Ask the experts: Is the satellite medium the future of remote data communications?

Remote data communications is truly an amazing concept and achievement in the business world. The transfer of data across large physical distances instantaneously has changed the whole idea of global commerce. A simple ‘yes’, or ‘no’, through an IM or email can make a timely decision where before only lost opportunities were had. Still there is a fork in this preverbal cross-road where two basic models of remote data communications are taking shape; namely Wired and Wireless mediums. Yet a final option is still available that combines the best of both worlds; satellite.

The wired idea

Standing out as a tried and tested method of joining distant parties, wired, or sometimes called land-based lines of communication, have been at the forefront of the evolving information age’s backbone since the telephone was invented. The concept is very simple: take two parties with a need to communicate, dig a trench in the ground, fill it with wire that can electronically convey said parties conversations, and voila!, a connection is formed. As archaic as that sounds, this is, in fact, the very method that global communication companies like AT&T have used for years. Coincidentally land based communications have evolved.

The new push is fiber optics. The drawback? All existing communication landlines like copper cannot be retrofitted with ‘fiber’ which means new fiber lines must be run to anyone needing connectivity. Even with the promises of high-speed applications all through one source, the problem still remains of getting this kind of connection to the individual. And let’s not forget the impassible mountain ranges, mile deep oceans, and arctic tundra land line operators may have to deal with. These problems increase implementation costs which in turn mean higher rates to the end user.

The wireless idea

Since the very first telephone pole was raised, engineers have always wanted to move information without building gigantic infrastructures or having to devise elaborate schemes in order to make communications happen. What if a user could just throw data into the air and have it magically appear at another user’s terminal? That sounds more like science fiction than fact. Yet today everyone uses wireless communications on a daily basis. Cell phones, computers, Bluetooth; even gas stations, grocery stores and baby monitors all use wireless communications. And the technology is about to explode.

New instances of wireless data transfer protocols are quickly becoming integrated into the business scene. WiMax, a super wide area WiFi protocol is being developed with an omni-directional range of up to 25+ miles with speeds beating that of a local area network connection. New universal wireless USB technologies will bridge the gap between all the impending gadgets like cameras, portable music players, and gaming systems making seamless transfers and sharing information on-the-fly possible. All these contribute to the advent of being able to stay connected wherever you go.

Yet wireless communication has its drawbacks. Wireless connections are typically extensions of wired foundations. This means that you must have a wired point of presence in order to deploy a wireless network. Most wireless consumer class products and many enterprise standards still come up short in overall range of connectivity without a repeater in place. Sharing between various standards and flavours of wireless are still not widely accepted, though there are some standards that are looking to bridge this gap [Google ‘UPnP’-Universal Plug and Play]. Most wireless technologies are a perfect fit for local, non-mobile applications. Many wireless products also expand wired instances by adding easy to use hotspots where wires were needed before. Overall, wireless is an expansion of wired connectivity, but not yet a turn-key solution for remote data access.

The satellite solution: hybrid technology and design

With the wired and wireless ideas conveyed, how do these technologies solve the remote data connectivity problem? If there are implementations where a remote user or location is setup, which solution can one choose that is both cost-effective and robust? Enter satellite communications.

Satellite communications combines the best of both the wired and wireless worlds. Satellite communications use VSAT satellite terminals [very small aperture] for connecting to a data network. These VSAT’s point to a satellite in orbit around the earth. Let’s stop right there. Already satellite is being used as a wireless transmission protocol. Now imagine the size of a satellite’s hotspot to be the size of, let’s say, the United States? Or Europe? That’s an advantage of satellite communications. Typically these VSAT’s are anywhere from .74m -2.4m in dish size depending on the size of the hotspot you’re in or ‘footprint’ of the satellite signal.

VSAT’s then use small transmitters to push data over the satellite to, typically, a ground station located in a stationary geographical location somewhere in the world that is directly connected to an internet backbone. Enter the wired facet of satellite connectivity. These ground stations or NOC’s [network operation centers] act as VSAT hubs by allowing many satellite terminals to connect simultaneously and then receive data back from the internet, which in turn the NOC pushes back up wirelessly to the satellite and back down to the VSAT.

This hybrid system allows for anyone worldwide to connect seamlessly to remote networks, corporate office, or even other satellite terminals [point-to point VSAT] at a cost effective, and lucrative price point. There are many providers worldwide like iDirect Technologies and HughesNet Systems that operate satellite platforms with global reach. With minimal maintenance costs these VSAT terminals can be installed on location and be transferring data within minutes. broadband on demand wherever you are.

Mobile satellite and beyond

Even with typical satellite communications, there remains a growing need for data connectivity on-demand and on-the-go. MotoSAT, a manufacturer and communications company based in the US creates turn-key, mobile VSAT platforms for global data connectivity. MotoSAT forges easy to use interface design with cutting edge acquisition support for locating satellites anywhere on Earth as well offering complete, autonomous compatibility with virtually any satellite platform modem. MotoSAT also integrates seamlessly with IP based wireless and wired technologies.

Jim Pendleton is President of MotoSAT.