Frequently Asked Questions
What is VSAT?
The term VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) is applied for a considerably large amount of equipment and systems. Among others, it is used for all professional space telecommunications equipment and, as a collective denomination, for all services that can be used with small (diameter less than 3 m) antennas. In a wider sense, all space telecommunications systems using VSAT stations are called VSAT systems.
Topology
As a result of the VSAT technology, the user network has a star topology, and it can be advantageously interfaced to the network topology to be established by our partner. Due to the star topology, fault occurring at different points of the network do not affect regular operation of the other network parts, so it provides high availability.
Grouping of VSAT systems nowadays, VSATs are applied in the following network categories:
- Point to multipoint systems providing one-way transmission.
- Point to point systems providing two-way transmission.
- Point to multipoint systems providing two-way transmission
How much are the satellite connections delayed?
Basically, the distance between Earth and the satellite defines the delay of the satellite connection. The distance between Earth and the satellites on the geostationary orbit used by Hungaro DigiTel Kft. is approximately 36,000 km. RF signals propagate approximately with light speed, so a satellite hop (hop – Earth->satellite->Earth) requires approx. 241 ms. In case of a two-way delay (Round Trip Time, for example with a ping program) this means a delay of approx. 0,5 s. Protocols of the most advanced satellite equipment increase this by 100-200 ms. So we can say that the satellite systems of Hungaro DigiTel Ltd. keep the two-way delay in average below 1 second.
Does VoIP telephony work through satellite connections?
Yes, VoIP solutions can be used with satellite connections. Furthermore, the broadband platforms provide prioritization of the voice traffic and decreasing of jitter between packets for achieving high quality voice transmission.
How do weather conditions affect satellite connections?
As all radio frequency connections, also satellite connections are influenced by wet weather. In RF design of the systems of Hungaro DigiTel we observe the weather parameters of the particular region, so we provide high availability even in wet weather. However, the services provided by Hungaro DigiTel Ltd. should not be compared to the satellite TV-experiences of the home users, because satellite television service providers do not prefer high availability, the objective is rather to use the cheapest antenna.
Is it possible to request satellite services also outside the covered area?
Yes. Hungaro DigiTel Ltd. is able to provide its services on each continent. Our company is in contact with all satellite operators. Following assessment of the actual requirements, we select the satellite providing the optimal coverage and provide the services by using that satellite.
Can also private costumers use the satellite services of Hungaro DigiTel Ltd.?
Yes. If no terrestrial Internet service can be provided in the client’s home, then we can provide broadband Internet access through the regional coverage of the satellite technology. However, the price of the satellite connections is higher than the usual price of the home Internet connections in Hungary.
