Understanding Satellite Communication Systems

Why Choose this VSAT Course?

This unique course enables individuals and organisations to understand satellite communication systems, technology, performance and trade-offs. It provides the capability to assess and evaluate VSAT systems for deployment into wide area network solutions. This course provides an essential, fast-track coverage of VSAT systems design. Flexible small group teaching allows issues to be discussed and dealt with as appropriate to each delegate.

The course is divided into:

60% (on-hands) practical training and 40% theoretical training. This course will utilise a variety of proven-adult learning techniques to ensure maximum understanding, comprehension and retention of the information presented. This includes interactive workshop principles, a variance of lectures and practical exercises. Experiences from different areas will be discussed. There will be many opportunities for discussion and sharing experiences.

Who should attend this VSAT course:

In addition, IT and communications decision makers wanting to evaluate VSAT products and networks will find this course invaluable.

VSAT Course Pre-requisites

Delegates should have some existing training or experience in telecommunications prior to attending this course, and be comfortable with simple numerical or analytical concepts in design.

VSAT Training Course Content:

Intro & Overview of Satellite Systems & Services

• Satcom scenarios & their evolution

• Network architectures

• VSATs

• Traffic & Services

• Basic link operation

• Regulatory issues & constraints

Principles of Satellite Communications

• Features of satcoms

• Orbits (GEO, MEO, LEO)

• Satellite types & transponders

• System requirements

Link Fundamentals

• Power, Noise & Link analysis

• The deciBel

• Derivation of basic Link Budgets

Antennas for Satcoms

• Antenna principles

• Parameters and performance

• Designs for hub stations & VSATs

• Sidelobes & practical considerations

Modulation & Coding

• Principles of Modulation

• BPSK, QPSK

• Higher order modulation schemes

• Practical performance & limitations

• Principles of Coding

• Common coding schemes, and Turbo codes

Satellite Access Techniques

• Multiplexing, Multiple Access

• FDMA
  TDMA
  Aloha / Contention schemes

• CDMA

• Hybid schemes

Military VSAT systems

• Requirements, system drivers and operation

• Military satellites
  Military terminals
  Threats and countermeasures

Intro to Data Protocols over Satellite

• Circuit & Packet switching Data integrity ARQ

• OSI model

• TCP/IP

• Satcom effects and mitigation solutions

Satellite Engineering

• Satellite design concepts

• Transponder design

• Example satellites

• Operational issues

Terminal Installation Considerations

• Discussion of VSAT installation criteria & techniques

Higher Frequency Bands Rationale

• Trade-offs of Ka- vs. Ku-band

• Implications for civil and military VSAT systems

Link & Terminal Design

• Elements of VSATs

• Terminal design criteria

• Terminal performance analysis

• Amplifier non-linearities

• Phase Noise considerations

Further System Design Issues

• Interference in VSAT systems

• Power Control

Propagation in VSAT systems

• Band characteristics & propagation impairments

• Atmospheric behaviour

• Rain losses

• Other losses

• Prediction techniques summary

Markets and Evolution of Satcoms

• Key markets & growth

• Constraints

• Example satellite & services

• The Future

Digital Video Broadcast

• DVB principles and standards

• DVB-S2

• DVB-RCS

Certificate of Completion: Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will receive an Al-Majd Pathways Centre (APC) Certificate of Completion.