LinkStar Equipment

LinkStar Equipment and Service

The ViaSat / LinkStar System

The LinkStar satellite network relies upon technology developed by ViaSat Communications located in Silicon Valley in California. Unlike any of the other popular consumer satellite providers such as StarBand, HughesNet and WildBlue, this data-grade, secure network is capable of supporting voice over IP (VoIP), VPNs, VLANs, Citrix Metaframe clients and other mature network technologies and protocols.

The bottom line: If you need what LinkStar technology and network infrastructure does - that is, support for VoIP, VLANs, VPNs and remote access applications, then there is no other affordable substitute.

The ViaSat LinkStar RCST (Return Channel Satellite Terminal)

The LinkStar satmodem (otherwise know as a Return Channel Satellite Terminal or RCST) is the interface between your computer or network and the satellite dish. LinkStar uses one RCST for all of its available services. In other words, the same device supports all service levels from 128 kbps up / 512kbps down to 768 kbps up / 5+ mbps down. The LinkStar RCST supports 10/100 Ethernet connectivity without the need for PC-based software. Thus, this unit can be plugged directly into a router/firewall combination.

Even though the LinkStar RCSTs do not offer in-built firewall protection, the entire LinkStar network is itself behind Cisco-based enterprise-class firewalls. This affords your internal network or computing assets a layer of protection that is simply not available from any other satellite broadband service provider. Nevertheless, StarLAN Consulting Services strongly recommends that you defend the edge of your network with a suitable firewall/router combination for the sake of the safety and security of your private personal and business data.

SkyVista/LinkStar Satellite Modem

LinkStar Front View	LinkStar Rear Panel

LinkStar Antenna Systems

SkyVista offers four antenna systems:

1.0 meter (39.32 inches)
1.2 meters (47.18 inches)
1.8 meters (70.9 inches)
2.4 meters (94.5 inches)

The latter two are special-purpose - consultation is required before implementing the 1.8 meter and 2.4 meter systems. The Andrew Corporation Type 100TX 1.0 m Class and 120TX 1.2 m Class I RxTx Antennas used by the ViaSat LinkStar system are rugged, commercial-grade products suitable for the most demanding applications. The reflector is thermoset-molded for strength and surface accuracy. Molded into the rear of the reflector is a network of support ribs which not only strengthens the antenna, but also helps to sustain the critical parabolic shape necessary for optimal transmit performance. The Az/El (azimuth/elevation) mount is constructed from heavy-gauge steel to provide a rigid support to the reflector. The Az/El mount secures the antenna to any 2.88”-3.00” (73-76 mm) O.D. mast and prevents slippage in high winds. A specially formulated powder paint process offers excellent protection from weather related corrosion.

LinkStar 1.0 and 1.2 meter Antenna Systems

LinkStar 1.0 meter antenna	LinkStar 1.2 meter antenna

The bottom line: ViaSat's LinkStar hardware and the network behind it is serious, commercial grade stuff.

LinkStar Service Level Comparisons

LinkStar offers three major service levels. Please review the comparison chart below.

LinkStar Service	Monthly Recurring Charge	Upload Speeds	Download Speeds	VoIP ?	VPN Usage?	Static IP Standard?	Internet Sharing?
Small Office / Home Office	$109.99 to $199.99	128/256 kbps	512 kbps / 1 mbps / 1.5 mbps	Yes*	Yes	Yes	Yes
Small/Medium Sized Business	$249.99 to $299.99	384 kbps	2 mbps to 3 mbps	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Enterprise	Call for pricing	512 kbps to 768 kbps	3 mbps to >5 mbps	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

* 128 kbps upload speeds will not offer the best VoIP performance when combined with heavy Internet usage.

Equipment Comparisons

What are the differences between the LinkStar equipment packages? They differ primarily in terms of transmitter power and dish size. Upload speeds in excess of 384 kbps require the 4 watt transmitter package AND a minimum 1.2 meter dish. In either case, LinkStar transmitter power exceeds that of all conventional satellite services except for WildBlue's transmitter operating at 3 watts.

LinkStar Equipment	2.8 watt Transmitter	4 watt Transmitter
Networking	TCP/IP over Ethernet	TCP/IP over Ethernet
Operating Systems Compatibility	Operating systems supporting TCP/IP protocol such as Windows®, Macintosh®, Unix® and Linux®	Operating systems supporting TCP/IP protocol such as Windows®, Macintosh®, Unix® and Linux®
Software Installation	None required	None required
Connectivity Options	10/100Base-T Ethernet standard	10/100Base-T Ethernet standard)
Upload Speeds	128/384	384 to 768
Transmitter Power	2.8 watts	4 watts
Dish Required	1.0 meter or 1.2 meter dish can be used	1.2 meter dish or larger MUST be used
Cost	Click here for Current LinkStar Equipment and Installation Pricing

Fixed site installations are those which are permanently attached to a home or business. All LinkStar installations are fixed site. Choose from wall mount, pole mount, non-penetrating roof mount or other custom mounting solutions available from StarLAN Consulting Services. For a quick guide to antenna mounting solutions, see LinkStar Installation Options for photos and more information.

Why buy from StarLAN Consulting Services?
Expert Installation.	StarLAN Consulting Services offers first-class quality and expert installation. We use nothing but premium cables, connectors and other parts, typically exceeding the manufacturers' installation requirements. Pole mounts are over-engineered for superior strength and resistance to lighting strikes. We use Suunto surveying instruments, Garmin GPS gear and Applied Instruments satellite meters to survey your site and to correctly align the antenna. StarLAN Consulting Services has invested in the tools, technology and training necessary to provide a lasting, high-quality installation that will stand up to the climate extremes of the inland Northwest.
Experience.	StarLAN Consulting Services has extensive experience installing satellite-based broadband systems in a wide variety of environments, ranging from urban areas to remote mountainsides. We have over 300 successful residential, business and enterprise-class installations to our credit. Customer references provided upon request.
Network Engineering and System Integration Expertise.	StarLAN Consulting Services has over 25 years of experience providing data management, network engineering and security solutions to firms ranging in size from Fortune 1000 enterprises to small businesses and sole proprietorships. The owner is a Microsoft alumnus and a Microsoft Certified Partner.
We do the whole job.	StarLAN Consulting Services is a one-stop shop. we consider the whole environment and the context of your high-speed Internet connection. This simply cannot be emphasized enough. It makes no sense to obtain high-speed always-on Internet service from a provider who does not and cannot also address its integration with your existing system. In other words, we won't just hand you an Ethernet cable and walk away.
Security.	The security of your high-speed always-on Internet connection is of paramount concern. StarLAN Consulting Services brings its years of expertise in the areas of system security and intrusion detection and prevention to provide practical, cost-effective and rigorous security solutions for your system.

ViaSat / LinkStar website - http://www.viasat.com/