So what is a VSAT?

VSAT stands for “Very Small Aperture Terminal” and refers to receive/transmit terminals installed at dispersed sites connecting to a central hub via satellite using small diameter antenna dishes (0.6 to 3.8 meter).

VSAT technology represents a cost effective solution for users seeking an independent communications network connecting a large number of geographically dispersed sites.  VSAT networks offer value-added satellite-based services capable of supporting the Internet, data, LAN, voice/fax communications, and can provide powerful, dependable private and public network communications solutions.

Generally, these systems operate in the Ku-band and C-band frequencies.

• Ku-band based networks, are used primarily in Europe and North America and utilize the smaller sizes of VSAT antennas.
• C-band, used extensively in Asia, Africa and Latin America, require larger antenna

What does a network look like?

VSAT networks come in various shapes and sizes ranging from point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and on demand for thousands of sites based on a dedicated facility located at their own site.  Mesh systems have traditionally been somewhat smaller in size than star systems - 5 to 30 sites used to be a good rule of thumb - but since prices have come down, some networks now comprise as many as several hundred or even thousands of sites.