VSAT – Very Small Aperture Terminal

VSAT stands for Very Small Aperture Terminal, which in English means a two-way satellite internet antenna that is less than 3 meters in diameter. Any terrestrial satellite antenna larger than that is considered an earth station.

VSATs come in all shapes and sizes, most are curved to focus reflected radio frequency (RF) into a narrow focus area where it can be more easily received by the antenna electronics. VSATs can be installed in buildings, ships, vehicles, trains, airplanes, or mounted on the ground.

Building or ground mounted VSATs are typically larger than vehicle or marine mounted VSAT antennas. In most cases, the larger the VSAT antenna, the more data can be received and transmitted. Larger antennas are naturally easier to mount on buildings and supports on land than on vehicles and boats.

Some VSATS are made to be highly portable, many are divided into cases small enough to be checked as airline baggage; which also means that they can be carried almost anywhere and in almost any type of vehicle, be it a commercial airplane, jeep, small boat, trailer, helicopter, van, or any other method of transportation available to transport your computer to any remote location. place where it is necessary to establish temporary satellite communications.

These portable VSAT systems are commonly referred to as Flyaway systems, named for their ability to “fly” on any commercial aircraft.

Marine VSAT antennas are generally housed within a radome that has been specially designed for optimal electrical performance so that they do not interfere with the strength of the RF signals received and transmitted from the VSAT antenna inside. These marine VSAT antennas are shock-mounted on carefully balanced 2- and 3-axis stabilized pedestals that allow them to rotate with extreme freedom within the dome. A satellite controller and special drive motors help the marine VSAT antenna maintain precise aiming on the desired geostationary satellite 37,000 kilometers away, regardless of how much roll, yaw and pitch the vessel may experience. At sea, a VSAT antenna is the only way to have the Internet.

Vehicle-mounted VSAT antennas are designed to automatically fold down for travel, then automatically unfold and point at the satellite at the touch of a button on the indoor controller. These antennas are widely used by everyone including law enforcement, oil and gas exploration, businesses, racing teams, mobile medical clinics, mobile bank branches, and consumers in RVs who need to maintain internet connectivity even while on the go. on vacation “off the grid”. .

For robust broadband that is always available, even in unattended or temporary locations, VSAT antennas are the only technology that always works everywhere with no “dead spots”.

For equipment pricing and ordering information, call 757 312 8300 to speak with a satellite expert.