Few Typical Characteristics Of An Antenna

An earth station is a terrestrial terminal station designed for extraterrestrial telecommunication with spacecraft and radio waves from an astronomical radio source. The typical characteristics of  antenna that should be known are:

Radiation Pattern

It is the main characteristics of antenna. The antenna pattern is a graphical representation in three dimensions of the radiation of antenna as a function of angular direction. The pattern involves a main lobe and several minor lobes. A side lobe on the direction opposite to the main lobe is called black lobe.

Antenna Gain

Antenna gain is a measure for antenna efficiency. It is the ratio of the maximum radiation to that of reference antenna in a given direction for equal input power. Gain is generally measured in decibels above isotropic. Antenna gain depends on the mechanical size, the effective aperture area, the frequency band and the antenna configuration.

Antenna Lobes

There are different antenna lobes. Main lobe is the radiation lobe containing the direction of maximum radiation. Other than this there are side lobes, and back lobes.

Half-power beam width

The half power beamwidth is the angle between the points on the main lobe that are lower than 3dB in gain compared to the maximum.

Polarization

The propagation of the electric field vector is polarization. Antennas used in cellular communications are either vertically polarized or cross polarized.

Front-to-back ratio

Front to back ratio is the ratio of the maximum directivity of an antenna to its directivity. The antenna with a high front to back ratio is generally used.

First Null Beamwidth

The first null beamwidth is the angular span between the first pattern nulls nearby to the main lobe.

Frequency bandwidth

VSWR of an antenna is the main bandwidth limiting factor.

The earth station antenna requires maintenance to reduce the antenna failure probability and extend the antenna life.

Mobile Earth Stations- An Important Military Requirement

The Military holds the responsibility of protecting the nation from foreign threats. In order to do their duties, military personnel have to work in the farthest areas of the country. As a result, they require communication systems that can work well in harsh conditions as well.

In addition, the military is also responsible for transporting different resources from one location to another. This highlights the need of reliable mobile systems that can easily be carried through various areas on ships, vehicles, aircrafts etc. These systems require mobile earth stations for effective communications with other army personnel.

However, there are many different types of earth station terminals and some of them are mentioned below.

• Single or multiband   
• Trailer mounted   
• SNG  Systems   
• Battlefield   
• Fly-away

Apart from this, there are certain quality standards that the military expect in the systems. They are-

Reliability - The military requires effective communication systems that can work well even in harsh weather conditions from the most remote locations on earth. Therefore, the systems should work well so that they can rely on it for connectivity with other people.

Light weight - The system should be lightweight too so that it is easy to transport it from one place to another. Moreover, lightweight systems are easy to use as well.

Good quality equipment - The military requires top quality equipment for their systems. The quality system ensures proper working even in rough environments.

Diversity- Apart from voice and data, the armed forces also need to transfer images, videos, files etc. Therefore, it is important for the earth stations to provide the capability for all types of communication.

Moreover, the earth stations are also used for many other military purposes such as broadcasting, transmitting battleground communication, coordinating with the other team members and so on.

For which types of services, can you rely on a satellite communications firm?

A satellite communications company is responsible for providing reliable connectivity to clients through satellites. However, it is just a part of their long list of services. These firms provide a variety of solutions in this field that are associated with maintaining steady and reliable connectivity for businesses.

Still, you can rely on these companies for the following services –

Earth station design – A satellite communications company provides earth station design services for clients regardless of its type. They can design fixed earth stations to distribute more data, video or voice across your network cost effectively. These solutions also include private & teleport networks, Radome, broadcast uplinks, HTS networks and more.

They can also provide mobile stations that are usually used by military for a reliable connectivity. For clients, these firms can provide custom solutions that are suitable for business requirements. They keep every aspect in mind including bandwidth consumption and ease of use.

Broadcast studio & media center design – It is also included in a satellite communication firm’s services. They design broadcast studios, media rooms and media centers for clients. These companies make sure of the distribution of high quality content to multiple platforms or devices. Whether it is live feed or on-demand content, professionals of these firms work to provide the best possible solutions to clients. Broadcasters and media & content providers are their main clients. Their solutions also include satellite uplink services, and more.

Lifecycle services – The companies offer life cycle services to clients. In this category, they include network maintenance, earth stations management along with the equipment & software upgrade. With this, they ensure that clients are getting steadfast connectivity and content distribution across network is working smoothly.

Network design & integration – Satellite communication firms also provide these design and integration services for businesses. Their specialists design a network that suits your business requirements. Their work includes site surveys, design & analysis, supplier & vendor product assessment, integration logistics etc.

These professionals can also provide you essential advice regarding various aspects such as which product is the best for your business.

Two main Types of Satellite Earth Stations That Businesses Use

Satellite earth station is important radio equipment that is used to communicate with a space station from the ground. These earth stations communicate with space stations by sending and receiving radio waves. A ground station develops a telecommunication link when it successfully broadcasts radio waves to a space station. These equipment are used for a wide of applications and some of them are backhaul, telephony, corporate communications, broadcast feeder link, etc. 

Today many businesses use satellite earth stations because of their cost-effectiveness, compass of developments, communication abilities, advanced wireless technologies, etc. There are basically two types of earth stations that businesses you and they are-

1. Mobile- These earth stations are used by businesses that need instant and precise connectivity from different locations in the world simultaneously. Mobile earth stations are mainly used by the broadcasters and military personnel to control their communication. Main benefits of using these equipment is that they provide quality transmits even in extreme weather conditions and can be easily deployed to any location. They are also known as portable earth stations.
2. Fixed- These earth stations are used by businesses to send data, video, or voice across their network. A cost-effective solution is suitable for businesses that are established on a facility permanently. Businesses choose this option for a stable network and accurate connectivity. These equipment can be installed quickly with the help of an expert for a quick start of the service.

It does not matter whether your business requires a mobile or fixed ground station, you need to ensure that you find a professional for the design of your earth station. Always do a thorough research in order to find an expert of the industry that can carefully understands your requirements in order to deliver expected outcomes. However, before you make the final call, it is mandatory for you to be sure that the company is well known for delivering solutions that offer rapid and reliable connectivity.

Why the military uses transportable earth stations?

The Military uses satellite communications services for connectivity, whether in a battlefield or in the most remote areas of world. However, many times military uses the mobile earth stations for this purpose. As the name suggest, these earth stations are transportable. But, why military requires transportable satellite communication equipment?

Here are the reasons –

For reliable connectivity – Army personnel rely on these instruments to connect them with the rest of the world. But, equipment that is installed in one place cannot provide it, as army personnel regularly change their locations. This is why, they require transportable earth stations. They trust these instruments for voice, video and data connectivity, even if they have moved to a new location. It allows them to stay connected with the leadership, even if the army is in a very remote area or in a difficult weather.

For easy transportation of equipment – Transportable equipment are designed specifically, so that one can easily transport it from one location to another. Earth station terminals like multiband, trailer mounted, and securely packed in suitcases make this task even easier for army personnel. These instruments are designed for the ease of use. In addition, it is usually lightweight for the transportability purpose.

Many satellite communication companies provide solutions for the military. However, military is not the only one that uses satellite communications. Several businesses also use it for connectivity. It includes broadcasters, internet service providers, telecommunication providers, media & content providers, international organizations, oil & gas companies etc. Governments also use this technology for the connectivity purpose.

Therefore, it is essential to make sure of the high quality of equipment, so that it can complete essential requirements of clients. For this purpose, following aspects are checked in the equipment –

Quality – Satellite communication companies make sure to provide only the high quality equipment to military.

Reliability – They also make sure that army personnel can rely on terminal for connectivity regardless of location and weather conditions.

Resistance – Satellite communication companies ensure that the terminal can survive even the harshest weather including Artic or Sub Saharan climate.

Importance of mobile earth stations for military

Military has the responsibility to protect nation. They need to be geared up with all the gadgets and machines.

As they are required to perform their duty in the farthest areas of country and even in harsh conditions, they require a good communication system that will not break down in tough terrain.

Military also does transporting of arms and resources from one location to another. This brings the need for reliable mobile system, which can be carried through various areas on vehicles, aircrafts, ships etc. These systems are connected with the mobile earth stations that help in establishing communications with other army personnel.

These stations can be used for various other military purposes like transmitting battleground communication, coordinating with other teams, broadcasting and more. These stations prove to be a reliable source for transmitting information of different types like voice, video, and data.

Following is the detailed information about the importance of mobile earth stations for military purposes-

Reliability –To maintain excellent connectivity from remote locations or in harsh weather conditions with other forces, the military requires a system that is reliable. This is why mobile stations are used by them.

Top quality equipment – The military cannot compromise on quality of equipment. This is because only quality equipment can serve properly in the tough environment or harsh weather conditions. Therefore, the need of mobile station becomes even more essential to place an order for quality products when needed.

Transportability – The armed forces have to travel from one location to another, often at a moment’s notice. In such situations, they need to keep contact with other forces. This calls for mobile or transportable stations so that they can establish essential communication whenever necessary.

Ease to use – These are light in weight and that makes the transportation of equipment easy.

Transfer different type of data – Transferring images, videos, files etc. is made easily possible through mobile earth stations.

Aspect that businesses look for in a satellite communication firm

Which type of system provides reliable connectivity to businesses? What helps broadcasters in distributing content across a network? What ensures rapid connectivity for military even in the most remote locations in world? How oil & gas companies from far off regions stay connected with the rest of the world? Answer to all these questions is the satellite communication.

It is an aspect that has changed world over the years. It provides rapid and reliable connectivity for distributing voice, video and data across a network. Many companies rely on this system. But, choosing a satellite communication firm for your company is an important decision that should be made wisely.

Following are the aspects that businesses look for in a satellite communication firm –

Reliable solutions – Businesses need services of a firm that offers reliable solutions. Whether it’s related to mobile earth stations or teleport networks, one needs solutions and systems that they can rely on. It also includes satellite network, relevant systems and subsystems.

Since connectivity is the most important factor for many businesses, its reliability becomes essential. This is the reason why companies look for reliable and consistent solutions. They also check if the firm they are selecting works with a variety of solutions including transportable terminals, turnkey, transmission equipment and more.

Years in field – It is another aspect that businesses look for in a satellite communications firm. Years in this field shows their expertise, knowledge and skills. Time tested expertise is what most people trust. Years in industry also results into a long list of clients, which is a clear indication that firm can be trusted for relevant solutions.

Inclusive services – Inclusive services is another important factor for businesses. Their main focus is their products and services that they want to continue producing without any hitch. They do not want to focus on network issues. They want a firm whose work is not finished just with the network design, integration or implementation. This is the reason they opt for companies that provide network maintenance and optimization services along with the equipment & software upgrade.

These solutions ensure that you can focus on your business while experts you chose make sure that your communication networks perform reliably and without a glitch. Business owners also opt for a company that provides all types of satellite communication solutions, whether fixed or mobile.

Why military uses satellite communications for connectivity?

Satellite communications is an aspect that has changed the commercial sectors as well as the level of data distribution worldwide over the years. It is used to relay data all across the globe including video and voice communication. However, businesses and companies are not the only ones that require satellite communication.

Military also requires tactical satellite communications for various reasons. It includes –

For reliable connectivity – Military personnel require equipment on which they can rely for connectivity. When they are in the battlefield, connectivity with their commanding and other authorities becomes crucial. Satellite communication allows them to coordinate their strategies and provide instant reports to their command centers.

For swift connectivity – In critical conditions like in a battle, swift connectivity is essential. Compare to any other method or option, satellite communication is the quickest. It can provide rapid connectivity for distribution of data, video or voice across network.

To connect from anywhere in world – Usually, military serves in the most remote areas on earth. In these locations, army personnel require a system that can connect them with their commanders. For this purpose, they use different type of equipment including multiband terminals, SNG systems, trailer-mounted solutions and more. Furthermore, army requires system that can provide connectivity regardless of weather conditions and terrain.

For transportable communication – Military usually requires equipment that is portable and easy to use. They use systems that can be transported from one place to another. For this purpose, they use transportable terminals such as single, multiband (C, Ku, Ka, X), securely packed in suitcases, trailer mounted, and more. Engineering experts who built these systems pay special attention to make it as lightweight as possible to make it easy to transport.

Third Party Product Certification – A step towards excellence in SATCOM industry

Are you a manufacturer? How can you ensure the quality of your products? How can you gain recognition in your industry for the quality of your equipment? Who can acknowledge the quality of your manufactured equipment? The answer to these questions is by third party certification.

Many manufacturers take the services of third party certification to ensure the quality of their satellite communications products. Companies that provide these services are equipped with extensive laboratories completed with necessary equipment. These firms examine manufacturers’ products on various quality standards. All tests are performed during the certification period.

During this period, companies collect equipment, which requires third party testing. This equipment is subjected to a wide range of environmental and operational tests. During testing, professionals of these third party companies check every part of product. It ensures the full evaluation of satellite communications instrument leaving no space for mistakes or defects. All tests are designed to ensure the top quality of equipment.

Once testing is complete, third party companies provide any suggestion (if required) regarding product’s quality to manufacturers. These firms also provide a written certification to manufacturers. In this certification, they acknowledge the fact that the tested equipment operates effectively. They also acknowledge that product has ability to support the highest standards of the satellite communications (SATCOM) industry.

How to choose the best satellite communication company?

Does your business require the facilities of earth stations? Does your company depend on satellite communications? If your answer is yes, then you must know how important it is to choose the best firm for this purpose. But, how can you know if you are making the right choice?

You can make the right decision by considering the following factors –

Types of solutions they provide – You should select a firm that provides all types of terminals and solutions that are essential for your business. For example, if you work with fixed earth stations, you require solutions such as broadcast uplinks, teleport networks, HTS networks etc. In mobile stations, terminals like single or multiband, securely packed in suitcases and more are required. So, you should choose a company wisely that can complete your business requirements.

Variety of services – There are variety of services when it comes to satellite communications. It includes network design, network integration, life cycle, testing, consulting and more. It is essential to ensure that the company you are selecting provides all these services. It ensures that you get lifelong facilities without any problems. Even if there are any issues with network or connectivity, you can rely on these professionals to make things right.

You should also make sure that they provide custom services that can complete specific requirements of your business. They can make sure to complete all technical requirements of network.

Years of experience in industry – It is another aspect that you must consider while selecting a satellite communication company for your business. It is advised to choose an experienced firm so that you can get the best solutions in this field. Years in this industry proves that company’s professionals are knowledgeable and skilled. You can trust a recognized firm to provide quality solutions.

There are several other factors to consider such as their customer service, reputation and more.

Satellite communication firms provide connectivity services for various industries. It includes businesses like telecommunication providers, broadcasters, earth station operators, U.S. governments, media & content providers, foreign governments, international organizations, internet service providers, oil & gas companies, and more. Regardless of your industry, you must choose the most respected satellite communications firm that provides top notch solutions.

Consider above mentioned factors and make the right decision for your business.

What all services does satellite communication company provides?

A satellite is an artificial object that revolves around a planet for providing images and other necessary information. Signals are sent and received by the help of this equipment from earth, which help solve purposes of various industries. Radio, cellular networks, television broadcasting, oil, & mining, weather forecasting are to name a few industries.

These systems include antenna, transponders, and several other parts that contribute in functioning of the system.

For the effective running of the system, satellite communications & telecommunications company offers various services. Delivering the best satellite communication solution is the prime motive of such companies. In regard to this they offer complete maintenance program, which primarily includes the four major services-

Network maintenance- For increasing the speed of business performance, industries using satellite services look for network maintenance services. This is the prime service that satellite communication company provides. They have to ensure the installed gadgets and gears are functioning properly and delivering optimal results.

Bandwidth optimization-For effective running of technical gears, increased bandwidth is necessary. Good bandwidth increases company productivity. Thus, optimization of network resources and network performance is ought to be done for the best use of bandwidth. Various strategies are to be used for managing network bandwidth. To name a few include assessment of existing network, management of network, determine applications using bandwidth on the network, and lastly work on management solutions.

Satellite uplink services- For improving the quality of data being send from one source to another, satellite uplink facilities are required to be maintained. Maintaining these helps in improving various activities like video conferencing, sending of data and more.

Equipment and software upgrade-For fastening the process of satellite, upgrading of equipment and software’s is necessary. With the word upgrade, either the existing IT equipment can be improved or new components can be added. Doing this helps fasting the connection and running of application.

From the above stated services, you must have got an idea what all services are offered by satellite maintenance company for keeping the network at good performance level.

Contact info

631 246 5000

Address
STS Global Inc.
CEWIT Bldg. #231,
1500 Stony Brook Road,
Stony Brook NY 11794-6040

info@stsglobal.com

What services included in satellite uplink services?

Satellites are used for various purposes. Various types of satellites are observation satellites, communication satellites, navigation satellites, weather satellites, and research satellites.

For efficient working of satellite, potential satellite uplink services are employed by industries such as mobile communications, global positioning, and the Internet.

Satellite service usage companies avail satellite uplink facilities in order to improve video conferencing quality and flexibility. Not just for video conferencing, but it is effectively used for news, entertainment, sports and corporate events.

With the advent of satellite services, many industries have actively been indulged in reviewing and commenting on spectrum, regulatory, telecom, international trade, export controls, government procurement, national defense and homeland security, which has benefitted their business a lot.

Besides satellite application in all the aforementioned industries, distribution and broadcasting service industries also tremendously use it for broadcasting channels to the home.

Commercial satellite technology provides benefits to businesses, as well as plays a key role in national security, homeland security, disaster relief and recovery, and the global information infrastructure and economy.

To receive these services, a satellite company needs to be contacted.

A satellite dish along with a receiver that connects with the satellite is used. The satellite is connected with two coaxial cables, which helps in broadcasting channels. This also provides facility of watching one program on one side, while the other one is recorded.
However, to run these services effectively, the uplink services need to be pointed to the unseen satellite in the sky.

Along with this, a second receiver is required. This second receiver is hooked with satellite TV system that makes it easy for customers to watch their favorite programs. Moreover, programming updates are done with a phone line that is connected to the receivers.

The whole process is expensive, yet worthy. Its advantage makes it worth using for many (high quality, digital signal and some additional service). The number is steadily rising from time now and credit for this goes to the benefits.

From the above stated discussion, you must have got an idea what the benefits of using satellite are and privileges additional services like uplink.

Which all industries require satellite system?

A satellite is artificial equipment that is effective for carrying out communication between different parts of the earth. Signals are sent from earth and retransmitted by the system back on earth.

System comprise of various parts like antenna, transponders and more that helps in effective communication.

Different industries require this system for some or the other purpose. Following are the areas in which this system is used and benefits of it in each field-

Detect navigation – To identify position and help find the way, satellite system provide proper navigation to users. Hence, users can easily detect their location by using navigation tool in their cell phone or car, which is connected with satellite.

Radio companies– FM stations going air on radio are channelized with satellite system. The system receives and sends signals from radio companies.

Besides sending signals to radio companies, signal transmission is also done with ships and aircrafts so that they reaches to their exact location without any problem. At times of emergencies, necessary help can be provided to ships and aircrafts, if signals are sent by satellite.

Cellular companies–Satellites prove to be of great help for cellular network companies. Services like telephone calls and other features are effectively carrier out by satellite signals on mobile or other wireless phones.

Television broadcasting – Likewise satellite signals are used by radio companies, television industry also uses it for broadcasting different channels. DTH (direct to home) companies or satellite television makes use of satellite signals.

Oil, mining, and gas networks – Satellite is used for surveillance, collecting information, data management and many other tasks in oil, gas, and mining networks. With communication, productivity also likely is improved with the signals transmitted.

Multiplatform video content distribution –For sending pictures, sound, videos and other content over internet or smart phones, this communication system is used.

Weather – Via means of global satellite communications weather forecast can easily be done. Satellites in space keep track of the weather and environment. When any change in weather, they immediately transmit signal to forecasting weather company. Weather forecast is done for every area, region, or city on earth.

Internet communication providers– For effective communication and transferring of data on internet, data communication companies use satellites. Hence, sharing of content, video, or any data can easily be transmitted over internet by means of satellite signals.

Do you know why army depends on the mobile earth stations?

Military depends on mobile earth stations for a variety of purposes that can include quality battlefield communication, broadcasting live events, reliable connectivity, etc. Military uses these earth stations because they are reliable and can be carried with ease.

All  our mobile earth station terminals are designed to withstand the harshest environmental conditions.  Heat and cold are elements that can greatly affect the way satellite terminals operate.  During the design process, our engineering team will stress test all the components using large environment chamber to make sure that the final product will survive Artic and/or Sub Saharan weather condition.  For our smaller systems,  STS will also custom design carrying case to protect the electronics during their transportation and storage.

Contact info

631 246 5000

Address
STS Global Inc.
CEWIT Bldg. #231,
1500 Stony Brook Road,
Stony Brook NY 11794-6040

info@stsglobal.com