Mobile satellite internet.

SpaceX, Elon Musk's company, has launched a new modem called Starlink Mini. It is available alongside the standard Starlink ‘At Home’ model. With a compact antenna that fits into a backpack, the device is ideal for those who need mobile internet access.

The Starlink Mini is a portable version of the standard device, adapted to be powered from a powerbank and easy to carry in a backpack. However, note that the antenna requires a 110-degree field of view, which may limit its functionality on the move. The device weighs 1.16kg including the stand, consumes between 25 and 40 W of power and is sold with a 60 W power supply.

The Starlink system is already used by more than 3 million users worldwide.

The Starlink Mini supports download speeds of up to 100 Mbps, and Elon Musk boasta that upload speeds are up to 11.5 Mbps with a latency of 23 ms. Although the new model is slower than the larger antenna, the speeds offered are sufficient for everyday internet use.

The Starlink Mini measures just 29.8 x 25.9 cm, making it an ideal choice for travelling. The new antenna is up to 63% lighter than the standard Starlink model. According to the FCC certification, its dimensions are 29 cm by 15 cm. The whole set weighs only 1.5 kg, including the leg and the 15-metre cable. The Starlink Mini features a built-in router that supports 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and 3x3 MIMO technology. Additionally, it has an Ethernet port for direct connectivity. The device is designed to operate in harsh weather conditions, operating in temperatures from -30°C to 50°C.

Diagram of a two-wire video intercom based on Hikvision's 2-Wire HD system.

The 2-Wire HD video intercom system from the EY series is the perfect solution when upgrading an old intercom or video intercom system that uses a straight or paired cable as the communication bus. In this system, communication and powering of devices such as door stations or monitors is done using DS-KAD7060EY G74828 and DS-KAD7061EY G74830 distributors. This is a Plug & Play system, which, once the devices are properly addressed and configured using the switches on their backsides and powered up, the whole thing starts working. Additional configuration is possible through the door station using AP (Access Point) mode. Remote operation of the system via the Hik-Connect application is possible, when using indoor monitors with WiFi interface. An additional advantage of the door station's main module is the possibility of fitting 1-2 call buttons or a blanking plug, e.g. if the ringing function is provided by an additional module.

The following is an example diagram, in which DS-KD7003EY-IME2/A G73647 door station DS-KH7300EY-WTE2 G74026 and DS-KH7300EY-WTE2 G74026 main monitors are connected to DS-KAD7060EY G74828 power distributor. Connected to the door station is the DS-KD-TDM module G73671 which has a Mifare tag reader, an occupant list and a numeric keypad allowing the selection of the occupant number and the use of a code lock. The DS-KH7300EY-WTE2/White G74027 extension monitors are connected to the main monitors in the homes.

Sample diagram using the Hikvision 2-Wire HD video door entry system from the EY series.

What are the differences between the PoE standards?

PoE (Power over Ethernet) is the name for a range of methods that allow network equipment to be powered via a twisted pair cable while transmitting data. The following standards are currently in use:

Power connection diagram for a switch type power supply device with PoE and a device powered by 802.3at, 802.3bt.
Purple – mode A, yellow – mode B

For more information on PoE, see library.

Satellite dishes for SMATV systems.

Satellite dishes are one of many important components of an antenna system. This type of antenna provides reception of the signal that is transmitted by telecommunications satellites providing access to hundreds of foreign programs that are broadcast from even the most remote places in the world. However, few users and installers of satellite dishes pay attention to the quality of the dish itself as well as its suspension. These are two elements that must ensure the stability of the antenna set and safety. High-end satellite dishes are subjected to state-of-the-art testing that simulate: gusty winds, acid rain, the burden of freezing rain, the impact of salt spray (coastal areas), high and low temperatures.

Due to its shape, a satellite dish is susceptible to wind which can shift or bend it and thus disrupt reception. Thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes can completely break the antenna from its mounts and cause danger to people and property in the area. Some antenna manufacturers recommend using a reinforced mounting system in areas with adverse wind conditions.

Dipol offers 120 cm diameter dishes for SMATV systems. The dishes are available in two colors – light gray DPL-120 A9682 and graphite DPL-120 A9684.

Secure home network.

There should be no devices responsible for home security (monitoring, intercom, gate controllers, etc.) and home computer equipment in the same IP network at the same time. Separating these devices is one of the factors increasing integrity of the security system.

A way to separate these devices is to create virtual local networks. This requires the use of a managed switch and the creation of dedicated VLANs (virtual local networks). In the example below, by changing parameters on the switch, the user can create two separate networks. The first one will cover monitoring, and the second the home network. The operation of these two networks is independent – devices in different virtual networks cannot communicate unless special exceptions are configured.

It is very important during configuration (and often neglected) to manually assign IP addresses to the devices, without specifying a default gateway. Devices for securing the house should not have direct access to the Internet. Also remember to disable any cloud-based services (e.g. remote viewing). The administrator should only allow access to the internal network from the outside using a VPN (of course, this involves the need for an external IP address).

An example of an IP network with VLANs

It is very important during configuration (and often neglected) to manually assign IP addresses to the devices, without specifying a default gateway. Devices for securing the house should not have direct access to the Internet. Also remember to disable any cloud-based services (e.g. remote viewing). The administrator should only allow access to the internal network from the outside using a VPN (of course, this involves the need for an external IP address).

How to terminate a 4/8-fiber fiber optic cable?

Fiber optic cables containing 4 or 8 fibers are the most popular solution used for LAN connections in small businesses and industrial facilities. The termination point can be the popular ULTIMODE TB-04H L5304 subscriber box.

How to bring a DVB-S2X/S2/S satellite signal to a headend mounted in the server room of a hotel? In the case of fiber-optic cabling, the size of the facility in which the system is implemented is irrelevant. The signal can be transmitted over hundreds of meters or even tens of kilometers without regeneration. For large buildings (hotel, guest houses), this will greatly simplify the backbone of the system. A conventional system, based on copper wires, allows the signal to be transmitted in the trunk line for several tens of meters. This distance can be increased through the use of amplifiers, although this too has some limitations (as well as implementation and operating costs). If you want to transmit a satellite signal over a longer distance (more than 100 meters) from the antenna to the server room where the headend is mounted (as is the case in large hotels or boarding houses), you should use a fiber-optic bus...>>>more

Example of a fiber optic system using LWO102 4F31 E A3033 optical converter with +4 dBm power to distribute DVB-S2X/S2/S satellite signals in single-mode fiber at 1310 nm wavelength.

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