Very Small Aperture Satellite Transmission (VSAT) refers to a satellite communication technology that employs small dish antennas with diameters typically ranging from 0.75 meters to 4.5 meters. This setup enables communication between remote locations and a central hub via geostationary satellites in space. VSAT systems consist of two essential components: the satellite terminal and the central hub.
The satellite terminal comprises the small dish antenna, a transceiver that both sends and receives signals, an intermediate frequency unit, and a network interface. The antenna receives signals from the satellite, which are then transmitted through the transceiver, converted into a lower frequency range by the intermediate frequency unit, and sent to the network interface for communication with the central hub.
The central hub acts as a gateway and control center for the VSAT network. It typically consists of a larger dish antenna that communicates with several satellites, a network control unit, and a system of servers and routers to manage data transfer. The hub receives transmissions from the satellite terminals, processes the data, and routes it back to the appropriate destination via terrestrial networks.
VSAT technology is widely used for various applications, including internet connectivity, telephony, video conferencing, and data transfer in remote and rural areas where traditional communication infrastructure is unavailable or unreliable. Its compact size, ease of installation, and cost efficiency make it a preferred choice for establishing long-distance communication networks.
