This paper investigates the problem of tone interference within the very small aperture terminal (VSAT) binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) signal spectrum. The degree of performance degradation of a VSAT link in the presence of a tone interference is discussed. A simple theoretical analysis is derived, and its validity is verified by experimental measurements performed using a standard commercial VSAT modem measurement setup.

A low cost technique of frequency reference distribution within a VSAT network is discussed. This technique allows the use of a modestly frequency stable oscillator as the master frequency reference in the hub of a star-connected VSAT network. The need for extremely frequency stable OCXOs in VSATs is completely avoided. This technique was successfully incorporated In the early commercial VSAT networks. It contributes partially to the low cost nature of some of the VSAT networks available today.>

The contribution of wet antennas to the antenna signal path losses in a VSAT environment is treated theoretically. The current commercial VSAT systems operating in either C-band or Ku-band generally have their remote terminal antenna reflectors and the antenna feed horn radomes coated with hydrophobic materials. The aim is to prevent the antenna and radome surfaces from becoming wet during a rainfall. This precaution relieves the burden of added rain margin necessary on the link budget. The magnitude of the propagation loss when the antenna reflector and the antenna feed horn radome surfaces are wet is determined. The results can indicate whether the expense of applying and maintaining the hydrophobic materials on the VSAT remote antennas and radomes is justified under specific loss conditions.>

The attempt by the IEEE802.11 wireless LAN standard to fulfil the user anticipated performance expectations has imposed a challenging demand on its access method selection. To utilize the valuable shared spectrum resources effectively, a demand assigned multiple access method is proposed to meet this goal. The method is tailored to suit the key requirement specifications which are at present being drafted by the standard committee. It endeavors to address some of the access method problems, and in particular, the essential interactions of a seamless communication within a basic serving area (BSA) and across the extended basic serving area (EBSA).>