Quote from : Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi Movie

Admiral Ackbar: You can see here, the Death Star orbiting the forest moon of Endor. Although, the weapon systems on this Death Star or not yet operational, the Death Star does have a strong defense mechanism. It is protected by an energy shield which is generated from the nearby forest moon of Endor.
[the projector shows the DeathStar and the yellow lights indicating the sheild]
Admiral Ackbar: The sheild must be deactivated, if any attack is to be attempted.
[the projector enlarges the Death Star image]
Admiral Ackbar: Once the shield is down, our cruisers will create a perimeter, while our fighters fly into the superstructure and attempt to knock out the main reactor.