Satellite communication is one of many wireless communication methods, such as radio and television broadcasting and mobile telephones. These systems rely on a network of ground-based transmitters and receivers and for this reason they are often referred to as “terrestrial” systems.
Satellite communication systems differ from terrestrial systems in one obvious but important way – the transmitter is moved from the ground to the sky. Because a satellite can “see” about one-third of the earth’s surface from its position in space, it is able to serve a very large geographical area, thus offering a number of advantages.
Depending on network traffic volumes, the distances between locations, and the availability of terrestrial communication, your company may benefit from satellite communications. Satellite offers consistently high transmission quality, no matter how remote your network locations.
Satellite communications is by nature a broadcast medium, and applications with a one-to-many data, voice, or video requirement are a good fit for satellite services.
Reliable Communications
Satellite communications is extremely reliable. The dependability of satellite technology ensures exceptionally high, network-wide service availability in comparison to terrestrial networks which are prone to natural or man-made disasters.
Ease of Implementation
The complexity of your network will determine the time required to have your network up and running. Generally, a satellite network can be put in place within a matter of weeks after the order is placed, eliminating the need to install long cable runs.
Simple Network Expansion
Expanding your satellite network is quick and easy – simply add a terminal at each new site and you’re linked to the network.
Advanced Technology
Technological advances have reduced the size of earth station equipment for many services to the point where satellite antennas or “dishes” can now be easily installed virtually anywhere-on rooftops, in parking lots, or on the sides of buildings. The size of your terminal will be determined by the application you choose. Today’s satellite dishes can be 1.2-1.8m or above in diameter.
Flexibility
Our terminals support any combination of voice, data, video, or facsimile in any network configuration, whether it be point-to-point or Point-to-Multipoint. And your network can operate at data speeds ranging from 32 kilobits per second all the way to 1.544 megabits per second (T1) and higher.
Security
Satellite networks offer excellent security against unauthorized access. In fact, many security-conscious organizations as Armed Forces use satellites as part of their communications networks.
Gaining access to a satellite network is extremely difficult without authorization. To do so requires exact knowledge of the satellite channel and frequency, signal level, filtering and modulation techniques, protocols, bit speeds, earth station addressing, and the hardware of software used to process the information. For even greater security, satellite signals can also be encrypted.
Compatibility
Satellite is compatible with virtually all common protocols and communications equipment. Consequently, it’s extremely simple to integrate satellite into your current operation by connecting existing communication equipment to a satellite network.