Construction of a Ku-band earth station was completed in August 1989 at the teleport in the Corporate Research Center of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. At that time specific applications for the terminal were being determined. Several satellite networks which can use the Ku-band earth station are explored in this thesis. System level designs are presented for each network. The anticipated performance of the network during clear sky conditions and during periods of rain fade conditions are calculated. To aid in these calculations the software package LAMP was developed. detailed system design of a VSAT network is given in later chapters. The development of VSAT networks considers multiple access and data traffic control protocols. VSAT network performance under various traffic conditions also is determined. / Master of Science