CONCEPT OF WIRELESS NETWORK (PART 5)

4.             VERY SMALL APERTURE TERMINAL (VSAT)

VSAT allows delivery of internet connectivity via satellite. VSAT technology is a form of satellite communication which uses a very small antenna called VSAT which can provide multi-path connections anywhere in the world. It is a very reliable means of achieving perfect communications. VSAT technology is a very good technology that can be employed virtually in all areas of communication technologies.

ADVANTAGES OF VSAT

i.              It can access in remote locations.

ii.            A VSAT Network can provide internet access in addition to the point to point WAN links.

iii.    VSAT networks can be easily and cost effectively be scaled to accommodate multiple locations across the globe. VSAT can accommodate as many as 10,000 sites on a single network.

iv.         VSAT networks are very reliable and have been field tested for many years now.

PROBLEMS OF VSAT

i.            The initial cost for building and launching VSAT is very high.

ii.    Rain attenuation might affect the performance of VSAT communications under rainy conditions.

iii.        Trained man power is required for installation and maintenance.

iv.        The antennas need to be fixed outside the offices or homes hence making them susceptible to damage or theft