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Rating: 
Summary: A good, broad, but dated general introduction to VSAT.
Review: Everett brings more than two dozen knowledgeable authors from various organizations and countries together to build an fairly comprehensive outline (28 chapters) of VSAT technology and application. The book is aimed at engineering newcomers to satellite communications at a BS/MSEE level, not academics, seasoned pros or experts. However, the depth is not shallow and many advanced concepts such as CDMA and DAMA are introduced but with modest engineering or theoretical elaboration. Breadth is wide with most aspects of VSAT covered including economics, regulatory, ground network protocols/interfaces, terminal modem, RF devices, antenna technology and satellite transponders using theoretical results and eight case studies. However, this is not a handbook and contains no compendiums of design performance or actual systems and products, in 1989 or now. It is mainly an organized survey of subtopics with considerable overlap across many chapters. The book is just current enough that an early Ka-band VSAT system is reviewed. However, the material is generally dated (in Aug 1998), being mostly no more recent than 1989. Military and commercial VSAT has advanced rapidly and has overrun the 1990 state-of-the-art particularly for the advanced Ka-band VSAT networks being planned for 2000-2005.I give the writing 7 (in 10) on average, and a sigma of 1. The typework and graphics are very good. Recommendation: The book is an excellent starting point for newcomers navigating the field, even in 1998; just plan to augment it with newer material. The reviewer believes a second edition is overdue and would be welcomed by the satellite networking community. Nevertheless, it remains one of the strongest books on the topic. That I rate it only three stars implies I think the time and competitive space is ripe for a "blockbuster" text or series on VSAT; will Everett direct it? [Reviewer's notes: I own and use this book. I am a working system engineer. I am conservative in my appraisal and reserve five stars for astonishing quality, currency and relevance; four for a standout; three stars for a solid, worthwhile product; two stars is a balance of merit and flaw; one star is imbalance. In this case a four star product "in its time" sinks with shelf-life to three. I have no relationship to the editor, authors or publisher.]
Rating:
Summary: A good, broad, but dated general introduction to VSAT.
Review: Everett brings more than two dozen knowledgeable authors from various organizations and countries together to build an fairly comprehensive outline (28 chapters) of VSAT technology and application. The book is aimed at engineering newcomers to satellite communications at a BS/MSEE level, not academics, seasoned pros or experts. However, the depth is not shallow and many advanced concepts such as CDMA and DAMA are introduced but with modest engineering or theoretical elaboration. Breadth is wide with most aspects of VSAT covered including economics, regulatory, ground network protocols/interfaces, terminal modem, RF devices, antenna technology and satellite transponders using theoretical results and eight case studies. However, this is not a handbook and contains no compendiums of design performance or actual systems and products, in 1989 or now. It is mainly an organized survey of subtopics with considerable overlap across many chapters. The book is just current enough that an early Ka-band VSAT system is reviewed. However, the material is generally dated (in Aug 1998), being mostly no more recent than 1989. Military and commercial VSAT has advanced rapidly and has overrun the 1990 state-of-the-art particularly for the advanced Ka-band VSAT networks being planned for 2000-2005. I give the writing 7 (in 10) on average, and a sigma of 1. The typework and graphics are very good. Recommendation: The book is an excellent starting point for newcomers navigating the field, even in 1998; just plan to augment it with newer material. The reviewer believes a second edition is overdue and would be welcomed by the satellite networking community. Nevertheless, it remains one of the strongest books on the topic. That I rate it only three stars implies I think the time and competitive space is ripe for a "blockbuster" text or series on VSAT; will Everett direct it? [Reviewer's notes: I own and use this book. I am a working system engineer. I am conservative in my appraisal and reserve five stars for astonishing quality, currency and relevance; four for a standout; three stars for a solid, worthwhile product; two stars is a balance of merit and flaw; one star is imbalance. In this case a four star product "in its time" sinks with shelf-life to three. I have no relationship to the editor, authors or publisher.]
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