VSAT
Pronunciation: VEE-sat
Also written as: VSAT — Very Small Aperture Terminal
A compact satellite ground terminal, typically with a dish antenna of 0.75–3.8 m diameter, used for broadband internet, voice, or data services via geostationary satellites.
Full Definition
VSAT terminals are two-way satellite ground stations distinguished by their small antenna aperture relative to large teleport or hub earth stations. They are widely deployed for enterprise connectivity, remote area broadband, maritime, aviation, and government applications. A VSAT network typically consists of a central hub earth station and a large number of remote VSAT terminals communicating via a hub-and-spoke or mesh topology. Editors should note that 'VSAT' is an acronym used both as a noun ('a VSAT') and attributively ('VSAT network', 'VSAT terminal'). It should not be written in lowercase or mixed case.
Usage
Usage note: Render in all caps: VSAT. The article 'a' (not 'an') precedes it in speech ('a VSAT terminal') because the acronym is pronounced as a word, not spelled out.
In Context
- "The oil platform installed a VSAT terminal to maintain broadband connectivity with the onshore operations centre." — Network Deployment Report
- "Each VSAT in the fleet must be registered on the hub's network management system before activation." — Operations Manual