What Satellite Technology Acronyms Really Mean for Your Business

The world of satellite technology is full of acronyms, and we know not everyone knows what they stand for or how they apply to your business or organization. So just what is the significance of this alphabet soup? Take a peek here to learn some satellite technology lingo and how that technology could enhance your day-to-day operations.

BGAN – Broadband Global Area Network

BGAN is a service that provides near-global communication coverage, even in remote locations. BGAN terminals allow access to your VPN (virtual private network) securely from areas where you would otherwise not have Internet access. You can make VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) calls and Standard Messaging System (SMS) messages through the same line of communication. You can also send and receive data in excess of 100 Kbps in both directions, transmit larger data files and interact with remote devices on an IP session. The service is easy to use and is accessed by a plug-and-play terminal designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing operations. And the best thing? Even if the acronyms are confusing, no expertise is needed to set up or use these devices.

How about practical applications, now? If you have employees working out in the field, BGAN technology gives them the capability to communicate with the home office, vendors and customers in real time from the most remote locations. Media organizations can use this technology to deliver live broadcasts and store and forward news clips. Emergency services can provide on-the-move communications for emergency response vehicles and command trailers using BGAN terminals. As you can see, the applications are endless.

VSAT – Very Small Aperture Terminal

VSAT technology is very similar to BGAN, except it provides much higher bandwidth. VSAT terminals can be in both fixed and mobile application, and terminals must be properly pointed toward the satellite to send and receive data. Most fixed terminals will require a technician for the initial setup, while mobile terminals use an auto-pointing system which allows for easy, push-of-a-button setup.

VSAT can be used in very similar ways to BGAN technology, where you may need wider bandwidth to transmit more data. Media organizations and emergency services can use VSAT as a higher-bandwidth option to BGAN for their mobile communication needs. The oil and gas industry can exchange crucial daily operational progress reports and collect data in the field using VSAT technology. If you need higher bandwidth, VSAT is the way to go.

SCADA – Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

SCADA technology is a system used to gather and analyze data in real time. SCADA is an off network system that will not affect a company’s current network operations. SCADA systems can be used in simple applications, like monitoring the temperature of a building, to complex such as monitoring the activity of all the operations of a power plant. SCADA information can be sent through satellite communications to help monitor operations wherever they are. For the oil and gas industry, you can monitor and control a host platform that has been optimized for satellite communications. Using a SCADA system, you could gather information about operations on a pipeline. For instance, if there were a leak, you could determine where it happened and transfer the information back to a central site to alert the home station to the leak. Then you could do the analysis to see if you had a critical leak and send your proposed solution to the workers at the pipeline.

Obviously there are virtually limitless situations in which this technology can help your business or organization increase productivity, enhance safety and improve communication. Find out more by contacting New York Mobile Satellite today. Call us at 646-537-1724, or use the contact form on this site. We look forward to assisting you.