Satellite Antennas Key Terms

Optimize your signal by understanding satellite antennas key terms

Your satellite antenna is a critical component to your satellite system. The antenna is the device that receives the satellite signal so your satellite dish can transmit the signal to your audio and/or video source. Multiple satellite signals travel through the airwaves at any given time, and your satellite antenna can tune in the right frequency to obtain the signal you need. Consider these satellite antennas key terms to help you learn the lingo of the industry.

 

Frequency range

An antenna works by receiving the frequency of the audio and video signal and transmitting that signal to the receiver, which then sends that signal to the television. The satellite antenna you need varies, depending on the frequency range you need to pick up. There are numerous frequency ranges because of the wide variety of signals sent through the airwaves.
Try: Read about frequency range options for a satellite dish antenna on the Antenna Systems & Solutions website.

Hydroformed aluminum antennas

Hydroformed aluminum antennas, a common type of satellite antenna, cause absolutely no distortion to the audio and video signals because of its design. It performs best on C-band and KU-band.
Try: Andersen Manufacturing provides details about hydroformed aluminum antennas on its website.

Radome covers

Radome covers are designed to protect satellite dish antennas. It's especially helpful in protecting mobile satellite dish antennas, like the WiFi dish antenna, because they are more likely to sustain damage while on the move.
Try: The L-com website details information and product specifications about Radome covers.

VSAT, Very Small Aperture Terminal

VSAT, an abbreviation for Very Small Aperture Terminal, relays narrowband data from terminal to terminal. This technology is used mostly to transmit communications, videos, satellite Internet, VoIP, broadband data, polling, credit cards, RFID (radio frequency identification) data and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition). A dish antenna is necessary for a VSAT to receive the data necessary.
Try: Tech-FAQ provides detailed information about VSAT technology on its website.

Antenna controllers

The position of the antenna is critical to receive the best signal in that frequency range. Antenna controllers allow you to remotely move the antenna placement until you receive the optimal signal.
Try: Read about the benefits of antenna controllers on the ViaSat website.

Satellite radio antennas

To receive satellite radio signals, you need a satellite radio antenna. There are two different types of satellite radio antennas you can use in your home or business: indoor and outdoor.
Try: Read about "Satellite Radio Antennas for the Home" on the Crutchfield New Media website.

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