VSAT
What are VSATs?
VSATs, or Very Small Aperture Terminals, are small earth stations used for two-way communication via satellite. They're designed for remote locations lacking trained technical staff. VSATs are operated from a hub station where access is controlled and information is managed to optimize the overall performance and loading of the network.
Configuration:
Typical VSAT consists of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit.
Outdoor unit.
Enclosed within the outdoor unit are:
- LNB and SSPA. The SSPA also includes a up-converter, so it is often called a block up-converter (BUC)
- Located at the antenna to minimize microwave losses that reduce performance
- No maintenance required because electronics are protected by an enclosure
Indoor unit. Resembles a cable or DSL modem, or may be contained in one or more cabinets the size of a PC.
HughesNet DirecWay VSAT for an enterprise network
Gilat Starband VSAT for home Internet access 
iDirect Technologies VSAT and supported LAN The indoor unit of the VSAT becomes a router in a local area network (LAN), providing Internet Protocol services and applications to locally-connected computers.
