|
|
| |
Antenna: A device for transmitting and receiving radio waves. Depending on their use and frequency, antennas can take many forms: a single piece of wire, a di-pole, a horn, a helix, a sophisticated parabolic-shaped dish, or a phase array of active electronic elements of virtually any flat or convoluted surface.
Aperture: The cross-sectional area of the antenna that is exposed to the satellite signal.
Back haul (verb): The action of transporting the signal from the earth station or earth terminal to the local switching network.
Backhaul (noun): A terrestrial communications channel linking a satellite earth station or earth terminal to a local switching network.
Band: Any of the various frequencies used for satellite transmission. Users select band frequencies for their transmissions based on geographical location, availability and application. The major communications bands are:
| L band: | 0.5 – 1.5 GHz |
| C band: | 4 – 8 GHZ |
| X band: | 8 – 12 GHz (reserved for Department of Defense and Civilian Government agencies) |
| Ku band: | 11 – 17 GHz |
| Ka band: | 18 – 31 GHz |
| S band: | 2 – 3 GHz |
Baseband: An unaltered, direct digital signal from a satellite receiver, television camera, video recorder or similar equipment.
Broadcast: The act of sending a signal transmission or series of transmissions to multiple users in a defined group.
CDMA: Stands for Code Division Multiple Access. The technology that splits a single signal into multiple frequencies, transmits it and then reassembles it at the receiving end.
CISSP: Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) credential
Communication-on-the-Move (COTM): COTM is a Joint Forces initiatives aimed at delivering a variety of uninterrupted communication services including, secure telephone Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and continuous Internet connectivity to troops in the field at all times, especially while in transit. In regards to the satellite earth terminal market, COTM refers to military communications as provided by mobile and portable satellite and terrestrial earth terminals designed to use sub-one meter antennas for transmission of digital data (IP), video and voice with symmetric throughput capacity in excess of 1Mbps while traveling at speeds in excess of 55 MPH.
Communication-on-the-Quick-Halt (COTQH): Military communications as provided by satellite earth terminals transported via various mediums from trailers to HMMWVs to trucks. COTQH terminals set up and acquire a satellite signal within minutes and link field units back to headquarters and war rooms in real time. Rapid terminal tear down capabilities empower an expedient move-out subsequent to communication activities.
Custom class: One-of-a-kind strategic teleports, earth stations or earth terminals – fixed or not – that are tailored to customers’ unique requirements.
Downlink: The act of receiving signals from a satellite transponder to any earth station or earth terminal.
Earth station: A permanent, fixed installation for transmitting and/or receiving information via satellite.
Earth terminal: Any transportable, mobile or portable installation that is not fixed or permanent in nature and is used for transmitting and/or receiving information via satellite.
FDMA: Stands for Frequency Division Multiple Access. The technology that transmits multiple signals simultaneously over a single transmission path such as a cable or wireless system. Each signal travels within its own frequency.
Hub: Most often a fixed earth station that is designated the “master” station through which all communications to, from and between other earth stations and earth terminals must flow.
(ISC)2 : The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium
Joint Network Node (JNN): The JNN is a U.S. Army initiative that utilizes commercial satellites and Information Technology to increase bandwidth and enhance the reliability and agility of military communications. The JNN routes secure communications through commercial satellites and replaces circuit-switched voice technology with a more efficient Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system.
Mobile earth terminals: Smaller than transportable earth terminals, mobile earth terminals provide the functionality of a transportable with the mobility of a truck and satisfy the need for immediate, secure, reliable communications from remote locations.
NSA-IEM/IAM: The National Security Agency’s Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Evaluation Methodology (IEM) and INFOSEC Assessment Methodology (IAM)
NSA: The National Security Agency
Portable earth terminals: Smaller than mobile earth terminals, portable earth terminals support communications from remote areas where a truck can’t navigate. Portable earth terminals can be either trailer-based or fly-away models and satisfy the need for quick, reliable, tactical communications.
Secure Mobile Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical-Terminal (SMART-T): The SMART-T provides a satellite interface to permit uninterrupted communications as our advancing forces move beyond the line-of-sight (BLOS) of terrestrial systems. The SMART-T communicates at both low and medium data rates (LDR/MDR) over the MILSTAR satellite constellation.
TDMA: Stands for Time Division Multiple Access. The technology that sends multiple signals simultaneously over a single transmission path by combining groups of low-speed signals into a single high-speed signal. At the receiving end, the single signal is then split and restored to the original, multiple low-speed signals.
Transponder: A satellite component that receives, modulates, amplifies and retransmits signals.
Transportable earth terminals: Larger than mobile or portable earth terminals, transportable earth terminals are used for semi-permanent installations in remote and field locations. Transportable earth terminals can be shipped by air, sea or land freight. Depending on the configuration, transportable earth terminals can be operational within days or hours.
Uplink: The act of transmitting signals from an earth station or earth terminal to a satellite transponder.
USAT: Stands for Ultra Small Aperture Terminals smaller than 0.5 meters.
VSAT: Stands for Very Small Aperture Terminals, usually in the 1.2 to 2.4 meter range.
War Fighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T): WIN-T is the U.S. Army’s tactical telecommunications system consisting of communication infrastructures and networks. The system provides command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) support capabilities that are mobile, secure, survivable, seamless, and capable of supporting multimedia tactical information systems within the warfighters' battlespace.
Useful Acronyms:
AEHF: Advanced Extremely High Frequency
BLOS: Beyond the line-of-sight
DSCS: Defense Satellite Communications System
EHF: Extremely High Frequency
MILSATCOM: Military Satellite Communications
MUOS: Mobile User Objective System
SHF: Super High Frequency
TCS: Transformation Communication System
UHF: Ultra High Frequency
VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol
WGS: Wideband Gapfiller System
|
|
|
