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VSAT Site Survey
The VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) is a telecommunication
system based on wireless satellite network. Although it is easily
implemented due to the wireless nature of connectivity, a critical
issue that cannot be ignored during a VSAT installation is the site
survey.
Essentially, the site survey should be comprehensive enough to ensure
the VSAT is delivered with all items necessary for a rapid and complete
installation. Since VSAT’s by nature are often installed in
in-accessible locations, the installer should not have to wait on
site until a cable or connector is flown in. So what should look out
for to make a site survey effective?
The following checklist is essential for
your site survey:
Where are you going to put the antenna?
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Does the site have a clear unobstructed view
to the Satellite?
-
Is the area clear of all hazards, e.g. trees
that may fall onto the antenna?
-
Do you need planning permission and/or permission
to use the access roads to the site?
-
Is the site susceptible to flooding and/or subsidence?
-
Is there any possibility of future construction
work in the vicinity, which may result in the obstruction of the
antenna beam (e.g. tall structures, fast growing trees and bushes)?
How are you going to support the antenna?
-
On a penetrating mount
-
On a dedicated load bearing mount
-
On a wall or other such structure
-
Is the ground or wall capable of bearing the
load of the antenna?
Where are you going to install the ODU (Outdoor
Unit/s)?
-
On the antenna structure
-
In an enclosure
-
Elsewhere
Where are you going to install the IDU (Indoor
Unit/s)?
-
Will they be in an equipment room?
-
Do you need air conditioning?
-
How are you going to run the cables from the
ODU to the IDU’s?
-
Do you need cable ducts installed?
-
How long are the cable runs?
-
Is there any lightning protection installed?
-
What type of material is it, copper, aluminum?
-
What is the cross-sectional area of the material?
-
Is it solid rods or tape type construction?
-
Are you able to utilize it for protection of
your equipment?
-
If the site is secure, can you gain immediate
access?
-
Access routes should be adequate for the conveyance
of the equipment during the construction.
-
Do you need any specialist help, e.g. cranes,
crane drivers, welders, or electricians?
-
There are basically two possibilities for RF
interference
-
Interference from other telecommunications installations
-
Interference from your installation
-
Typically, this interference is to or from terrestrial
microwave installations operating in the common transmit frequency
from radar, high voltage power lines and corona discharge also needs
to be considered.
-
Natural geographical bowls or depressions within
which the VSAT may be located may aid site shielding.
-
Sometimes it may be necessary to resort to artificial
shielding via man-made
-
Allowances need to be made for the prevailing
meteorological conditions. Statistical data on the following need
to be obtained and taken into account, as any excess may require
extra protection and / or treatment plus careful sealing of connectors.
-
Wind velocity and prevailing direction, (mean,
gusts, maximum).
-
Rainfall
-
Ice and snow accumulation.
-
Temperature and humidity ranges
-
Prevalence of sand or dust storms.
-
Abnormal salinity (near marine environments)
Items required for completion of a site survey
-
Cameras (both digital and disposable)
-
Map
-
GPS receiver
-
Compass
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Inclinometer
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1m rule
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Architects tape
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Road distance wheel
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Screw drivers (flat and cross head)
-
Clipboard, form and pencil.
I hope this has given you an idea of what you need
to carry out a VSAT site survey. Completing a comprehensive site survey
prior to installation ensures success and the delivery of a VSAT solution
that meets your requirements.
By:
Paul Ajibola
Paul Ajibola is a Telecommunications Engineer with
vast experience in the installation, training, and support of VSAT,
Satellite Systems and Telecommunications Networks. With over 100 VSATs
and 2,000 satellite dishes installed, he also has extensive knowledge
in Networking and Technical Support.
Find out about Telecom Training here:
Practical
VSAT Training - Over
50% of previous Participants come back for new program!
Projects,
Growth & ROI - Creating Opportunity and Value - Strong, Competitive
and Flexible
VSAT,
Wireless, Telecom Training - Jan 26, 27, 28, 2005
For more on VSAT Internet / Telephony Solutions &
Support, click this link: http://www.jidaw.com/vsat.html
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN VSAT TELEPHONY SOLUTIONS / TRAINING
OR CYBERCAFE SETUP/SUPPORT?
Make
Your Request for ICT Services (VSAT, Internet, E-mail, etc)
VSAT FIELD ENGINEERING / CYBERCAFE SETUP TRAINING
http://www.jidaw.com/itsolutions/telecomtrain.html
For more coverage and information on IT and Telecom
related topics,
head to the
ICT Knowledge Resource Center:
http://www.jidaw.com/itsolutions/index.html
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