WHAT IS VSAT?
VSAT stands for Very small aperture terminal. A VSAT works by transmitting signals to orbital satellites which are then transmitted to different centres around the world, In simpler words, it is a small telecommunication earth station that receives and transmits real-time data via satellite.
The implementation of satellite communication within the maritime industry has been a game changer. Bringing modernity to a business phase of the maritime industry has remained unchanged throughout history. Back in the day, once a ship disembarks from the port the ship gets disconnected from the global communication system.
VSAT offers high-speed internet connection, mobile phone coverage and data monitoring. This has been beneficial for both crew members and passengers who can now order supplies before reaching the port in order to shorten downtime and maximize working hours whilst sailing through vast seas of trade routes.
Expert Marine Communication Services
DIFFERENT PURPOSES OF VSATS IN MARINE COMMUNICATION:
With the VSAT implemented on a ship, the crew and the passengers are now connected to high-speed Internet services, telephone, monitoring weather patterns, filing regulatory documents and so on.
Narrowband data includes the point-of-sale transactions such as credit card, polling or radio-frequency identification (RFID) data, or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data whereas Broadband data is for the provision of satellite Internet access to remote locations, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or video.
Maritime VSAT services use both Ku-band and C-band frequencies. The latter operates between 4 – 8 GHz while the former ranges from 12 – 18 GHz. Both are used through satellites orbiting the Earth at GEO orbital locations. This requires steady antennas for accurate tracking due to its fluctuating movements as the vessel’s movements are always changing.
Maritime VSAT antennas typically range in size from 60 cm – 1.5 meters wide when used with Ku-band and 2.4 meters when used with C-band frequency transmissions. A stabilized VSAT antenna has a circular dome that is 2.4 meters or less in diameter.
Most VSAT antennas are around 75cm-1.2m long and data rates can vary from 4 kbit/s up to 16 Mbit/s. A remote maritime system consists of two units; Above Deck Unit and Below Deck Unit. The Above Deck Unit has the antenna and transceiver, which is usually placed outdoors – either inside a radome or outside – while the Below Deck Unit control will manage the antenna indoors
Ships share bandwidth with other ships for an adequate level of service and basic communication needs. When this happens, there is a risk that data will be lost, which makes large-scale data transmission impossible when ships are communicating while they’re sharing the connection with other vessels
Operation in the offshore, exploration, cruise or ferry segments requires large amounts of data for its operations. VSAT is often used to transmit these large amounts of data at broadband speeds which guarantee stable connection levels.
KEY TAKEAWAYS :
- Maritime Operators around the world are beginning to take notice of how valuable VSATs are becoming and how much potential there is for increased profitability.
- The data rates for this technology continue to rise, which means people will be able to watch videos and do other bandwidth-intensive business tasks.
- Right now, people who want a VSAT system will often have trouble finding one, but this could change soon because of new technological advancements and innovations that are being developed which would make these systems more affordable and easier to install.
- Maritime equipment manufacturers are designing smaller terminals and antennas which can improve operational efficiency.
- Maritime software developers are developing new software that will allow marine operators to use VSAT technology to have safe, more intelligent, and more profitable operations.
Al Mabrouk Marine provides the latest and highest quality maritime technology. They offer a variety of satellite communication devices for different vessels, boats, and yachts around the world. Contact Al Mabrouk to learn more about how their advanced technology can improve your existing service or transportation ships.