Satellite Modem Buyer's Guide

When choosing a satellite modem, there are several factors to consider. Here is a list of the common questions that we need in order to provide you with an accurate quote for your equipment.

1.) What is the IF (Intermediary Frequency) that you will need?
This will interface on the outbound portion of the signal. If You are using a transciever or secondary converter, this will typically be 70 MHz. If you are using a BUC, this will typically be L-Band. Nonetheless, we will need to know the frequency that the next item in the integration will be looking for as an input so as to properly specify the modem.

2.) What is the desired data rate?
We need to know what data rate you require to transport your data. Common examples are 512K, 1M, 2M, 5M, 10M, and 20M.

3.) What Modulation do you plan on using?
Modulation is a key decision that will affect your occupied bandwidth. QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM, are common options.You will need to get with your bandwidth or service provider to determine this.

4.) What FEC are you planning on running?
FECs are another key aspect of the modem configuration.

5.) What is the desired Data Interface?
We will need to know what you plan to interface with the modem. In other words, what kind of signal are you going to be handing off to the modem? It is going to be ASI, RS232, IP?

6.) If you are running L-Band IF, are you going to be using a BUC, and if so, what power is required on that unit?
If you are planning on powering a BUC with this unit, we may opt for a variety of internal power supplies, or add an external power supply and leave the power supply out altogether. We will also want to investigate the quality of the COAX and the length of the COAX run to make sure that we can get the power out to the outdoor unit.

6.) What is the Primary Input Power?
In order to select the appropriate modem, we will need to know whether the modem is going to be AC powered or DC Powered.

7.) How do you plan to monitor this unit, control this unit?
Do we need to be concerned with Monitor and Control, and if so, how do you plan on using that?

8.) What is going to be your monthly recurring charge on your bandwidth?
Using the information provided above combined with this will enable us to look at the link and assess the network design for optimal effeciency. Using carrier cancelling technology, we may be able to justify a case where you can spend a bit more on the modem, but far less on the bandwidth.