Planet Connect

Satellite Services


 

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HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS:

At the Planet Connect Satellite uplink news feeds from several news sites are received from the Internet. DNEWS is used on a Linux based computer to receive the news articles and batch them into files that are compressed with a PKZIP compatible compression technique. These news articles are formated in the raw UUCP format which is compatible with most news processing and server programs.

After the articles are compressed into files the uplink computer assigns them a file name using the format PC100k.*** or PCBIN.***. The 100k files are non binary files such as short text only messages and the BIN files are files that contain binary data. The files are then transmitted one after another over the satellite. The 100k files are send before the Bin files since the non binary messages are more time sensitive as far as delivery time is concerned.

 

The subscriber indoor equipment consists of a satellite receiver, interface card, and the receiving computer. Each file that is sent over the satellite is received by the satellite receiver using a serial synchronus data stream. This data stream is similar to other serial data streams such as external modem signals but due to the speed of the data a standard computer serial port will not properly handle the satellite receiver output. A special serial data card is used that can process the data without speed problems. Instead of standard serial card processing the special interface card uses a DMA processing technique which makes it possible to process higher data speeds. Software is available for the ISA slot card for DOS, Linux, Unix, and other platforms.

To receive and process these files many subscribers use to computer and a small network between them. The satellite receiver computer can be a 486 or slower pentium since it only receives the files. The second computer processes the received files by uncompressing them and then sorts the messages into the various newsgroups. With Linux or Unix the satellite reception can news processing can be done on one machine. That machine would typically be a pentium 200 with 128Megs of memory and at least a 10 Gig hard drive. To use the unit with the NT operating system the setup would require two machine setup one machine running the DOS software under a Windows 95 Dos window and a Networked NT machine.

Since the newsgroups are compressed, an event is setup to uncompressed the received files about every 15 minutes. Once the files are uncompressed the news processing software can toss the articles into their respective areas just as in a news feed that might be obtained from a landline feed on a T-1

 

  Q&A

 

Q&A FOR SATELLITE DATA SYSTEMS:

Q: How reliable is the satellite signal?

The signal is very stable and normally doesn’t fail unless unusual problems occur. A recent satellite failure interrupted the signal until a new satellite could be acquired but these types of failures are very rare. In comparison to the Internet, satellite signals tend to be more reliable since there are fewer signal paths for the satellite to travel as compared to landline links.

Q: Does the weather affect the reception?

Ku band satellite signals are affected by heavy rain. A thunder storm is normally the type of storm that produces sufficient rain to cause a substantial reduction in the signal level. Fortunately thunder storms are fast moving storms that only last a few minutes in any one area. Most of these storms occur in the summer months and last less that 15 minutes. To replace any files that are lost due to weather or other errors Planet Connect places every files that goes to the satellite on a FTP server where who can get any files that might not make it over the satellite without errors

Q: Will the system work with any type of computer?

Not all computers have the ISA slot that is required with the interface card that is shipped with each system. You can connect a simple machine such as a 486 which will record the files on to a hard drive. From there they can be copied to a different computer for processing.

Q: What is the Bag file that the signal sends?

These files contain compressed news articles. The bag files contain raw UUCP format news articles.

Q: How soon do the Usenet articles go over the satellite after they are posted on the Internet?

The articles are constantly processed at the uplink and compressed into bag files. The files are created into two different groups. The text or non-binary file and the binary files. The text based messages go immediately to the uplink and over the satellite. The non-binary messages should the subscribers within a few minutes of being posted on the Internet. The binary messages are sent as soon as possible after the text only messages are sent.

SATELLITE QUESTIONS:

Q: Can I install my own system or do I need an expert?

Many of the Planet Connect systems have been installed by inexperienced people. The technical people at Planet Connect are experienced at working with installers who haven’t installed a system before.

Q: What would most installers charge to install a satellite dish?

Normally a good installer would charge around $200 or less. This depends on the location, distance between the dish and the receiver and other complications.

Q: What is a site check?

On a site check the installer will come out to your site and make sure that the angle ooi

Q: How far can the dish be from the satellite receiver?

75 to 100 feet is normal. Above the 100 foot region the line may require a amplifier to boost the signal to a higher level. .

Q: Can I use a home satellite dish or DSS Direct TV type of dish to receive the signal?

No. The dish they use is too small for go the Planet Connect system.

Q: What type of equipment do I need to find the satellite and tune it in?

A compass and angle finder is normally the only equipment needed to find the satellite.

SIGNAL PROCESSING:

Q: Which is best, one or two computers for the reception and processing?

It depends on the operating system. With NT you will nave to run two computer but with Linux one is enough.

Q: What setup seems to work the best?

D-news works really well on a linux based machine.

Q: If I have technical questions about the system how do I get information?

Just check the web site for information by going to www.Planetc.com

Q: What news software can be used with the bag files and system?

Most any news software will work with the system.