Very Small Aperture Terminal VSAT Definition and How It s Used
Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT): Definition and How It’s Used
What Is a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT)?
A VSAT is a two-way ground station that transmits and receives data from satellites. It is less than three meters tall and can handle both narrow and broadband data in real-time. The data can then be redirected to other remote terminals or hubs.
Key Takeaways
– A VSAT is used for data transmission and management in various industries, including high-frequency trading.
– VSAT can replace a physical network by bouncing the signal from satellites, eliminating the need for physical transportation like an ethernet connection.
– There may be latency issues due to signal bouncing, but most users consider it a fair tradeoff for remote access and less infrastructure.
– Weather conditions can affect the performance of a VSAT network.
How a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Works
VSAT networks have many commercial applications, with enterprise resource planning (ERP) being a notable example. Walmart, for instance, utilized VSAT to track inventory and manage its vast stock in real-time, reducing delivery costs and optimizing store stocking.
Other manufacturers also rely on VSAT for relaying orders and checking production figures in real-time, replacing the need for wired networks. The National Stock Exchange of India has one of the largest VSAT networks globally and offers it as a connectivity option to areas with limited wired options.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT)
The main advantage of VSAT is its easy deployment as it requires less infrastructure to service remote locations. This was beneficial for Walmart, which primarily operated in rural areas with limited telecommunications infrastructure.
VSAT is also utilized for connectivity in remote work sites, such as exploratory drilling sites, and as a backup system for wired networks to reduce business recovery risk. However, VSAT does have limitations. Latency is one of the main issues due to the distance between the ground station and the satellite in geosynchronous orbit.
Additionally, the signal quality can be affected by weather conditions and obstructions from buildings.
