The development of technology in the field of telecommunications is growing very rapidly. The use of VSAT in the industrial world makes it easier to coordinate work so as to create a better ecosystem.
Table of Contents
VSAT Short Explanation
To understand the use of VSAT we need to know what it means first. VSAT stands for Very Small Aperture Terminal, which is a terminal for receiving and transmitting signals for a small satellite earth station with a diameter of between 0.9 and 3.8 meters which is used to transmit data, images and sound via satellite.
This technology was first introduced in the early 1980s in the United States. This technology itself entered Indonesia for the first time in 1989 which was accompanied by the emergence of private banks that needed online communication systems such as ATMs or (Automated Teller Machines).
VSAT Benefits
With increasingly advanced technology, communication between islands in Indonesia will become easier, cheaper and more efficient. Easy, because it is not blocked by the ocean or the topography of the earth. Cheap, because far or near the cost is the same. Utilization for the Internet and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) will also be more optimal and cheaper.
The advantages compared to cable channels, besides being cheaper, are also reliable, with wide bandwidth and packet data transmission systems. This technology also functions as a substitute for telephone lines and microwaves. The ability to transfer data, voice and video is very good because of the wide bandwidth. By utilizing good compression techniques, images and sound can be transferred more easily at a low cost.
This technology can be used to facilitate telecommunications in many industries and businesses. Business fields that are in dire need include banking (eg online computing), oil drilling companies, airlines, distribution of goods and services, timber business and others.
How VSAT works
For people who have subscription satellite TV, they may be familiar with the devices that are usually provided by subscription TV operators and installed in housing.
VSAT equipment usually consists of an Outdoor Unit, which usually consists of a satellite dish with a diameter of less than 1 meter and a wave receiver device (BUC and LNB), the second part is the connection between the Outdoor Unit and the Indoor Unit which is usually a fiber cable or coaxial cable, and the third part is the Indoor Unit which usually consists of an ethernet device, a modem, or something else.
In general, the way this works is by configuring the data through the hub before it is transmitted to the geospatial satellite. The satellite part will work as a frequency repeater. The received information will be amplified and retransmitted at a higher frequency (retransmission) back to some VSAT panel on Earth, or to a VSAT hub. After the information is transmitted, the hub on earth controls the entire operation of the communication network.
VSAT Sharing
The VSAT division itself is divided into three based on spectrum bands, services, and hardware.
Berdasarkan Band Spektrum
For the use of VSAT, the spectrum band itself is also divided into two, namely C-Band VSAT and Ku-Band VSAT.
1. VSAT C-Band
The C-band VSAT itself has many advantages over the Ku-band VSAT, which has high reliability and resistance to weather changes and a fairly high SLA service level agreement. And often applied in banking, emergency services, and ERP.
2. KU-Band
This type of VSAT has a smaller size than Cband VSAT and has a more affordable price. This type of technology is usually used for home internet needs, schools, village offices, clinics, small and medium businesses, and various other types of businesses.
By Service
Utilization of VSAT based on service is also divided into VPN and internet services.
VSAT VPN
VSAT VPN provides services that are used for offices or sites of an organization that are connected via a closed network. This VPN is used by banks, governments or institutions that require a high level of security.
VSA Internet
This internet VSAT is a commonly used service. This service allows areas or locations that are not covered by cable, fiber or cellular networks to get internet service. This technology is used if the location is quite far from the city center or signal center.
By Hardware
There is another use of VSAT which is differentiated based on hardware which is divided into two, among others:
MVSAT (Mobile VSAT)
The device is the latest VSAT innovation that uses an antenna system with an auto pointing feature that can be mounted on a moving vehicle, one example being banking vehicles that are usually in our environment.
VSAT tracking (auto track)
This type of VSAT becomes a transmitting station on earth, and often the position owned by the satellite is not always in a stable condition.
This VSAT tracking will always spread a signal according to the position of the satellite, so the internet connection will always be stable.
VSAT components, consisting of:
The VSAT component is also important for us to understand the use of this technology. The VSAT component is a device used to control the entire existing communication network system.
In a hub there is a network management system or NMS server that allows network access to monitor and control network communications via integration.
Outdoor Units (ODU):
Radio Frequency Transmitter RFT yang perangkat ini merupakan perangkat yang dipasang di bingkai antena dan dihubungkan ke feedhorn secara internal.
- Low Noise Amplifier or LNA serves to amplify signals from satellites via antennas with fairly low noise and wide bandwidth.
- Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) serves to amplify power so that it can transmit signals over long distances.
- UP/Down Converter is a device that functions to convert intermediate frequency or IF signals.
- The LNB (Low Noise Block) can receive weak satellite signals that are collected at the antenna’s focal point.
- BUC (Block Up Converter) functions as a transmitter that can deliver information signals to the satellite.
Indoor Units (IDU):
The VSAT component in the indoor position is also known as IDU, this IDU is a modem or demodulator modulator that functions as:
- Converts or modulates the baseband signal to an IF signal and vice versa converts the IF signal to a baseband signal.
- Able to perform error correction function with customized coding process.
- Provides DCE and DTE interfaces that use standard data interfaces such as V.35, RS232.
VSAT Configuration Form
Topology/configuration selection is based on the following considerations:
the structure of the flow of information in the network
link quality and required capacity
transmission delay
VSAT Point-to-Point
Point-to-Point VSAT uses Single Channel per Carrier technology. This configuration is generally used for applications that use relatively large channels and relatively small transmission delay. SCPC is commonly used as a backbone for communication between the head office and factories or large branch offices. In addition to data communication, it is also used for telephone lines. Examples of the use of this configuration is the backbone on cellular networks, oil companies, mining and others.
VSAT Point-to-Multipoint
Point-to-Multipoint VSAT uses TDM/TDMA technology. This technology is generally used in corporations that have a centralized data center, with the characteristics of the application having large outbound data (from the Head Office) and small inbound data. Data transmission must go through the Hub or central control station. Examples of users of this technology are banks, governments, finance companies, post offices and others.
Mesh Configuration
Mesh configuration using DAMA/TDMA technology. This configuration allows direct communication from one point to another. Used for telephony and data lines.
STAR Configuration
The STAR configuration is the development of TDM/TDMA technology with an outbound channel of up to 40 Mbps. The application requires a large bandwidth that is asymmetric. Reliable technology and able to reduce delivery delays. Commonly used for the Internet.
What Applications Can Use VSAT?
Utilization of VSAT can be applied in several useful applications in various fields, especially industries that require communication technology and internet connectivity. The following are the advantages and disadvantages of using VSAT:
Advantages of VSAT
The advantages of this technology in the industrial world are very diverse, among others.
Intra Infrastructure
This technology itself is easy to implement, with low investment costs, low operating costs per unit and allows the provision of VSAT services to offer affordable rates.
Easy Network Management
This technology makes network management easy. If a new site needs to be added or a site needs to be moved, the installation will be done independently so as to reduce the occurrence of errors or delays.
Access System Recovery
With technology that has a reliable architecture to build a recovery network. It can also make immediate recovery solutions available in the event the terrestrial network crashes.
Broad Coverage
Utilization of this technology can cover a wide range of satellites to reduce expensive network costs, enabling digital information transmission to be both more cost effective and a more robust system.
Security
The use of this technology also affects the security system on the private network. This type of technology is a VPN type that fosters secure communication.
Affordable Cost
This affordable cost also affects the minimal overhead costs for the provider network. The VSAT architecture allows internet service providers to serve the same content to thousands of different locations without investing in additional infrastructure.
Utilization of VSAT
In the use of VSAT, it can be implemented in various fields, for example for plantations, mining, oil and gas companies. Here’s a more complete explanation.
VSAT on Plantation Companies
The use of this technology in the plantation sector can also advance the national economy. For example, in the field of oil palm plantations. Based on data from the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS), palm oil production per May 2020 reached 4.24 million tons.
With the increase in palm oil production, it is also supported by high-tech facilities and infrastructure that are capable.
Streamlining communication in remote areas
Communication in Indonesia currently uses a terrestrial connection. This connection relies on 3G, 4G, and 5G using a fiber optic network that distributes signals to its users. However, this connection is still only affordable in some areas, such as in large cities or special areas of Indonesia.
Usually plantation companies are located in slightly remote areas, for example in hilly areas or plantations that require a network that can reach them. Therefore IP VSAT services with satellite broadband DVB-S in this case can facilitate communication.
Reliable for monitoring
Not only communication problems between branch offices and employees, but this technology can also be used to monitor the company. All checking via mobile phone will make it more practical to use VSAT.
Help with development
The use of VSAT can also improve the performance and development of plantation companies.
For example, companies use ERP or Enterprise Resources Planning applications to help companies, especially for business process integration, among others, to make financial reports, human resource reports, and so on.
VSAT on Mining Company
The use of VSAT can also be done in the mining sector. The following are the various benefits of this technology in the mining sector:
Exploration
Exploration is one of the stages carried out by mining companies. This activity must be carried out to determine the geometry, position, quality and quantity of the sediment. The aim is to evaluate the deposits found.
This technology is useful for providing the required telecommunications system. Moreover, mining locations are very likely to find it difficult to catch internet signals. This technology is used as a reliable telecommunications facility in mining areas.
Communication
This technology can also provide an independent means of communication and network which can connect various remote locations which make a big impact on the smoothness of the stages carried out by mining companies.
VSAT is able to provide digital communication access services with sufficient beer rates to meet the needs of adequate communication mining companies.
Security and monitoring
Greetings security mining process is one of the very important things that need to be done. Especially if we look at the mining location is quite dangerous. With this technology, wide-ranging point-to-multipoint communication can be useful in the mining process.
In addition to security, monitoring is also very important in the mining process. Monitoring with this technology makes communication and checking of the mining process smooth.
Utilization of VSAT in Oil and Gas Companies
Utilization of this technology in oil and gas companies which can provide smooth communication and transmission of data information via satellite.
By utilizing this technology, oil and gas companies meet the needs of adequate connectivity, including sending data to the center or between branches.
This technology also offers excellent security and privacy. Moreover, oil and gas companies are usually located in remote areas which makes the role of this technology very important. Which can send information to workers in the field more securely.
VSAT on government
Utilization of VSAT for government includes:
Facilitated communication between government offices and branches. The government certainly has a lot of offices and requires proper communication. With this technology, communication between branch offices that are far apart from different cities and even islands is easy.
Maintain communication stability. With this service it is very important to require for the same frequency that can provide dedicated bandwidth VSAT can provide good communication services and provide a stable, smooth, and secure communication network.
