EX4U VSAT Services
(C - KU - KA Band)


EX4U is a specialist systems integrator in the sphere of satellite communications, providing VSAT networks, communications infrastructure, applications, and satellite capacity around the globe.
We plan and implement complete VSAT networks and, if required, subsequently provide ongoing operations and maintenance contract support.
EX4U provides voice, VoIP, fax, data, video, Internet, and valued added application services.
Inevitably the majority of EX4Us larger projects are subject to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) as security of VSAT networks is of paramount importance to EX4U and its clients. However, we are able to describe an example of larger projects we completed.

The initial project called for a regional satellite communication network with global roaming capabilities.










Stage one consisted of a satellite hub station integrated to both
a local PBX andinternational PTT lines.
There were two vehicle mounted and two 'fly away' systems. These all had associated technology providing phone and fax connectivity.

Stage includes Internet connectivity utilizing a separate satellite linked VSAT system. This connects to one of the worlds best Internet connectivity sites. The Internet is accessible in parallel with the existing telephony network. There are also two additions to the infrastructure. An additional highly mobile cross-country vehicle is being added to the vehicle fleet, and a large vessel has been fitted with the appropriate satellite antenna and communications equipment.


Stage three will involve further development of facilities at existing locations as well as the establishment of further sites - with EX4U supplying the complete infrastructure, airtime and applications to the client.
All parts of this network are seamlessly integrated with each other and provide a flexible future proof network with planned upgrade paths.

At the teleport we provide, or host, matching equipment to that used at your remote VSAT, providing you with connection to the main terrestrial trunk optic fibre systems.
You pay for the satellite bandwidth you need and the amount may be adjusted as time passes.

Our teleport engineers guide you through the initial stages of setting up your link. This consists of verifying that the transceiver and modem settings are matching on both sides of the link, balancing the power levels and confirming the data quality of the link.

When the satellite link is working correctly, the final step is to make the connections from the teleport to the clients final service destination. In some cases the final destination is the US or Europe Public Internet service, in this case we connect the clients modem to a backbone router and thus to the Internet.
We offer to our clients VoIP links to as private networks or into the worldwide public telephony system, so that voice traffic can flow successfully. We offer VoIP Video conferencing with free software or video enabled VoIP phones.

Once the client accepts the link, it is put into permanent monitoring mode. Alarms are set on the modems to alert the teleport employee if the link power drops below acceptable levels. Should that happen, the teleport personnel would contact the client according the names on an escalation list provided by the client.


Satellite bandwidth for sale

If you buy a complete package we will provide you with a dish and equipment for use at your site and at the same time we will make provision at our large hub for matching satellite communications equipment.We will also sort out the interfacing to connect you to the Internet, VoIP, to the PSTN telephone network, private network etc.

We will also provide you with satellite transponder capacity and help you achieve its efficient use using modern coding and modulation methods.
If your needs change we can increase or decrease in satellite capacity to meet your requirements. If you have several VSAT sites it may be possible for you to share one amount of satellite capacity.
We are able to actively manage your connection.


VSAT hub equipment and hosting

At the hub site we have equipment racks where a variety of equipment may be configured to suit your particular requirements. Cisco router and Quintum Tenor VoIP equipment are examples, we provide a wide range of VoIP equipments (Phones, ATA, IPBX, etc.).If you need server hosting, or similar, please contact us.


EX4U provides VoIP phone service and inter-connection with all PSTN. We offer VoIP DID's and 800-access numbers in over 50 countires

Our clients install VSAT hubs in order to have a direct connection to the Internet. With this Internet connection they have the ability to install analog telephone lines connected to a VoIP gateway.
If the client is a sub office of a large company, EX4U VoIP provides them with free calls to their head- and further sub office. Depending upon their need they may have from one to 30 lines in use at any one time. We call this on-net traffic termination.
Clients can place calls to people who do not have similar VoIP systems.


Explanation of VoIP networking
The blue area in the figure represents the area surrounding the VSAT terminal. It might be a small community, commercial area, large office, call centre or internet cafe.
A number of analogue phones or VoIP phones are connected via Quintum equipment to the VSAT modem.
Satellite dish "Site A" in the figure is a representation of the VSAT terminal, while "Site B" represents the large Hub Teleport site where the calls may go direct to other VoIP phones connected to the internet or to conventional PSTN telephones anywhere in the world.


We use a carrier grade telephone switch (ISDN) that has the ability to convert the VoIP signal back into normal telephone calls and place the call to the called party, anywhere in the world. The call to our US switch is free but we do charge for the second leg of the call, from our switch to its final destination.
Consider the economies of someone in Latin America and Africa calling by VoIP to a bank in the States or Europe. The first leg of the call comes via VoIP through our satellite to our switch for no charge. The second leg of the call to Europe or the USA will incur a charge between 3 to 10 cents (depends on destination country PSTN or mobile termination) a minute. You could say that the total call from Latin America or Africa to the US is only 3 to 10 cents a minute. By comparison their local telecom is likely to charge the client form 45 cent to one dollar a minute.

Quintum VoIP equipment

The largest family ofVoIP routers is the Cisco 5300 and 5350 series. The 5300 can be configured for 4 T1 or 4 E1digital lines and are perfect for high volume digital environments, such as telephone companies.


The majority of our clients operate Cyber Cafes with 8 to 16 analog telephone connected to a PABX. In this case the Cisco product is unsuitable, instead we recommend the Quintum Tenor A800 VoIP Gateway. Quintum will connect directly to analog lines and the units are reliable and easy to configure

If the bandwidth is sized correctly the voice quality is excellent using either Cisco or Quintum products.

Contact us to discuss your VoIP needs.


Engineering

    Our clients own a VSAT (teleport) facility because they need Internet connections or reliable telephone service. Some clients need both. The correct selection ofequipment, and purchase of bandwidth (space segment) depends upon the type of use that it will be put to. Choice of modulation and coding are important to minimise  monthly costs.

Satellite operators provide two types of frequency to choose from. Each has their advantages and disadvantages. Ku band provides very high frequency transmissions well suited to TV transmission or credit card validation applications. C band a lower range frequency better suited to voice and ISP needs.

Each system has advantages and disadvantages. Ku band can have much higher signal strength in areas of spot beams; this means that a signal can be received on much smaller dishes (antennas). Antennas of 1m diameter are often used for Ku transmissions. The downside to Ku is that bad weather can cut off the transmission, leaving your clients without service until the rain and clouds vanish.


Our clients all use C-Band because they are providing continuous voice or data service to a client base. C-Band is much less subject to rain fade; the downside is that is does require a larger antenna. Our smallest systems use a 2.4m antenna; many of our clients chose a larger 3.8m in order to allow for growth.