In the modern world of digitalization, the lack of a stable communication channel becomes a critical obstacle for businesses and private users. This problem is especially acute in remote regions, on maritime vessels, in the mining industry and in natural disaster zones, where land-based infrastructure is missing or destroyed. This is where satellite communication technologies come to the fore, allowing the exchange of data, voice and video streams in real time, regardless of geographic latitude.
Company Gilat Satellite Networks For many years now it has been one of the world leaders in the development of equipment for broadband Internet access via satellite. Their solutions powered by technology DVB-RCS2, provide high throughput and minimal delays, which makes full two-way communication possible. This is not just signal reception, as in old systems, but a full-fledged interactive dialogue between the user terminal and the satellite hub.
Two-way satellite Internet from Gilat allows organizations to deploy corporate networks of any complexity in the shortest possible time. The system architecture is designed to guarantee fault tolerance and high service availability even in the most severe operating conditions. Understanding the operating principles of this equipment is necessary for engineers, system integrators and IT department managers planning to create a reliable telecom infrastructure.
Operating principles of two-way satellite access
The basis for the functioning of the system is technology DVB-RCS2 (Digital Video Broadcasting - Return Channel via Satellite), which is a standard for interactive satellite communications. Unlike one-way systems, where the return channel is organized through terrestrial networks (GSM/ADSL), here all traffic passes through the satellite. The user terminal (VSAT) sends requests to the satellite, which relays them to the ground gateway (Hub), and from there the data enters the global Internet.
A key element of the architecture is dynamic resource allocation. The system intelligently manages bandwidth, allocating it to those terminals that are currently active. This allows efficient use of expensive satellite resources. Gilat implements complex scheduling algorithms that minimize delays in the transmission of data packets, which is critical for voice communications and video conferencing.
It is important to note the role of the VSAT modem or router in this chain. This device not only modulates the signal, but also performs the functions of a router, firewall and traffic compressor. Modern models support channel aggregation and operation in hybrid modes, switching between a satellite and a backup communication channel if necessary.
⚠️ Attention: Effective operation of a two-way channel is only possible with precise alignment of the antenna. Even a minimal deviation from the target satellite can lead to complete loss of signal or unstable link operation.
Technical features of modulation
Gilat systems use adaptive modulation, which allows you to change the signal coding scheme depending on weather conditions. This means that during rain or thunderstorms, the system will automatically switch to a more stable, but slower mode, so as not to completely interrupt the connection.
Gilat equipment: from terminals to hubs
Equipment line Gilat covers all segments of the satellite network, providing-to-end solutions. For the user segment, various types of terminals are offered, adapted to different frequency ranges (C, Ku, Ka) and performance requirements. The choice of a specific model depends on the required throughput and installation conditions.
The SkyEdge II-c series of terminals is the company's flagship solution. These devices support the highest data rates and have advanced traffic management features. They are ideal for corporate customers who need to connect distributed offices into a single secure network.
- 📡 SkyEdge II-c High Throughput: new generation terminals for working with high-performance satellites (HTS), providing gigabit speeds.
- 🏭 Industrial Routers: rugged routers for industrial use operating in extreme temperature ranges.
- ⚓ Maritime Terminals: specialized solutions for marine transport with compensation of pitching and protection from salt water.
- 🚐 Vehicle Mount: mobile terminals for transport, allowing you to maintain communication on the go.
On the service provider's side, hubs are installed - powerful server complexes that manage the entire network. They provide connection to trunk communication channels and traffic billing. Hub scalability Gilat allows you to service from several tens to tens of thousands of remote stations.
Use cases and benefits of technology
The scope of application of two-way satellite Internet is extremely wide. One of the most popular areas is telecommunications support for remote industrial facilities: oil and gas fields, mines and logging sites. Where laying optical fiber is not economically feasible, satellite becomes the only option.
Government agencies and emergency response services use the systems Gilat for the deployment of temporary communication networks in disaster zones. Mobile systems allow you to quickly set up a coordination center with video communication and access to databases. The speed of deployment of such networks is calculated in hours, not months.
For the financial sector and retail, the reliability of the transaction channel is critical. Satellite Internet provides independence from local providers, which may be subject to accidents or scheduled maintenance. This guarantees the continuity of business processes in any situation.
| Scope of application | Key Requirements | Gilat solution |
|---|---|---|
| Oil and gas industry | High reliability, 24/7 operation | Industrial terminals with redundancy |
| Maritime transport | Motion compensation, corrosion protection | Marine antennas and trackers |
| Public sector and Ministry of Emergency Situations | Mobility, fast deployment | Portable Flyaway Kits |
| Retail and banks | Transaction security, low ping | Secure corporate networks |
Specifications and performance
The performance of the satellite channel directly depends on the selected tariff plan and the technical parameters of the antenna. The diameter of the reflector determines the gain, which is especially important for the Ku and Ka bands, where the signal is more susceptible to attenuation. Modern terminals Gilat allow you to achieve speeds comparable to terrestrial broadband access.
An important parameter is the signal delay (latency). In geostationary systems, it is physically limited by the distance to the satellite (about 36,000 km) and is approximately 250-270 ms one way. However, protocol optimization technologies such as TCP Acceleration, allow you to significantly improve the efficiency of data transmission by compressing packet headers and anticipating requests.
Monitoring systems allow the network operator to monitor the status of each terminal in real time. You can see the signal level, number of errors, channel load and equipment temperature. This is a preventative measure to identify problems before they impact users.
⚠️ Attention: When planning your network, it is necessary to take into account the phenomenon of rain signal fading, especially in the Ku and Ka bands. It is required to lay down the energy reserve of the link (Link Margin) to ensure availability 99.9% of the time.
Use high quality PoE injectors to power the outdoor unit. Unstable voltage is a common cause of failure of expensive satellite modems.
Installation and configuration of a satellite system
The equipment installation process requires a qualified approach and compliance with safety precautions. The first step is always choosing the installation location. The antenna must have a direct line of sight to the satellite, without obstacles such as trees, buildings or terrain. To accurately determine azimuth and elevation, special pointing calculators are used.
Mechanical installation includes antenna assembly, BUC (transmitter) and LNB (receiver) installation, and coaxial cable installation. The cable must be of the proper diameter to minimize signal loss, especially if the distance from the antenna to the modem is long. All connections must be thoroughly waterproofed.
☑️ Checklist before launch
The terminal is configured via the web interface. It is necessary to enter the network parameters provided by the operator: reception and transmission frequency, polarization, symbol rate. After initial registration, the terminal will automatically download the configuration file from the hub and enter operating mode.
Example of parameters to enter into the configurator:Rx Frequency: 11500.00 MHz
Tx Frequency: 14250.00 MHz
Symbol Rate: 5000 Ksps
Polarization: Vertical
Security and reliability of connection
In the corporate segment, information security issues come to the fore. Equipment Gilat supports modern traffic encryption standards, including AES-256. This ensures that even if the radio signal is intercepted, attackers will not be able to decode the transmitted data.
The system also has built-in mechanisms to protect against unauthorized access. Each terminal has a unique ID, and the hub only authorizes registered devices. The ability to create closed user groups (VPN over satellite) allows you to isolate traffic from different departments or branches.
The reliability of the system is ensured not only by the quality of the equipment, but also by architectural solutions. The ability to hot-swappable units, redundant power, and built-in diagnostic tools make the network resilient to failures. Regular software updates close potential security vulnerabilities.
Integration of the satellite link with the local infrastructure must take into account cybersecurity requirements, including network segmentation and the use of firewalls.
Prospects for the development of satellite technologies
The satellite communications industry is undergoing active transformation. The emergence of low earth orbit (LEO) constellations creates new opportunities, but geostationary systems do not stand still. Gilat is actively developing solutions for working in hybrid networks, where the satellite complements terrestrial channels, creating a single seamless environment.
Implementation of the standard DVB-S2X made it possible to increase the spectral efficiency and throughput of existing satellites. This means that users can receive higher speeds without replacing the antenna field or upgrading the terminal electronics.
The future lies in intelligent traffic management systems that will automatically select the optimal path for data, balancing the load between different satellites and frequency bands. This will make satellite Internet even more accessible and efficient for the mass user.
What is the real speed of Gilat satellite internet?
The speed depends on the operator's tariff and the type of terminal. Modern High Throughput terminals can provide speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s and higher for reception and up to 10-20 Mbit/s for transmission. For standard enterprise links, typical values are 2-10 Mbps.
Can the Gilat system be used for IP telephony?
Yes, the equipment supports traffic prioritization (QoS), which allows high-quality transmission of voice traffic (VoIP). However, for comfortable communication, the delay should not exceed certain values, so it is important to choose the right link parameters.
Is a license required to use a satellite dish?
In most countries, the use of receiving terminals (RX-only) does not require a license, but two-way systems (TX/RX) that emit a signal usually require regulatory approval or operation through a licensed carrier.
How does the weather affect the Internet?
Heavy rain, thick fog or sleet may temporarily weaken the signal, especially in the Ku and Ka bands. The system automatically adapts, reducing speed to maintain the connection, but in extreme cases the connection may be interrupted until weather conditions improve.
Is it difficult to maintain the equipment yourself?
Basic maintenance (reboot, visual inspection) can be performed by customer personnel. However, setting parameters, aligning the antenna and diagnosing faults require qualifications and special tools, so it is recommended to conclude an agreement with a service partner.