Phone: +254 100 996929
Email: info@africanedevelopment.org

VSAT Field Engineering

Categories: Telecoms Technology
Share
Share Course
Page Link
Share On Social Media

About Course

In remote regions and mission-critical operations, satellite communication is essential. This 3-day technical course is designed to equip engineers and ICT professionals with the knowledge and skills to plan, configure, and maintain VSAT systems across various operational environments. From satellite fundamentals to field installation and integration with LAN/WAN networks, participants will gain deep, hands-on experience.

This 3-day VSAT Field Engineering course is an intensive program designed for installers of bi-directional satellite earth stations. The course will offer both theoretical and practical skills transfer as applicable to DVB/TDMA VSAT field engineers, support engineers and operational managers

The course is divided into two sessions, a class-room theory session that introduces participants to the basics of satellite communication and a practical session that covers the fundamentals that all VSAT field technicians should know, including cross-pol and accurate dish pointing.

Course Duration: 3 Days
Delivery Format: In-Person | On-Site

Show More

What Will You Learn?

  • Why we use Satellites. Reasons why satellite is used opposed to fiber, cable or microwave.
  • How does Satellites work? Detailed explanation of a satellite from design to operational.
  • VSAT Network Design. Components that make up a VSAT network.
  • Link Budget. Explanation of why we need link budgets and how to understand a link budget
  • VSAT Services. Discuss the different types of services and the benefits of the types of services.
  • Practical Theory. Understand the process from applying to commissioning of a VSAT site
  • Demonstration of a dish built and alignment
  • Practical by Students

Course Content

Satellite Communication & VSAT Basics
Fundamentals of satellite communications VSAT components and architecture Satellite orbits and transponder types Frequency bands (C, Ku, Ka) and link budgeting Regulatory requirements and licensing Activity: Satellite footprint analysis

Field Deployment & Modem Configuration
Site assessment, safety, and environmental considerations Dish installation, polarization, and peaking Signal measurement tools and alignment procedures Configuring VSAT modems (e.g., iDirect, HughesNet) Weatherproofing and power backup solutions Lab: Antenna pointing and modem setup simulation

Integration, Troubleshooting & Maintenance
Integrating VSAT into LAN/WAN infrastructure Redundancy planning and QoS Troubleshooting connectivity and hardware faults SLA compliance and performance monitoring Case Study: VSAT deployment for a humanitarian field camp Capstone Exercise: End-to-end system design presentation