“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 Signature and Date ofCandidate. 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, Jaji-Kaduna[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 NETWORKINGEthernet 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 (co-axial 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 world’s 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. Feed Construction2. Radio Unit or Transducer3. IFL Cables4. 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)

information’s 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 customer’s 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 customer’s 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 customer’s 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 don’t 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 75Ω 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 50Ω in impedance. We also have 75Ω version available, but they will not mate with the common 50Ω version.N connectors operate up to 11GHZ in the common 50Ω 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 =11.8 0

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 = 23.2 0

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 = -2.52 0 [In this case we are having a negative dish installation]

ANTENNA OFFSET EXAMLES (DATA SHEET):

TYPE OF ANTENNA FOCAL DISTANCE OF THE DISH

OFFSET ANGLE FROM DATA SHEET

Andrew 0.96m 1 piece 0.875f/d 15.400

Andrew 1.2m 1 piece 0.875f/d 16.970

Andrew 1.8m 1 piece 0.6f/d 22.620

Prodelin 1.8m 1 piece 0.6f/d 22.300

Andrew 2.4m 2 piece 0.6f/d 22.620

Prodelin 2.4m 4 piece 0.8f/d 17.350

Prodelin 3.8m 4 piece 0.6f/d 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 can’t 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 Wrench1-PhillipsnScrewdriver1-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 capFEED 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 Horn2. OMT3. 900 Wave guide4. Transmit Reject Filter5. Donut6. LNB or LNC7. Cradle8. [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 UPLINKF-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 ProblemsThis 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. Basic requirements[ensure that all connections are powered]2. IRG Lock (?)[if Yes =Done but if No=3]3. Verify Settings4. Check Connectors5. Check Voltage 6. Check Polarity Settings7. Cross between Rx/Tx Cables8. Replace the IRG9. 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:

Item Description Qty Unit Price(Naira)

Total Price

(Naira)1 C-Band VSAT System with

antenna: 1.8M Antenna 5watts BUC Norsat LNB 30M RF cable DVB-S2/[CMR-5975]

Modem

1 650,000.00 650,000.00

Delivery, installation and activation

lots 275,850.00 275,850.00

Grand Total 925,850.00

BandwidthItem Description Cost per

month in ($)Cost for

3months in ($)

1 64Kbps upload and 128Kbps download dedicated service

1,218.00 3,654.00

2 128Kbps upload and 256kbps download dedicated service

2,387.00 7,161.00

3 256Kbps upload and 512Kbps download dedicated service

4,599.00 13,797.00

Table 3.4: COST OF INSTALLING A VSAT EARTH STATION

N/B: A Grand TotalB Band width

Item ‘2’ is applied, ($) 7,161.00 to Naira @150 = 1,074,150.00 = BTherefore, A+B= #2,000,000

Terms & Conditions:Validity: This quotation is valid for 30daysPrices: Final Price quoted in NairaDelivery: 2weeks from placement of orderPayment: 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 it’s 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, Non-penetrating 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