Technical developments in one way VSATs

One way VSAT networks exploit the well recognised advantages of satellite broadcasting. They are ideally suited to the simultaneous transfer of data to a large number of users over a wide geographic area within the satellite footprint. Such networks can provide point to multipoint transmission with few restrictions on the number or location of the receive terminals. As with interactive VSATs, such networks are also valuable in new and fast growing businesses. Networks can be extended and reconfigured on demand to meet changing market needs. The benefit of essentially simultaneous broadcasting over a very wide area can be of great importance in financial services where markets can be distorted by advance information, and also of course in the betting business. Developments in technology now permit one way VSAT systems to be constructed which provide zero data transmission errors under all normal operating conditions, with significantly higher link availability than terrestrial fibre optic links, with very low per-subscriber costs. The key developments responsible for this unbeatable combination of advantages are reviewed