MY POST- GRADUATION

EXPERIENCE
REPORT PRESENTED TO THE
NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS
BY
ABAM, SUNDAY OMINI

SEPT, 2010
MY POST - GRADUATION EXPERIENCE

REPORT PRESENTED
BY
ABAM, SUNDAY OMINI
In partial fulfillment of the requirement for registration
as a Corporate
Member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers

SEPT, 2010

CERTIFICATE OF SUBMISSION
This is to certify that I; Abam, Sunday Omini
Has written this report myself and it is true account of my training and
working experience.

..
Signature and Date of
Candidate.

.
Signature and Date of
Senior Engineer.

.
Name of Candidate.

Name of Senior Engineer.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1

Background:
I graduated in October, 2004 from Federal University of Technology
Yola, Adamawa State with a Bachelor Degree in Electrical and
Electronics Engineering.

My post graduate experience began in January, 2005 when I secured a

job with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Tel-Aviv
(Israel) as a Consular Assistant.
My duties were basically Visa-Issuance, MRP Operator etc.
In February, 2006 I started my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
with Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji-Kaduna;
Information Technology Department.
My responsibilities include: Wireless cards installations, LAN, WAN,
Basic Networking, Computer Hardware/Software
Installations/Configurations and VSAT Technology etc.
In July, 2007 I joined SEC Equipments & Communications (Nig) LTD
as a Telecoms Engineer.
My responsibilities were VSAT Earth Station Installations and
Maintenance; Configuration, Activation of Routers, Switch, Comtech
EF Data Digicast Media Router CMR-5975 (MR-S2); Prosafe VPN
using NET GEAR wireless/wired firewall Router etc.
In October, 2009 I secured employment with Federal Ministry of
Information and Communications, Spectrum Management
Department as [Engr. II].
My duties include Vetting of applications from private Companies,
Government Agencies requesting for the use of frequency for their
Radio Stations.

CHAPTER TWO
2.0 POST GRADUATE ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE:
My Post Graduate Engineering experience started during my National Youth
Service Corp (NYSC) with Armed Forces Command and Staff College, JajiKaduna[February, 2006 to February, 2007] and SEC Equipment &
Communications (Nig) LTD.[July,2007 to April, 2009].
I was engaged with same job function; Basic Networking, VSAT Technology
and Applications.

2.0.1 BASIC NETWORKING

Ethernet Overview:
Ethernet is the most popular Local Area Network (LAN) Technology
implemented worldwide. Ethernet includes a shared transmission medium as
a twisted pair cable or co-axial cable and a multi-port hub, bridge or switch,
computer, printers and workstations are connected to each other through the
Hub/Switch/bridge using the cables in a star-like or bus-like configuration.
Basic Networking Components:
Shared Medium and Cables: 10 Base T (Twisted Pair), 10 Base-2 (coaxial thin net), and 10 Base-5 (co-axial thick cable).
Repeater or Hub: The Hub or repeater is a device that accepts
numerous Ethernet connections from network devices and across
connects them. Data arriving via the receive pair of one transmit pair
to all connected device except for device who originated the
transmission.
Bridge: a bridge is a layer-2 device that divides a network into
separate collision domain or segments while keeping the broadcast
and sharing features within the same domain/segment. The bridge
keeps a table of all segments and forward frames properly to make
sure communication within or across segments are conducted
smoothly.
Switch: Switch, like a bridge, is a layer-2 and multi-port devices.
Switch provides similar functions as a bridge but has more advanced
features that can temporarily connect any two ports together.
It contains a switch matrix or switch fabric that can rapidly connect
and disconnect ports. Unlike Hub, a switch only forward frame from
one port to the other port where the destination node is connected
without broadcast to all other ports.

Fig.2.0.1

TYPICAL ETHERNET OVERVIEW

2.0.2 LAN ARCHITECTURE AND TOPOLOGIES:

The components in a Local Area Network can be connected in a few ways,
which is called LAN Topologies.
The four (4) basic Types are:
Star
Ring
Bus
Tree.
(a) STAR: All stations are connected by cables (or Wireless) to a central
point, such as Hub or a Switch.
If the central node is operating in a broadcast fashion such as a Hub,
transmission of a frame from one station to the node is retransmitted on all
of the outgoing links.

In this case, although the arrangement is physically a star, it is logically a

Bus. In the case of the central node acting as switch, an incoming frame is
processed in the node and then retransmitted on an outgoing link to the
destination station.

Fig 2.0.2(a)

STAR TOPOLOGY

(b)RING: All nodes on the LAN are connected in a loop and their
Network interface card (NIC) act as repeaters. There is no starting or
ending point. Each node will repeat any signal that is on the network
regardless its destination.
The destination station recognizes its address and copies the frame into a
local buffer as it goes by.
The frame continues to circulate until it returns to the sources station, where
it is removed.

Fig.2.0.2 (b) RING TOPOLOGY

(c) BUS: All nodes on the LAN are connected by one linear cable, which
is called the shared medium.

Every node on this cable segment sees transmission from every other station
on the same segment. At each end of the bus is a terminator which absorbs
any signal removing it from the bus. This medium cable apparently is the
single point of failure.

Fig.2.0.2 (c) BUS TOPOLOGY

(d) TREE: The tree topology is a logical extension of the bus topology.
The transmission medium is a branding cable with no closed loop.
The tree layout begins at a point called the Head End, where one or
more cables star and each of these may have branches. The branches
in turn may have additional branches to allow quite complex layouts.
2.0.3 WIDE AREA NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES OVERVIEW:
A Wide Area Networks (WANs) are networks that span large geographical
areas. Computers can connect to this network to use facilities in another city
or country. For example, a person in Tel-Aviv (Israel) can browse through
the computerized railway network in Haifa.
The worlds most popular WAN is the internet. Some segments of the
internet are also WANs in themselves. The key difference between WAN and
a LAN technology is scalability.

WAN must be able to grow as needed to cover multiple cities, even countries
and continents.
A set of switches and routers are interconnected to form a wide area
network. The switches can be connected in different topologies such as full
mesh and half mesh.
A wide area network may be privately owned or rented from a service
provider but the term usually connotes the inclusion of public (share user)
networks.
2.0.4 VSAT TECHNOLOGY:
VSAT stand for Very Small Aperture Terminal and refers to
receive/transmit terminal installed at dispersed site connecting to central
Hub via satellite using small diameter antenna dish [i.e.0.5 to 3.8].
With VSAT, dedicated data, voice, fax, internet or video conferencing can
be provided with a guaranteed availability exceeding 99.95%.
VSAT networking has emerged as a mainstream and wide-area
communication solution for governments and corporations throughout the
world. VSAT networks are now viewed as the most flexible platform in the
community of market place. It allows remote locations to communicate with
other sites or a centralized computing facility.
The following defines Fig.2.0.4 bellow;
1.
2.
3.
4.

Feed Construction
Radio Unit or Transducer
IFL Cables
Non-Penetrating Mount.

Fig.2.0.4:

A TYPICALVSAT EARTH STATION

2.0.5 FUNCTIONS OF VSAT/HUB VIA INTERNET:

It provides a two way broadband channel from remote location
to the internet backbone.
Cost effective solution for smaller users or remote locations
with limited infrastructures.
Reliable C Band and Ku Band based VipSAT utilizing advanced
VSAT Technologies.
Supporting various applications from real time voice and video
to rich media internet content and virtual private networks.
2.0.6 SERVICES OF VSAT TECHNOLOGY:
Dedicated BW Services {100% of the BW is committed to the
site-Personal C Band}.
Burst BW Services {50% of the BW is committed to the site
and 50% is allocated on demand}.

 Shared BW Service {25% of the BW is committed to the site

and 75% is shared with other customers on a dedicated BW
allocation}
2.0.7 VSAT TYPES:
Bi-Directional Operation; The dish both sends (Up Links) and
(Down Links) information.
Receive-Only Operation; the dish receives (Down Links)
informations only.
2.0.8 CUSTOMER PREMISE EQUIPMENT VSAT
COMPONENTS:
The components are:
a. The outdoor unit
b. The indoor unit.
TYPICAL VSAT OUT DOOR UNIT(ODU):
The Outdoor Unit is comprised of an Antenna Dish, Feed Horn, BUC,
(also called the HPC-high power up converter for inbound signals),
LNB and OMT-Orthomode Transducer for connecting the BUC and
the LNB to the antenna.
The antenna is normally installed on a non-penetrating mount as the
case may be.

Fig.2.0.8 (a): A TYPICAL OUTDOOR UNIT.

TYPICAL INDOOR UNIT (IDU):

The indoor unit can be integrated in one or more standard 19-inch wide
equipment cabinets or racks. The location of this cabinet is selected to
minimize cable runs to the local customers data terminal equipment. It
requires an environmentally controlled, reasonably clean area, such as a
computer room.
This includes: The satellite Modem, DVB Receiver/Card, Router etc.
THE EQUIPMENT RACK:
The heart of every rack is the satellite modem which includes the interface to
the customers equipment, the data encoder/decoder and the
modulator/demodulator.
In fact, the satellite modem produces the signal for the uplink and
demodulates the received down link signal. The modem(s) is (are) connected
to the outdoor unit via the IFL cables.
Depending on the application a UPS unit, router(S), can be installed in
addition.

A Monitor and Control (M&C) unit collects status information from the
VSAT site including the transceiver and reports to the network operating
center (NOC).
It also gives the NOC the ability to dial into the site for reading (and
changing) the equipment settings without dispatching a technician.
N/B: to improve the MTBF (Mean Time between Failures) keep the power
always switched ON.
Never switch OFF the electrical equipment for the weekend.

Fig.2.0.8 (b): A TYPICAL INDOOR UNIT.

2.0.9 INTERFACILITY LINK (IFL) CABLES:
The VSAT equipment requires a total of three IFL (Interfacility Link) Cables
installed between the antenna location and the selection indoor equipment
rack location. The length of the IFL cable and how it will be strung between
the indoor unit (IDU) and the outdoor unit (ODU) should be determined
during a site survey which normally has taken place several weeks prior to
the installation of the equipment.
The routing of these cables within the customers building as well as any
conduit requirements is selected and approved by the building
representative.
Transmit and Receive intermediate Frequency (IF) signals [50-70MHZ] are
carried between the indoor and outdoor units by shield co-axial cables.
Failure to use lower loss cables for extended lengths will result in
significant reduction in ODU output and excessive signal distortion.

The life of an IFL cable depends on many factors. Some of those factors are
Ultra-Violet exposure, Migration, high humidity, age, corrosion, power/heat
and voltage. In general cable can perform to its maximum design efficiency
and average of seven years, provided the connectors are appropriately
terminated and connectors installed correctly.
2.1.0 COAXIAL CABLE:
Coaxial cable is defined as two concentric wires, cylindrical in shape,
separated by a dielectric of some type. One wire is the center conductor and
the other is the outer conductor. A protective jacket covers these conductors.
The protective jacket is then covered by an outer protective armor. Coaxial
cables are used as transmission lines and are constructed to provide
protection against outside signal interference. When installing coaxial cable
you should remember that its characteristics depend upon its shape so
dont do anything to bend it sharply or to squash it. Each area of damage
introduces reflections in the signal and reduces the efficiency of the cable.

Fig.2.1.0:

A COAXIAL CABLE

2.1.1 RF CONNECTORS:
With all coaxial RF connectors, be sure to consider the dimensions of the
cable you will be using. Coaxial cable come in a variety of diameters that are
a function of their transmission properties, series ratting and number of
shields and jackets.

F CONNECTORS:
The type of coaxial connector you are most familiar with is probably the one
you have in your home for use with video equipment.
F connectors are 75 and require a crimp tool for proper mounting of the
cable. A cheaper F-Type connector available at some retail outlets attaches to
the cable by screwing the outer ferrule onto the jacket instead of crimping it
in place. These are very unreliable and pull of easily.
Their use in residences is not recommended and they should never be used
on commercial applications.
N CONNECTORS:
The N Connector was invented by and named for paul of Bell Labs. It was
the first connector capable of true microwave performance. N connectors
have threaded coupling interfaces and are 50 in impedance. We also have
75 version available, but they will not mate with the common 50 version.
N connectors operate up to 11GHZ in the common 50 impedance design.
Although less common, there are also precision versions of the N connector
available which operate up to 18GHZ.
Applications for the N connector include Local Area Networks (LANs); Test
equipments, Broadcast, Satellite and Military Communication equipments.
N/B: only use connectors that fit your cable and always test your cables
before final installation. Loose connectors can contribute to the signal
ingress and egress, causes problems with return path services and can affect
link availability.

Fig.2.1.1: TYPES OF CONNECTORS

2.1.2 SITE SURVEY:

The first thing to take into consideration when going for site survey is the
Location of Indoor Equipment;
Choose a place of minimum cable length from the dish installation.
Indoor Unit should be positioned in the telecommunication room near
the LAN.
Ensure appropriate power is available for the VSAT system (ensure
you use power stabilizer).
The room should be well ventilated and air-conditioned.
SAFETY GUIDELINES:
For your own safety, follow these important safety rules.
Perform as many functions as possible on the ground.
Watch out for overhead power lines. Check the distance to the power
lines before starting installation. I recommend you stay a minimum of
6 meters (20 feet) from all power lines.
Do not use metal ladders.
Do not install antenna on a windy day
Make sure that the mast assembly is properly grounded.
Avoid staying in front of the mounted dish after powering it.
SITE SELECTION SAFETY:
The first most important consideration when choosing a prospective
antenna site is whether or not the area can provide an acceptable
Look Angle at the satellite.
Clear site, free of obstructions. [i.e. Trees, Buildings, power lines,
Fences, other satellite or microwave antennas, Street light, any other
obstruction which may intersect the path between the VSAT antenna and
the satellite].

2.1.3 LOOK ANGLE CALCULATIONS:

A. For prodelin 1.8m dish antenna installation, given the look angle to be
34.10; calculate the elevation.
Solution:
Recall from the data sheet that a 1.8m prodelin dish has an offset of 22.300
Therefore, Look angle is 34.10 - 22.300 =11.80
B. Calculate the look angle for a prodelin 2.4m dish, given look angle to
40.510. Take offset to be 17.350 ?
Solution:
Look angle = 40.510
Offset = 17.350
Elevation angle is 40.510 - 17.350 = 23.20
C. For a 2.4m Andrew-2piece dish, given look angle to be 20.100 ; offset
is 22.620 , calculate the Elevation.
Solution:
Look angle is 20.100
Offset is 22.620
Elevation = -2.520 [In this case we are having a negative dish installation]
ANTENNA OFFSET EXAMLES (DATA SHEET):
TYPE OF ANTENNA
Andrew 0.96m
Andrew 1.2m
Andrew 1.8m
Prodelin 1.8m
Andrew 2.4m
Prodelin 2.4m
Prodelin 3.8m

FOCAL DISTANCE
OF THE DISH
1 piece 0.875f/d
1 piece 0.875f/d
1 piece 0.6f/d
1 piece 0.6f/d
2 piece 0.6f/d
4 piece 0.8f/d
4 piece 0.6f/d

OFFSET ANGLE
FROM DATA SHEET
15.400
16.970
22.620
22.300
22.620
17.350
22.620

TABLE 2.1.3: ANTENNA OFFSET EXAMPLES

2.1.4
AZIMUTH:
This can be measured using a compass. However, a compass does not
work well near steel obstructions and frame works commonly found in
buildings. Strong magnetic fields dramatically affect compass readings as
well. This is called Deviation.
Azimuth = Horizontal angle between true North and Satellite beam.
Generally, Elevation and Azimuth values for the antenna are given in
the Antenna and Radio Configuration [ARC] Sheet which is part of the
field installation documentation.
Indispensable for setting the elevation is an Inclinometer. Place the
inclinometer on the metal frame at the rear of the antenna; adjust the
elevation until the inclinometer indicates the correct value. Be advised
that if you are off the correct elevation you will never find the satellite.
Bigger aperture requires more accuracy.
Note: The Antenna and Radio Configuration Sheet gives you the true
elevation (or the elevation for prime focus antenna). Many companies
prefer the use of offset antennas.
To achieve the correct inclinometer read out, simply subtract the antenna
offset from the elevation given in field installation manual (FIM).
Identify a land mark in the assigned azimuth pointing direction and refer
to the land mark when pointing the antenna.
Since the LNB is powered with Dc over coax it is not possible to connect
the spectrum analyzer straight to the LNB, Connect the spectrum
analyzer to the monitor output of the receiver.
If your receiver does not support a monitor output use a sufficient inserter
(ordinary splitters cant be used).
Program the spectrum analyzer center frequency for one of the pilot
carrier on the satellite. Use a wide span and maximum sensitivity.
2.1.5
SIGNAL POLARIZATION:
For a good understanding how antenna feed systems work it is important
to know that all electromagnetic waves are polarized.
Polarization is determined by the orientation of the electric and magnetic
fields radiating from the transmitting antenna. If polarization is used two

different signals can be transmitted in the same frequency range without

interference, even if the overlap in frequency.
In this way, twice the number of channels can be transmitted in a given
bandwidth (Frequency reuse).
For satellite (and Radio, Television) signals can be transmitted using one of
four different polarization formats:
Linea Horizontal
Linear Vertical
Circular clock wise or Left Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP)
Circular counter clock wise or Right Hand Polarization (RHCP).
In the case of satellite and microwave communications, regardless of the
polarization, all dishes reflect the incoming signal to one focal point where
the feed horn is located. The feed horn collects the energy and directs the
microwave via a wave guide to the actual antenna, usually a small probe
precisely positioned within the wave guide. The position of this probe
determines which sense of (Linear) Polarization is transmitted to the LNB.
In some installations, the feed horn has the capability of receiving the
vertical and horizontal transponder signals simultaneously, and routing them
into separate LNAs for delivery to two or more receivers.

Fig.2.1.5 (a) SATELLITE TRNASPONDER SPECTRUM

SHOWING FREQUENCY REUSE.

Fig.2.1.5 (b) SATELLITE TRNASPONDER SPECTRUM

SHOWING FREQUENCY REUSE.
2.1.6
SPECTRUM ANALYZER:
The performance of certain element such as amplifiers, oscillators,
modulators, filters and others requires the analysis of other characteristics
(frequency response, harmonics distortion, noise etc).
Instruments that display levels of an electric signal as a function of
respective frequencies are called Frequency domain instruments.
Typical instruments are the spectrum analyzer and the selective level meter.
Spectrum Analyzers are swept tuned, super heterodyne receivers that
provide a CRT display of amplitude versus frequency.
It is essentially a frequency -selective, peak-reading voltmeter calibrated to
display the rms value of a sine wave. The spectrum analyzer can show the
individual frequency components that make up a complex signal.
(It does not, however, provide phase information about a signal). Spectrum
Analyzer provide frequency-domain signal analysis, for numerous
applications, including the manufacture and maintenance of micro wave
communication link, RADAR, Telecommunication equipment, cable
television system and broadcast equipment mobile communication systems,
EMI diagnostic testing, component testing, light wave measurements and
signal surveillance.

The following and much more can be made visible and measures with a
spectrum analyzer:
Frequency (accuracy).
Absolute power level.
Bandwidth.
Interfering signals and Spurious Noise.
Modulation Check.
Antenna Pointing.
TYPICAL SPECTRUM ANALYZER FUNCTIONS EXPLAINED:
Resolution: The IF filters separate the frequency components of the signals;
this capability is called Resolution.
Resolution Bandwidth (RBW): Spectrum Analyzer specification indicates
a 3dB bandwidth for the available analyzer filters (This is known as
resolution bandwidth). The resolution bandwidths indicate how close two
equal carriers can be and still are resolved.
Video Filters: The spectrum signal at the output of the IF filter is detected
for final conditioning in the post detection gain signal processing (known as
video filters) which smoothes (or averages) the signal for presentation.
The narrower the video filter bandwidth the more sweep time is required. If
the signal is swept too quickly, there will be a loss of displayed amplitude
due to time that the video filter takes to change and discharge.

Fig.2.1.6: TYPICAL SPECTRUM ANALYZER

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 DESIGN/INSTALLATION OF A VSAT EARTH STATION:

A good VSAT Earth Station installation must consider;
Dish Assembly and
Antenna Pointing.
3.1
DISH ASSEMBLY:
The following lists of tools are those required for hand installation of the
antenna:
1-Ratchet Wrench
(C\,Drive) 1-10mm
Nut Drive 1-13mm
Socket (C\,Drive) 1-13mm
Open/Box End Wrench
1-PhillipsnScrewdriver
1-Compass
Thus; Installing Cap Mount on mount tube, assembling the antenna to cap
mount, feed and legs and grounding.
INSTALLING CAP MOUNT ON MOUNT TUBE:
Lift reflector/cap mount
Assembly and
Slide cap mount unto mount tube
Swivel antenna assembly until
Reflector faces southward
ASSEMBLING ANTENNA TO CAP MOUNT:
Assemble the reflector accordingly
The appropriate mount should be assembled and in place before
installing the cap
FEED AND FEED LEGS INSTALLATION:
Assemble feed assembly and feed legs to antenna.
ANTENNA FEED CONSTRUCTION:
The antenna feed of all earth stations performs the same basic functions,
which are:

 To shape the beam in order to provide the required uniform

illumination of the main reflector [Main function of feed horn].
To separate the transmit and receive signals with minimum loss and
interference [Main function of OMT].
Basically, with VSAT installation two types of antenna feed constructions
are used. Most common is the standard feed construction with a LNC (for IF
applications) or a LNB (for L Band applications).
With standard feeds the Tx polarization is always opposite from the Rx
polarization.
Occasionally, the assigned Tx and Rx frequencies do have the same
polarization and a co-pole feed is used.
A typical offset antenna feed construction normally consists of:
1. Feed Horn
2. OMT
3. 900 Wave guide
4. Transmit Reject Filter
5. Donut
6. LNB or LNC
7. Cradle
8. [Flexible] wave guide/transmission line to the radio.

Fig. 3.1: ATYPICAL FEED CONSTRUCTION

3.2 ANTENNA POINTING:

The 1.8 meter offset reflector contains a 22.30 elevation offset look angle.
Therefore, when reflector aperture is perpendicular to the ground, the
antenna is actually looking 22.30 in elevation. The lower back rib on the
reflector is a sight reference Rib and can be used to read the correct
elevation look angle.
ALIGNING TO PRIMARY SATELLITE:
Place the inclinometer on the sight reference rib, this surface
compensates for the 22.30 offset in the reflector, therefore a direct
reaching can be taken.
Raise or lower the antenna to find the desired elevation by turning the
5/8" nuts located on the elevation channel. Position the top nut so that
it will not interfere with adjustment. Turn the bottom nut clockwise to
increase elevation counterclockwise to decrease elevation.
After the correct elevation angle is set, rotate the antenna in azimuth
by loosening the (6)1/2"set screws located on the canister and rotating
the reflector assembly about the mast pipe until the correct signal is
found.
Peak the antenna signal by fine adjustments made in both azimuth and
elevation.
Tighten the four (6)1/2" set screws in the canister.
Tighten all 5/8" hardware on the elevation adjustment rod and the
reflector support tube.
GROUNDING:
Ground pole antenna mount assembly and feed cables must be grounded in
accordance with current National Electric Code and Local Electric Codes to
protect from surge due to nearby lightning strikes.

N/B:
R-U = RETURN UPLINK
F-D = FORWARD DOWNLIKN
Fig.3.2

DESIGN OF VSAT EARTH STATION AND VEDIO

CONFERENCING.

3.3: CHALLENGE:
The major challenge faced during a VSAT Earth Station Installation is;
i. Not Receiving Lock/DVB-S2 Lock Problems
This kind of problem occurs regularly in some installations. I had this
problem period to deploying a VSAT earth station in NAF HQ Abuja,
A.F.C.S.C. Jaji, and ECOWAS Secretariat-Abuja.
SOLUTION:
The procedure below describes how I overcome all locking problems during
the site activation process.
These could be caused by a weak signal, Interferences of any kind,
nonaligned antenna, hardware malfunction and / or wrong settings at the
modem.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Basic requirements[ensure that all connections are powered]

IRG Lock (?)[if Yes =Done but if No=3]
Verify Settings
Check Connectors
Check Voltage
Check Polarity Settings
Cross between Rx/Tx Cables
Replace the IRG
Contact ISP(GILAT)

CHALLENGE:
Another Challenge I faced was in ECOWAS Secretariat, still losing lock to
the satellite.
Solution:
I applied same steps which did not work. I had to go up the roof again only
to discover that the LNB was socked / Moisture which causes the feed to
lose focal point with the antenna; I just used a cleaned tissue paper to wipe
the face and changed the given polarization (LHP) from ISP/GILAT to
(RHP) which solved the problem/received a steady lock.

3.4: COST OF INSTALLING A VSAT EARTH STATION:

Ite
m
1

Description
C-Band VSAT System with
antenna:
1.8M Antenna
5watts BUC
Norsat LNB
30M RF cable
DVB-S2/[CMR-5975]
Modem
Delivery, installation and
activation
Grand Total

Bandwidth
Item
1
2
3

Qt
y

Unit Price
(Naira)

650,000.0
0

lots

275,850.0
0

Description

64Kbps upload and 128Kbps

download dedicated service
128Kbps upload and 256kbps
download dedicated service
256Kbps upload and 512Kbps
download dedicated service

Total
Price
(Naira)
650,000.0
0

275,850.0
0
925,850.0
0

Cost per
month in ($)
1,218.00

Cost for
3months in
($)
3,654.00

2,387.00

7,161.00

4,599.00

13,797.00

Table 3.4: COST OF INSTALLING A VSAT EARTH STATION

N/B: A
B

Grand Total
Band width

Item 2 is applied, ($) 7,161.00 to Naira @150 = 1,074,150.00 = B

Therefore, A+B= #2,000,000

Terms & Conditions:

Validity: This quotation is valid for 30days
Prices: Final Price quoted in Naira
Delivery: 2weeks from placement of order
Payment: 100% down payment, on placement of order
V.A.T: Price is exclusive of VAT
SUMMARY:
My post-graduate experience really gave me a deep understanding of
engineering practice.
I graduated in 2004, from Federal University of Technology Yola with a
second class lower division in Electrical and Electronics Engineering [B.Eng
(Hons)].
In 2005, I joined the Embassy of Nigeria Tel-Aviv (Israel) as a consular
assistant and was responsible for Visa Issuance and Administrative work.
In 2006, I started my NYSC with the Armed Forces Command & Staff
College Jaji. My responsibilities includes wireless card installations, Local
Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network(WAN), computer hard/software
installations and VSAT Earth Station Basics.
In 2007, I started serious installation/activations regarding VSAT,
configuration of routers, switch for organizations like; ECOWAS Secretariat,
Nigeria Air force (NAF HQ) and its Commands.
Presently, I am working with Federal Ministry of Information &
Communications, Abuja.
This report is a brief description of how to install, configure, activate a
VSAT system and deploy a basic LAN, WAN as its application.
With the use of VSAT, internet services are provided for large networks for
corporate organizations and hotel networks.
Its advantage includes speed of implementation, remote usage, transmission
speed, cost efficiency, bypassing potential problems inherent with land based
communications.

CONCLUSION:
The overall project aim was achieved. It has given me opportunity to study a
unique telecommunication field in Nigeria.
It is my joy and pleasure to be one of the VSAT system installer in Abuja,
Nigeria. I contributed positively in the area of VSAT deployment mostly in
Ecowas Secretariat, NAF HQ and its Commands etc.
RECOMMENDATION:
These VSAT Earth Station equipments can be manufactured locally if
Nigerian Society of Engineers advices our policy maker to empower and
encourage indigenous telecommunication graduates to venture into it.
The equipment is basically Feed Horn, Radio Unit/LNB, BUC, Nonpenetrating Mount, IFL cables and Antenna Dish.
Finally, Federal Government of Nigeria should invest in VSAT Technology
because it will alleviate the communication bridge between the federal, state
and local offices in the area of Video Conferencing.
References:
Gilat Satcom
Gilat.net
www.dns suf.com
www.satellite-calculation.com/satellite/look angle.htm
www.kittecnologies.com