss
- Rain Zones
- Elevation Effects
- Solar Transit Outages
- Transmitter Distortion Concepts
- Amplifier saturation
- Gain Compression
- Gain Expansion
- Distortion Spectrum
- Uplink Control Process
Earth Stations and VSAT Terminals
- Components in VSAT terminals
- BUCs, LNBs
- Antenna and Feed Systems
- Modems
- Large Earth Station Equipment
- Typical Block Diagrams
VSAT Antennas
- Types and Operating principles
- Gain
- Antenna Patterns
- Beamwidth and Diameter
- VSWR and Return Loss
- Sidelobes and Effects
VSAT Dish Pointing Concepts
- Latitude
- Longitude
- Azimuth
- Elevation
- GEO Arc
- AZ-EL Beam Movement Across the Arc
VSAT Footprints
- Downlink signal strength
- Downlink EIRP
- Uplink and Downlink Footprints
- Contours
Polarization
- Launching Linearly Polarized Waves
- Matching TX and RX Antenna Orientations
- Cross-Polarized Signals and XPD
- Pol Frequency Re-use and Cross-Pol Transponders
- Cross-Pol Interference
- Linear and Circular Polarization
Fundamentals of VSAT Installation and operation
- Review of the VSAT Installation Process
- The key installation steps
- Site Survey, Mounting the Outdoor Equipment, IFL and Grounding, Dish Pointing and Cross-Pol, Indoor Equipment, Testing the Link
- Importance of High Quality Installations
- Need for high-quality, interference-free installations
- Site Survey
- Line of Sight (LOS)
- Azimuth and Elevation
- Site Survey Checklist
- Equipment Installation
- Accurate Antenna Pointing
- Antenna AZ-EL Pointing
- Carrier Lineup and Cross-Pol Checks
- Grounding
- Lightning Strikes
- Maximizing Link Quality and Preventing Interference
- Indoor Electronics Installation
- IP Network Configuration Concepts
- Ethernet, Internet Protocol (IP)
- Overview of IP Addressing, IPCONFIG, DNS, and DHCP
- Configuration Gateways, Subnets, and Netmasks
- Proxies
- Troubleshooting and maintenance
- Common Field Mistakes
- Troubleshooting VSAT Link
- Troubleshooting Network, and Interference Problems
- Issues the DC Voltage Dop on Cables; Installing the IDU
- Finding the Terminal IP address
- Uplink alignment
- Preventive Maintenance