About VSAT Technology
VSAT stands for Very Small Aperture Terminal. It is a satellite communications system, serving both business and home users. The VSAT system works by sending and receiving a signal from a computer on earth that acts as a hub. The signal is then transferred to and from user computers via an outside antenna transceiver.
VSAT technology is an information exchange system comprised of satellite technology that transfers signals to and from a space orbiting satellite and a ground station. In basic terms, the VSAT user sends a set of information to the space satellite. The satellite then receives the signal and sends it back to earth where it is received at a ground station. This station is essentially a hub for the system.
History of VSAT Technology
The early development of VSAT technology was seen in the early 1980s. Since then, it has been widely used, primarily in the business field. Credit card companies, for example, use the technology's capability to allow for incredibly fast information exchange to record various financial transactions at shopping stores and gas stations. The oil company Schlumberger has used it extensively as well.
VSAT Networks
VSAT technology utilizes two network configurations: star topology and mesh topology. With star topology, the information is sent from VSAT terminal to terminal via a network operations center or uplink site. This central uplink site interacts directly with the satellite. In mesh topology, the VSAT terminals send data to other terminals by way of the satellite. The VSAT terminal acts as a central hub.
Uses of VSAT Technology
VSAT technology is used, of course, by satellite cable television providers to transmit their programming to customers. It is also used as a part of the maritime satellite navigation system in ship communication. Likely the most widely used application of VSAT technology is with broadband Internet providers, as it allows the access to the Internet to be accessed by people in remote areas that would otherwise not have access to cable Internet.