VSAT

Field Engineering

Training Course

A theoretical and practical skills transfer event for ield engineers, support engineers and operational managers as applicable to DVB/TDMA VSAT networks, organized by Africa eDevelopment Research Centre in association with Comsatpro of South Africa

Intensive VSAT Field Engineering Course Outline

Theory & Background Network Architecture Architecture deined - Star networks - Mesh networks Application references Network Concepts Bandwidth: - MHz vs. Mbps. - Speed vs. throughput Links budget basics: - What? - Why? Equipment terminology Remote site components: - Antenna, dish? - BUC, block-up convertor - LNB, Radio, Modem Operating Frequencies - Ku-band - C-band - Ka-band Signal Transmission DVB TDMA Theory & hands-on: The ield strength meter The GPS the compass what do we measure? how do we measure? Service Commissining what does it mean? why is it needed? how do we do it? what can go wrong? Client Communication operational NOC group Client communication Site hand-over Commissioning & hand-over Implementation Site Survey Location & look angles Infrastructure Site Build Minimum antenna mount -Requirements Lightning protection Cable routing Peak & poll: Why? What? How? Test Equipment Practical Training Complete Installations All participants will complete -one complete installation Installations will be done -on an active & operational -network -All will provide suicient time for hands-on -experience Test Equipment Inclinometer Compass GPS Field strength meter -Selection and training with -respect to PAS1R, PAS10, NSS -7 satellites Installation Physical site installation Antenna built (1.2m) Peak & poll Signal strength monitoring Site commissioning with an

Precision Instruments for accomplished Engineers

Quality of workmanship, ield engineering and system performance are determined by the skills and expertise of the engineer but no engineer can perform precision works without precision instruments. The course will also cover the following instruments: UnaOhm SBM105C Satellite Analog Digital Signal Analyser The SBM105 analyses the quality of satellite receive signals and ofers all measurements required by digital communication channels. Is also ofers level measurement of analog signals as well as spectral analysis of the band. SMARTTool Precision level meter for setting and alignment of antenna to ensure optimum signal strength and maximum system reliability.

SUUNTO Bearing Compass & Clinometer The Suunto Tandem is a liquid-illed precision compass and clinometer in one compact aluminum housing that is easy to use and rugged enough to protect against impact, corrosion and water.

GARMINs eTrex Personal Navigator This compact, easy-to-operate GPS is perfect for measuring and recording of location coordinates with the accuracy required for VSAT network control systems. Handheld Tools The perfect set of handheld tools to ensure that you have the correct tool for every need while at the same time being lightweight and convenient to carry under all circumstances. All of which are supplied in an easy and convenient canvass bag.

Intensive VSAT Field Engineering

Course Designer

More than

1,000
Stadler Brits is a Global VSAT Forum (GVF) qualiied instructor/ trainer.
Radyne Comstream Paradise Datacom Gilat Skystar HNS GW series ViaSat Linkstar iDirect - Satellite communication engineering course University of Surrey Link Budget Engineering - Panamsat During this period he also developed a VSAT course for the company which he also presented throughout Afric

Stadler has had over 17 years experience in Radio Frequency (RF) with a career that commenced in the South Africa Air Force. He has been in the African Market for almost 15 years and worked in numerous countries in Africa doing sales, installation and now engineering design makes me an experienced satellite communications engineer. He has attended most satellite equipment vendor courses and most of the satellite engineering courses available in the industry. This includes:

students have attended this course.

Contact us T E: info@africanedevelopment.org 00100, Nairobi, Kenya eDevelopment House, Limuru Road,

Muthaiga,

INTENSIVE WIFI SYSTEMS ENGINEERING COURSE

www.africanedevelopment.org

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES AND STANDARDS

Define basic characteristics of Wi-Fi technology

o o o o o o Range, coverage, and capacity Frequencies/channels used Channel reuse and co-location Active and passive scanning Power saving operation Data rates and throughput o o o o o o Dynamic rate switching Authentication and association The distribution system and roaming Infrastructure and ad hoc modes BSSID, SSID, BSS, ESS Protection Mechanisms

INTENSIVE WIFI SYSTEMS ENGINEERING COURSE

Summarize the basic attributes and advantages of the following WLAN standards and amendments
o o 802.11a 802.11no o o 802.11g 802.11b

Identify some of the uses for spread spectrum technologies

o o Wireless LANs Wireless PANs o o Wireless MANs Wireless WANs

Comprehend the differences between, and explain the different types of spread spectrum technologies and how they relate to the IEEE 802.11-2007 standards (as amended and including 802.11n-draft2.0) PHY clauses
o o Modulation Coding

Identify and apply the concepts which make up the functionality of spread spectrum technology
o o o o o Co-location Channel Centers and Widths (all PHYs) Primary and Secondary Channels Overlapping and Non-Overlapping Channels Carrier Frequencies o o o o o Throughput vs. Data Rate Bandwidth Communication Resilience Physical Carrier Sense (CSMA/CA) Virtual Carrier Sense (NAV)

RF FUNDAMENTALS
Define the basic units of RF measurements.
o o o o Wireless LANs Wireles Milliwatt (mW) Decibel (dB) o o o o dBm dBis PANs Wireless MANs Wireless WANs

Define and explain the basic concepts of RF behavior

o o o o o Gain Loss Reflection Refraction Diffraction o o o o o Scattering VSWR Return Loss Amplification Attenuation o o o o Delay Spread Absorption Wave propagation Free Space Path Loss

INTENSIVE WIFI SYSTEMS ENGINEERING COURSE

Identify factors which affect the range and speed of RF transmissions

o o o Line-of-sight requirements Interference (Baby monitors, spread spectrum phones, microwave ovens) Environmental factors

Define and differentiate between the following physical layer wireless technologies
o o HR/DSSS ERP o o OFDM MIMO

Define concepts which make up the functionality of RF and spread spectrum technology
o o o OFDM & HR/DSSS channels Co-location of HR/DSSS and OFDM systems Adjacent-channel and co-channel interference o o WLAN / WPAN co-existence CSMA/CA operation half duplex

Identify RF signal characteristics and the applications of basic RF antenna concepts

o o Passive Gain Beamwidths o o Simple diversity Polarization

Describe the proper locations and methods for installing RF antennas

o o o Pole/mast mount Ceiling mount Wall mount

Identify the use of the following WLAN accessories and explain how to select and install them for optimal performance and regulatory domain compliance
o o o RF cables RF connectors Lightning Arrestors and grounding rods

RF MATHEMATICS
Understand and apply the basic components of RF mathematics
o o o o o o o Watt Milliwatt Decibel (dB) dBm dBi dBd SNR o o o o o o RSSI System Operating Margin (SOM) Fade Margin Link Budget Intentional Radiator Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP)

INTENSIVE WIFI SYSTEMS ENGINEERING COURSE

RF SIGNAL AND ANTENNA CONCEPTS

Identify RF signal characteristics, the applications of basic RF antenna concepts, and the implementation of solutions that require RF antennas
o o o o o o o Visual LOS RF LOS The Fresnel Zone Beamwidths Azimuth & Elevation Passive Gain Isotropic Radiator o o o o o o o Polarization Simple Antenna Diversity MIMO Diversity Radio Chains Spatial Multiplexing (SM) Transmit Beam Forming (TxBF) Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC) o o o o Wavelength Frequency Amplitude Phase

Explain the applications of physical RF antenna and antenna system types and identify their basic attributes, purpose, and function
o o Omni-directional / Dipole antennas Semi-directional antennas o o Highly-direction antennas Sectorized antennas

Describe the proper locations and methods for installing RF antennas

o o o Pole/mast mount Ceiling mount Wall mount

Identify the use of the following WLAN accessories and explain how to select and install them for optimal performance and regulatory domain compliance.
o o o o o Amplifiers Attenuators Lightning Arrestors Mounting Systems Grounding Rods/Wires o o o o Towers, Safety Equipment, and Concerns RF Cables RF Connectors RF Signal Splitters

SITE SURVEYING

INTENSIVE WIFI SYSTEMS ENGINEERING COURSE

Understand and describe the requirements to gather information prior to the site survey and do reporting after the site survey
o o o o o o o o Gathering business requirements Interviewing managers and users Defining physical and data security requirements Gathering site-specific documentation Documenting existing network characteristics Identifying infrastructure connectivity and power requirements Understanding RF coverage requirements Client connectivity requirements o o o o o o o o Antenna use considerations Understanding data capacity and client density requirements VoWiFi considerations for delay and jitter Client connectivity requirements Antenna use considerations Aesthetics requirements Tracking system considerations WIPS sensor considerations

Define and differentiate between the following WLAN system architectures and understand site survey concepts related to each architecture. Identify and explain best practices for access point placement and density.
o Multiple Channel Architecture (MCA) o Single Channel Architecture (SCA)

Define the need for and the use of a manual site survey tool and differentiate between the following manual site survey types
o Active surveys o Passive surveys

Differentiate between manual and predictive site surveys

o Advantages and disadvantages of each site survey methodology

Define the need for and use of a protocol analyzer in a manual site survey as it relates to the following
o Identifying, locating, and assessing nearby WLANs

Differentiate between site surveys involving networks with and without a mesh access layer
o o o Define the need for and use of a spectrum analyzer in a manual site survey Identification and location of interference sources Differentiation of Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi interference sources

Identify limitations on hardware placement

o o Areas where APs or antennas cannot be placed Areas beyond Ethernet distance limitations

Understand industry best practices for optimal use of directional and omni-directional antennas in site surveys

INTENSIVE WIFI SYSTEMS ENGINEERING COURSE

Explain the technical aspects involved in performing manual and predictive RF site surveys. (These happen as part of the RF site survey)
o o o Locating and identifying RF interference sources Defining AP and antenna types to be used Defining AP and antenna placement locations o o o Defining AP output power and channel assignments Defining co-channel and adjacent-channel interference Testing applications for proper operation

Describe site survey reporting and follow-up procedures for manual and predictive RF site surveys. (These happen after the RF site survey)
o o Reporting methodology Customer reporting requirements o o Hardware recommendations and bills of material Application analysis for capacity and coverage verification

Identify the equipment, applications, and system features involved in performing predictive site surveys
o o o o Predictive analysis / simulation applications (also called RF planning and management tools) Integrated predictive site survey features of WLAN controllers Site survey verification tools and/or applications Indoor site surveys versus outdoor site surveys

Identify the equipment, applications, and methodologies involved in performing manual site surveys
o o o o Site survey hardware kits Spectrum analyzers Protocol analyzers Active site survey tools and/or applications o o o Passive site survey tools and/or applications VoWiFi site survey best practices (dB boundaries, antenna use, balanced links) Manufacturers client utilities

Identify the equipment, applications, and methodologies involved in self-managing RF technologies

o Automated RF resource management

APPLICATIONS, SUPPORT AND TROUBLESHOOTING

Identify deployment scenarios for common WLAN network types / Identify technology roles for which WLAN technology is appropriate and describe implementation of WLAN technology in those roles
o o o o o Small Office / Home Office (SOHO) Extension of existing networks into remote locations Building-to-building connectivity Public wireless hotspots Mobile office, classroom, industrial, and healthcare o o o o Municipal and law-enforcement connectivity Corporate data access and end-user mobility Last-mile data delivery Wireless ISP Transportation networks (trains, planes, automobiles)

Recognize common problems associated with wireless networks and their symptoms, and identify steps to isolate and troubleshoot the problem. Given a problem situation, interpret the symptoms and the most likely cause. Problems may include:
o o o o o o Decreased throughput Intermittent or no connectivity Weak signal strength Device upgrades Co-channel and adjacent-channel interference RF Noise and noise floor o o o o o

INTENSIVE WIFI SYSTEMS ENGINEERING COURSE

Narrowband and wideband RF interference Multipath (in SISO and MIMO environments) Hidden nodes Near/Far Weather

Identify procedures to optimize wireless networks in specific situations.

o o o Infrastructure hardware selection and placement Identifying, locating, and removing sources of interference Client load-balancing o o Analyzing infrastructure capacity and utilization Multipath and hidden nodes

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

Identify the purpose, features, and functions of the following wireless network components and describe how to install, configure, secure, and manage them. Choose the appropriate installation or configuration steps in a given scenario.
Access Points o Lightweight o Autonomous o Mesh Wireless LAN Routers Wireless Bridges Wireless Repeaters WLAN Controller/Switch o Distributed AP connectivity o Direct AP connectivity o Layer-2 and Layer-3 AP connectivity

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Devices o Midspan o Endpoint

Identify the purpose, features, and functions of and the appropriate installation or configuration steps for the following types of antennas.
o o o Omni-directional / dipole Semi-directional Highly-directional

NETWORK SECURITY

INTENSIVE WIFI SYSTEMS ENGINEERING COURSE

Identify and describe the strengths, weaknesses, appropriate uses, and implementation of the following IEEE 802.11 security-related items:
Legacy Security Mechanisms WEP Cipher Suite Open System Authentication Shared Key Authentication MAC Filtering SSID Hiding Modern Security Mechanisms WPA- / WPA2-Enterprise WPA- / WPA2-Personal Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) TKIP and CCMP Cipher Suites 802.1X / EAP Framework Preshared Key (PSK) / Passphrase Authentication Additional Mechanisms Secure Device Management Protocols (HTTPS, SNMPv3, SSH2) Role Based Access Control (RBAC)

Describe, explain, and illustrate the appropriate applications for the following wireless security solutions
Wireless Intrusion Protection System (WIPS) Security Monitoring, Containment, and Reporting Performance Monitoring and Reporting Troubleshooting and Analysis Protocol and Spectrum Analyzers Security and Performance Monitoring Troubleshooting and Analysis

Describe the following General Security Policy elements

Applicable Audience Risk Assessment Impact Analysis Security Auditing Policy Enforcement Monitoring, Response, and Reporting Asset Management

Describe the following Functional Security Policy elements

Design and Implementation Best Practices Small Office / Home Office (SOHO) Small & Medium Business (SMB) Enterprise Password Policy Acceptable Use & Abuse Policy Training Requirements Physical Securit Social Engineering