HughesNet Frequently Asked Questions
- What is HughesNet?
- How fast are HughesNet services? For my home? For my business?
- What connection speeds will I typically get with HughesNet?
- How fast are HughesNet Business services compared to other high-speed services?
- Which HughesNet service is right for my business?
- How can I/where can I purchase HughesNet for my home or business?
- What are my computer system requirements for HughesNet?
- Is HughesNet compatible with my Mac?
- Can I use HughesNet to run a small network?
- Can the HughesNet-certified installer set up my home network?
- What if my computer did not come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)? What can I do?
- Can I use a PCMCIA card adapter for my laptop?
- Do I still need a dial-up modem and telephone line?
- If I already have DIRECTV service, do I need to get a new dish for HughesNet?
- I have DIRECTV already. Will this be on the same bill? Any special deals?
- Why is there a requirement that the HughesNet system be professionally installed?
- How quickly will I be up and running?
- What is transmission latency?
- Can I run a VPN over HughesNet?
- Why does the service slow down when used in conjunction with a VPN?
- Can I put this system on a boat or in an RV?
- I'm a home user of HughesNet service. How can I contact Customer Support when I have a question or problem?
- What is broadband internet?
- How does dish size affect satellite service?
- How does satellite internet work?
- How do I check my current internet speed?
- What are LEO and GEO satellites?
- What is microwave internet?
- Do I need a phone line or modem to use satellite internet?
- Can I get a static IP address?
- Is satellite internet available for campers and RVs?
- Will HughesNet work in the mountains?
- What is the satellite dish line of sight?
- What is a satellite modem?
- What is the difference between one-way and two-way satellite internet?
- What's the difference between upload time and download time?
- What is wireless internet?
What is HughesNet?
HughesNet is the high-speed Internet solution that’s available to everyone in the contiguous US with a clear view of the southern sky. HughesNet uses satellite technology, not your phone line, to give you a super-fast, always-on Internet connection. HughesNet gets you online instantly, lets you surf and open pages faster and download files in a fraction of the time it takes on a dial-up modem. Businesses benefit from having instant access to the business-critical information they need. Is HughesNet a Satellite Internet Provider In My Area? Yes, HughesNet is available in all areas of the US and most parts of the world provided there is "line of site".
How fast are HughesNet services? For my home? For my business?
FAST — a world apart from your dial-up connection! HughesNet offers two service plans for home users. The HughesNet Professional service plan provides download speeds up to 1.2 Mbps and upload speeds up to 200 Kbps. The HughesNet Home service plan delivers download speeds up to 1000 Kbps and upload speeds up to 128 Kbps.
The HughesNet Elite service plan provides maximum download speeds of 2.0Mbps, and maximum upload speeds of 300Kbps. HughesNet ElitePremium service plan provides maximum download speeds of 5Mbps, and maximum upload speeds of 300Kbps. You’ll download files in seconds, access email instantly, and share information easier and faster with customers, partners and suppliers.
All Internet technologies (satellite or land-based) share available network bandwidth in one way or another; therefore, actual speeds may vary.
Stated speeds are not guaranteed. Actual upload speed will likely be lower than speed indicated during peak hours. Download speeds may also be temporarily slowed in cases when patterns of system usage exceed the download threshold for an extended period of time. See the HughesNet Fair Access Policy for more information. If you choose to run VPN over satellite, your data speeds may be reduced by as much as 50-75%. Despite the high speeds available through HughesNet, time-sensitive applications, such as multi-player twitch games, are also not recommended over HughesNet.
What connection speeds will I typically get with HughesNet?
With the HughesNet Home service plan, you may enjoy download speeds up to 1000Kbps, with typical speeds of about 650Kbps to 750Kbps during peak times. Upload speeds, which are capable of reaching 128Kbps, are typically 70Kbps to 80Kbps during peak hours.
With the HughesNet Professional plan, connect your home office to the Internet with maximum download speeds of up to 1.2Mbps, with typical speeds about 800Kbps to 900Kbps during peak times. Upload speeds, which are capable of reaching 200Kbps, are typically 100Kbps to 125Kbps during peak hours.
With the HughesNet Elite service plan, you may enjoy maximum download speeds of 2.0Mbps, with typical speeds of about 1500Kbps during peak times. Upload speeds, which are capable of reaching 300Kbps, are typically about 185Kbps during peak hours.
How fast are HughesNet Business services compared to other high-speed services?
HughesNet provides download speed performance similar to other broadband services. The user experience is excellent when downloading Web pages, emails, or large data files. At the same time, satellite "upload" speeds (for sending data) are more appropriate for general Internet use, such as browsing the Internet, email, online ordering, etc. and not appropriate for higher speed demands of Website hosting, for example.
Which HughesNet service is right for my business?
HughesNet delivers a wide range of innovative and scalable network solutions to enterprises and small-to-medium businesses, and allows consumers and teleworkers everywhere to enjoy the excitement and convenience of high-speed Internet from home. For small home offices, HughesNet Professional service is generally recommended. For small businesses looking for connectivity at a commercial location for 5 to 10 concurrent users, HughesNet offers Elite, ElitePlus, and ElitePremium.
To determine if HughesNet (and satellite Internet service overall) is a good fit for your business, call our toll-free number.
How can I/where can I purchase HughesNet for my home or business?
You can order online from this site or you can speak with a HughesNet Satellite Internet Specialist by calling our toll-free number.
What are my computer system requirements for HughesNet?
HughesNet works with virtually any computer and is simple to use. Connect your computer to the Internet whether you are running a Windows or Macintosh operating system. In order to ensure you get the most out of your Internet experience, your computer should have the following minimum properties:
Windows 98SE or higher or Mac OS 10.1 or higher and Network capability (10/100 Ethernet pre-equipped)
Is HughesNet compatible with my Mac?
Yes, HughesNet is compatible with Mac OS 10.1 or higher. 10/100 Ethernet connectivity is also required.
Can I use HughesNet to run a small network?
Yes, you can connect multiple computers and laptops to a single HughesNet Internet connection. Additional networking equipment, not included in your HughesNet system, may be required. For network setup, support, and configuration contact your network hardware manufacturer and/or operating system software developer.satellitefamily, Inc and HughesNet are not responsible for network configuration or management.
Please understand that all computers on this network will be sharing a single connection. Simultaneous use of high-bandwidth applications by multiple users may result in degradation of speed and is subject to the HughesNet Fair Access Policy.
Can the HughesNet-certified installer set up my home network?
If you’d like, you can inquire if this option is available through your installer when you set your installation appointment. However, home networks are not included or supported by HNS technical support. Multiple simultaneous users may degrade service. Uninterrupted service and stated speeds not guaranteed.
What if my computer did not come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)? What can I do?
Many computers can be upgraded with a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). If you are comfortable with opening your computer and installing hardware, most Ethernet NICs can be self-installed. Check with your computer manufacturer for more information on the right Ethernet NIC for your system. Make sure your NIC is configured for "auto-negotiate."
Also, if you have an available USB port on your computer, you can purchase a USB Ethernet adapter. This may be easier to install than a PCI card in your computer. For a laptop, you can purchase a standard PCMCIA card that provides an Ethernet connection, or you can purchase a USB Ethernet adapter as well. We recommend that you upgrade your computer to meet all of the requirements listed above to get the most out of your Internet experience.
Can I use a PCMCIA card adapter for my laptop?
Yes. All you need to connect your computer to the HughesNet modem is either a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card or a PCMCIA adapter with an Ethernet connector. The HughesNet system includes an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the HughesNet modem.
Do I still need a dial-up modem and telephone line?
No. HughesNet delivers high-speed Internet access via satellite, so you have instant access to the Internet without dialing-in. You do not need a phone line or dial-up data modem to access the Internet when you use your HughesNet service.
If I already have DIRECTV service, do I need to get a new dish for HughesNet?
Yes. The HughesNet system requires a unique dish and transmitter antenna in order to send and receive information via satellite. DIRECTV receivers and dishes can only receive Satellite Television transmissions and cannot send or receive a Satellite Internet transmission.
HughesNet and DIRECTV have a partnership through their marketing efforts but operate as separate companies each providing a different type of satellite service to their customers.
I have DIRECTV already. Will this be on the same bill? Any special deals?
No, you will not be able to receive both services on the same bill. Hughes Network Systems, which delivers HughesNet services, is affiliated with The DIRECTV Group for marketing purposes only, and is operated as an independent company. There are no discounts for selecting both services. If you choose to receive both services, you will be billed separately for each.
Why is there a requirement that the HughesNet system be professionally installed?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that trained professionals install any satellite system that both sends and receives signals.
How quickly will I be up and running?
On average, most customers are installed within 2 weeks of their order. When you place your order today, your name will be provided to a certified HughesNet installer, who will contact you within 5 days. You and the installer will then work out a mutually agreeable date and time for your installation.
What is transmission latency?
Latency refers to the amount of time it takes a packet of data to travel across a network. With satellite service, that data must travel up to the satellite and back (about 45,000 miles). This round trip adds about a half-second delay to the total time your computer takes to communicate with a Website or host server. Therefore, time-sensitive applications that require fractions-of-a-second user inputs (such as multi-player “twitch” games or real-time equities trading) are not recommended with HughesNet.
Can I run a VPN over HughesNet?
Yes, but running a VPN client over satellite is not an ideal configuration. If you choose to run VPN over satellite, your data speeds may be reduced by as much as 50-75%. You can restore your connection to full speed by simply disabling your VPN client when your session is over. HughesNet Elite service plans are best suited for VPN.
SSL-based VPN products have proven to work more efficiently over satellite than IPSEC-Based VPN products. For questions or recommendations on a VPN product that will work more effectively with your HughesNet system, please contact one of our Satellite Internet Specialists by calling our toll-free number.
Note: HughesNet Technical Support does not provide help with configuring or troubleshooting problems associated with VPN clients. For questions about your VPN product, please contact the manufacturer's tech support.
Why does the service slow down when used in conjunction with a VPN?
HughesNet uses sophisticated acceleration techniques to enable high-speed performance over satellite. These acceleration techniques require access to data packet header information, which is blocked when IPSec-based VPNs are used. These VPNs encrypt the data and create a secure tunnel through the HughesNet network. The encrypted data cannot be processed by HughesNet's acceleration techniques, therefore resulting in slower performance.
Can I put this system on a boat or in an RV?
HughesNet is available for non-mobile (fixed) locations. To receive mobile high-speed Internet service, please contact a Value Added Service provider that installs Mobile Satellite Internet Systems.
I’m a home user of HughesNet service. How can I contact Customer Support when I have a question or problem?
For HughesNet Technical Support or Customer Service, please log on to MyHughesNet.com where you can chat with HughesNet technical support staff, check your usage, test your satellite speed, or browse our online help files. This site will also enable you to view your account status, online invoices, and activity history. Telephone Customer Service and technical support is also available toll-free.
Broadband Internet
The term broadband is used so frequently to describe internet connections nowadays that it may seem like just about every kind of connection is a type of “broadband internet.” In reality, most popular types of internet connections are broadband connections so, in some ways, the term is overused and redundant. This article will explain what broadband internet is and how it works.
What is broadband internet?
To use a metaphor, broadband connections are the multitasking workforce of the internet world; instead of focusing on a single task (or signal) at a time, broadband connections can handle significantly more data than non-broadband connections. Why is this? The “band” part of broadband describes a band of potential frequencies for transmission of information. In other words, broadband connections have a “broad band of frequencies” to choose from when sending and receiving data between devices. In fact, this “broad” array of frequencies makes it possible for the connection to multitask: that is, to send multiple pieces of data concurrently instead of piece by piece.
What types of internet connections are considered to be broadband connections?
Broadband connections can be either wired or wireless; whether or not a connection is a broadband connection depends on how much data it can send (multitasking) more than the method by which it transmits the data (e.g., via cables, satellites, radio frequencies, or microwaves). For example, when you use a dial-up service, you completely monopolize the phone line to connect to the internet (to the dismay and annoyance of your family members); you can’t make or receive phone calls while using a dial-up connection. For this reason, dial-up is not considered to be a broadband service.
By contrast, DSL, which also uses telephone lines to create an internet connection, is considered to be a broadband internet service. If you are a DSL subscriber, you do not need to disrupt your internet connection to make or take a phone call. Specifically, DSL operates using one of two systems: carrierless amplitude/phase (CAP) or discrete multitone (DMT). In the former (CAP), the phone lines are split into 3 channels for voice, sending data, and receiving data. In the latter (DMT), the phone lines are split into nearly 250 channels, which clearly leaves many options available for the transmission of phone or internet data. In addition to digital subscriber lines (DSL), cable internet, fiber optic internet, satellite internet, WiMax, EVDO, and LTE are all considered to be broadband internet connections. The mechanisms behind each of these connections function in different ways but share the ability to utilize multiple frequencies when transmitting information. Remember, broadband has nothing to do with whether a connection is wireless or sent via a cable.
Does size matter? How the size of your dish affects your service?
There are several variables that will determine the quality of a signal for any satellite service, including satellite internet. Line of sight, obstruction by large objects in the path, elevation of the dish, and even weather can all affect how a dish performs. While some of those variables are not always within a user’s control, one factor a user can determine is the size of a satellite dish. So how does the size of the dish affect your service?
Size does matter. As a rule of physics, the larger the diameter, the better the signal will be. The size of the dish directly affects the quality of a signal, which in turn, determines things like the number of channels received, the quality of the picture, and the speed of downloads and uploads.
So does convenience. While size determines the quality of a service, most customers will need to take their space into consideration. For standalone houses and town houses, dishes can be mounted on roofs, where there’s plenty of space, so a large dish is optimal. However, for those in condominiums and apartments, space might be more of a premium, so dishes will need to fit into smaller spaces like balconies and patios.
Work with your provider. If the provider you’ve chosen to go with offers you options in dish sizes, it’s best to consult with them about getting the right size dish that will provide the best quality service without spending too much money or taking more space than it needs to. A good consultant will take into consideration other factors like local weather (larger dishes are less prone to rain fade), type of property, and even geographical location.
How Internet Satellite Service Operates
Internet Satellite Service has grown in popularity over the last few years due to the increased interest in using the internet for both personal and business interests. In rural areas of the country, internet subscribers have traditionally been forced to rely on dial-up internet service, which was not only frustratingly slow but tied up the telephone line for the duration of a session. The availability of rural internet coming from satellite technology has made it easy and pleasant to be online for personal reasons, to conduct business or even to telecommute. The development of satellite technologies has made it possible for thousands of people to enjoy increased bandwidth at prices more affordable than ever.
As long as you have a clear view of the southern sky with no large obstacles such as mountains in the way you can access satellite internet. The satellites that send internet transmissions to the earth are "geosynchronous" or "geostationary". These are simply ways of saying the satellites orbit the Earth at the exact rate of the Earth's rotation, keeping them at the same position relative to the surface of the planet at any given point in time. You simply need to have your satellite dish pointed at one of the satellites, all of which are located in the southern section of the sky and you will receive the signal.
The most recent method of communicating with the satellite is over the Ka band. This is a set of frequencies between 18.3 GHz and 31 GHz that provide the power to carry the data through the atmosphere. This high frequency range is what permits you to receive high speed broadband. You have a satellite dish installed typically on your roof or near your home that faces the satellite overhead. The dish gathers the compressed signal and breaks it down into information that can be handled by your sensitive computer equipment.
The dish focuses the data and sends it through a coaxial cable that goes through the exterior wall of your home and connects to the modem inside. A certified installer sets up your equipment and configures the entire system to the satellite. It is considered a form of wireless internet because it does not require the use of cable networks or telephone lines to transmit the data.
You have the option to plug your computer directly into the modem using an Ethernet cable or you can purchase a wireless router and connect using a wireless card. Most new computers automatically come with wireless cards installed as do all new laptops. When you start up your computer and open a browser you are instantly connected to high speed internet, no dialing in or waiting. It is also possible to have a small dish installed on your RV that allows you to have high speed satellite internet while you are travelling.
You pay for the quality of service you have, meaning faster speeds are more expensive. Depending on the type of internet applications you normally use there are packages available to suit your needs. For example, if you use the internet for simple tasks like emailing or viewing webpages you don't need more than a basic plan with less broadband. On the other hand if you intend to stream music and videos or build websites you need much more bandwidth and this costs more. Satellite internet has made it possible for subscribers that travel or live in remote rural areas to have the same high speed advantages as their urban counterparts.
How can you check your real-time connection speed?
While you may opt for a high-speed internet service plan that promises speeds “up to” a certain figure, how can you know for sure if you’re actually getting that type of service in your everyday use? Before discussing how to measure your real-time internet speeds, take into consideration that such speeds are not solely a function of the bandwidth your ISP is providing, but it also can be slowed down by the technology of network equipment (routers, modems, and computing devices), how many devices are connected simultaneously, what activities are being performed concurrently, and even time of day and weather (depending on what type of service you are using).
With that said, there are several websites that offer to measure your internet speeds for free. Ookla is a web-based speed test provider, that powers many of the free speed testing services you will find hosted online. If you go to Ookla.com, there is a link to their speed test. Once you click through, you just need to click “Begin” and it will immediately begin a free diagnostic of your network. In less than a minute, results will be posted, displaying both your download speed and upload speed.
Speedtest.net is another site that offers a free speed diagnostic, in addition to some extra features for those that wish to go deeper. Simply navigate to Speedtest.net and click the large “Begin Test” button. Similar to Ookla, Speedtest.net takes a moment to measure your download and upload speeds. Once completed, it will display your speeds. Additionally, you have the option to compare your results with that of others in your state, country, and even other customers from the same ISP. Another feature enables you to share your results with friends on Facebook and Twitter.
Generally speaking, download speeds will be several times faster than upload speeds, as that is the way most high-speed internet plans are offered. Outside of those with home servers, large websites, or home businesses, typical internet use is comprised of data consumption (download), as opposed to uploading activities.
LEO vs. GEO Satellites for Communications
As technology continues to improve, Americans are increasingly turning to wireless forms of communication for telephone, internet, television, and global-positioning system (GPS) services. One of the main advantages of using satellite communication instead of landlines and earth-based infrastructures is accessibility; even people who live in rural or remote areas of the world and who do not receive traditional phone, television, and other wired services can have access to high-speed internet and other forms of communication. However, satellite communication may be disrupted by inclement weather or heavy cloud cover. If you are one of the millions of people who use satellites for communication, it may be helpful to have a better understanding of the out-of-this-world way that your device is connecting to the rest of the planet.
What are LEO and GEO satellites?
“LEO” stands for “low earth orbit” and includes any satellite within about a 1,000-mile (500 to 2,000 kilometer) distance from the earth. LEO satellites travel very quickly, often making a complete orbit around the earth in roughly 90 minutes. By contrast, “GEO” is short for “geosynchronous satellites;” these stationary (at least from an earthly perspective) satellites move with the earth’s movements (i.e., at the same speed and in the same direction) and remain at a distance of about 22,000 miles (35,000 kilometers) from the earth. Like the earth, GEO satellites require a full 24 hours to follow the earth around its axis. A third, less common type of satellite, the medium earth orbit or “MEO” satellite, is primarily used in the polar regions and follows an oval orbit usually about 8,000 to 20,000 kilometers from earth’s surface.
What are the pros and cons of LEO vs. GEO satellites?
The primary advantage of the LEO satellite is its proximity to earth; signals that are transmitted between earth and LEO satellites have a much shorter distance to travel than do signals between earth and GEO satellites. For this reason, communication speed is faster when data is processed through a LEO satellite. Another benefit of being in low earth orbit is the lower cost of placing LEO satellites. Furthermore, because LEO systems are constantly traveling around the earth, a direct satellite dish line of sight is less crucial than it would be for a service that depends on a GEO satellite; also, the antennas for LEO satellites can be much smaller than those for GEO satellites.
However, two major disadvantages of LEO satellites are their speed of orbit (about an hour and a half) and their coverage area. GEO satellites can provide consistent coverage to about one-third of the earth; in order for LEO satellites to provide similar reliability, an entire network of satellites in different locations would be necessary. With that being said, however, a GEO outage represents a much larger problem than a LEO outage because of the much larger burden of communication data that GEO satellites process. Another down side of the LEOs is that, even though LEO satellites are technically closer, they may only be in the line of sight of an earth base for a few minutes, which requires that data then be passed between other LEO satellites, which necessitates complex systems of communication between satellites. GEO satellites tend to have longer lifespans than LEO satellites because LEOs experience more wear and tear from the earth’s gravitational forces and because the frequency of transmission for LEO satellites can quickly decrease battery life.
Microwave Internet
Are you debating between different types of broadband internet connections for your home or business? Cable internet, DSL, and dial-up require that you be connected to television or telephone lines. Unfortunately, for rural internet users, this is not always a possibility. Instead, people in remote areas need to rely on wireless internet options like satellite internet. Although satellite internet is presently the most common and most readily available option for rural internet, microwave internet is growing in popularity for both metropolitan and rural residents.
What is microwave internet?
The full name is worldwide interoperability for microwave access, but you likely have heard of it more commonly referred to as WiMax. Using microwave frequencies, data are transmitted between the user’s device(s) and the WiMax tower. Unlike, for example, satellite signals, WiMax signals are not as easily blocked by obstructions like buildings and trees although a clear line of sight is preferable. Still, the average distance for best functionality is about five miles (the maximum distance that WiMax service could be transmitted between the tower and user is thirty miles but likely requires a strong antenna, other special devices, and an obstruction-free line of sight). This means that, in order to subscribe to WiMax service, your home (or computer if you plan to get a mobile plan) has to be relatively close to a WiMax tower in order to have a reasonably fast and reliable connection. Although many providers continue to invest in expanding the WiMax tower infrastructure, WiMax is not currently available in many areas of the United States.
What companies provide WiMax internet service?
Some of the providers of WiMax internet include Clear and Sprint. Regional providers include Xanadoo, Rainbow Broadband, and Towerstream. Some providers only offer services to businesses and services may only be available in certain areas.
How much does microwave internet cost?
The cost of WiMax depends on how you intend to use it (stationary or mobile), where you are located, how fast you need the connection to be, and how many people will be sharing the connection. For example, Clear offers a plan for home access that starts at $35 per month; if you want to be able to connect anywhere, Clear’s mobile plans begin at $45 per month. You may also be able to bundle services like internet and VoIP (voice over internet protocol) to save money. By contrast, a business plan with high upload and download speeds for many users could start at $800 per month or more.
Am I required to have a phone line or dial-up modem to use Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet does not require a phone line or a dial-up internet connection. One of the great things about satellite internet is that you can be surfing online while you are on the phone.
Can I get a static IP address?
Yes, if you order the Power 150 or Power 200 plan, you can opt for a static IP address for an additional charge each month.
Is satellite internet available for campers and RVs?
HughesNet is not designed to be used as a mobile solution for campers or RVs. HughesNet is designed to be installed in a Home or Business.
Will HughesNet work in the mountains?
The only requirement for HughesNet is that you live in the continental United States and have a clear view of the Southern sky. In some cases where there are obstructions of the dish's line of sight, the dish is attached to a pole mount and raised up. The best way to determine if your home can receive HughesNet internet service is to order a system and have a Certified Installer come out to your property. The Installer will assess the situation and determine if you are able to receive satellite internet. You do not pay until you are installed!
Satellite Dish Line of Sight
Are you considering satellite internet or television service from DirecTV or another provider? Although there are a number of advantages to receiving high-speed internet, television, and other services via satellite, one of the most crucial aspects for reliable and consistent service is the satellite dish line of sight.
What is the satellite dish line of sight?
The satellite dish line of sight is the path of communication for wireless data to be transmitted between your satellite dish and the satellite.
Why is the line of sight important?
There are two ways that the line of sight can be disrupted and thereby cause problems with your service. First, assuming that your provider uses a GEO satellite (and many internet and television providers do), the satellite dish must be installed in the direction of the satellite. For example, if the satellite is orbiting the earth in the southern sky or near the equator, the dish must face south. Second, the satellite dish must be placed in a location that minimizes natural and man-made obstructions to the line of sight. Although dust, cloud cover, and other atmospheric conditions are impossible to anticipate and work around in this situation, the line of sight should not have trees or residential structures, for example, obscuring the view of the satellite. Because of the possibility for error, professional installation may be highly advantageous—or, in some cases, required—for certain satellite services.
How will the line of sight affect installation?
There are a number of factors that could make installation more expensive for those whose satellite dish line of sight is compromised in one or more ways. For example, if you live in a heavily forested area—or even if your dish is installed during the autumn when the trees surrounding your home have fewer leaves—the installer may have to use a ground post or mount the satellite dish on your roof. Although a wooden ground post installed into the soil may be less expensive initially, it may need to be replaced sooner than would a steel post that has been installed in concrete because weather conditions can cause the wood to become distorted. Likewise, roof installation is likely to increase the costs substantially because of the higher risk of injury to the installer.
What if I want to install the dish myself?
If you have the option of installing your own satellite dish, you may be able to save yourself a few hundred dollars. However, before you begin, you should give serious thought to the types of satellite dishes that are available as well as the location where you plan to install it. Be aware of both current and potential obstructions like trees (and leaves depending on the season), power lines, buildings, and utility poles. Refer to the provider’s manual for information about the direction of the satellite. If possible, install your dish in a location that is easily and safely accessible in case you need to make small alignment adjustments or to remove snow or other types of debris that may obscure your line of sight. If you are a renter or condo owner, consult your landlord or HOA prior to installing your satellite dish in an area that would require modifications to the building or may inconvenience other occupants.
Satellite Modems
Are you in the market for satellite internet service? Cable internet and DSL are popular options in many areas of the United States, but if you reside in a rural community and do not have access to telephone or television lines, satellite internet is likely to be the only possible solution (although more rural internet options are in development). Satellite internet subscribers often need an antenna or satellite dish (with a direct line of sight of the satellite), a satellite modem, and frequency converters to establish an internet connection. This article will address how satellite modems function and provide an overview of prices.
What is a satellite modem?
A satellite modem is a device that interprets the signals sent from a low earth orbit (LEO) or a geosynchronous (GEO) satellite and translates them into something that your computer can understand. Additionally, the modem converts data from your computer into a radio signal that is sent back to the satellite (assuming that you subscribe to a two-way satellite internet service). There are some modems that are designed to only receive incoming signals; these are appropriate for one-way satellite internet service.
How do satellite modems work?
Imagine that the modem is split into two sections; one section, the transmitter, processes outgoing data whereas the other section, the receiver, processes incoming data. Both sides are constructed with components —like a team of players in a line, each with a different function; importantly, the teams operate in reverse order depending on which direction the signal is headed. Also, like a team of players, the quality—and even the presence—of certain components may depend on the type (and, by extension, price) of modem. Take the receiving section, for example. The signal may travel through an analog tract (to modify the frequency of the signal if necessary), a demodulator (to convert a radio signal into digital information that can be understood by your computer), an FEC decoder (for correcting errors related to interference or noise in the signal), a differential decoder (to clarify signals that may be otherwise ambiguous), a descrambler (for interpreting scrambled binary codes), and a demultiplexer (to translate a single stream of digital data into a few different streams). From here the data is sent to your computer, which processes it and produces images, text, and other web-derived content.
How much do satellite modems cost?
Like most technological devices, price is often contingent on the device’s capabilities. Some satellite service providers may offer free, reduced cost, or rental options for satellite modems, antennas, and other equipment to attract new residential and business subscribers. Lower-end satellite modems (appropriate for home/personal use) generally range from $100 to $300. Higher-end satellite modems for business or other heavy-use needs can start at $1,000 and run as high as $30,000.
Two Way Satellite Internet vs. One Way
If you live in a rural area of America that does not have access to DSL or cable internet services, you may be considering a subscription to satellite internet for either business or personal use. Indeed, satellite internet, despite its quirks and limitations (like satellite signal latency and satellite dish line of sight), may be the only choice depending on where you live.
How does satellite internet work?
Like the name suggests, satellite internet employs satellites to establish an internet connection between your home computer or network and the provider. When a signal is sent from the service provider, the satellite processes it, your satellite dish receives it, and your satellite modem interprets it; then it gets translated into a website, email, or other internet application. The signal latency (that is, the delay created because of the distance the signal must travel to the satellite) depends on whether your provider uses GEO or LEO satellites; although both types of satellites can result in signal latency, the latency from GEO satellites tends to be slightly longer because these satellites are in orbit so many miles from the earth’s surface. In either case, the latency is on the order of hundreds of milliseconds and does not substantially impact most internet users.
What is the difference between one-way and two-way satellite internet?
As you might expect, one-way satellite internet only transmits data in one direction; if you consider how satellite TV works, you only need to receive the television signals and you don’t need to communicate anything back to the provider. By contrast, two-way satellite internet allows users to download and upload data by enabling the user’s satellite modem to send signals back to the satellite. Because there are few internet users who would be satisfied only downloading files and checking email without ever sending a reply, one-way satellite internet often works around the issue by combining it with a dial-up service for uploads. Clearly, one-way satellite internet is an undesirable type of internet connection for people who live in rural areasand who do not have access to telephone lines (and, by extension, dial-up connections or even DSL) in the first place.
What companies offer satellite internet?
There are a growing number of companies that offer satellite internet in North America. Among them are WildBlue, VSAT, HughesNet, DirecTV, and Dish Network. Although most providers only offer service in the contiguous United States, certain companies, like Skycasters, offer service in Hawaii as well.
How much does satellite internet cost?
Monthly rates for satellite internet vary depending on your desired connection speed and internet usage (how much you download). In general, you can expect to pay about $50 to $150 per month. Other potential costs include equipment (satellite dish and satellite modem), installation, and cancellation fees.
What's the difference between upload time and download time?
Perhaps in your research for the perfect high-speed internet plan, you’ve come across the terms download speed and upload speed. So what exactly do these terms refer to, and how do their speeds affect your total internet experience?
Download speed refers to the speed at which you access data on or through the internet. Activities like loading web pages, listening to online music through Pandora or iTunes, streaming movies through Netflix or Hulu, or loading new email messages sent to you are typical download activities, in which data is transferring to your computer or device.
Upload speed refers to the speed at which you transfer data from your computer or device to another person, site, or service via the internet. Examples of uploading activities include sending email messages, broadcasting your own videos on sites like YouTube, or posting to personal blogs.
The speed of many online activities is a factor of both download speed and upload speed. Online gamers are constantly sending their own data inputs, while simultaneously downloading information (things like new scenes, environments, other players, etc.). Similarly, the quality of online communication like chatting and video conferencing is a factor of both download speed and upload speed.
On average, typical internet use, while comprising both download and upload activities concurrently, is more data consumption (download) than it is data input (upload). So when doing speed tests on your own service, don’t be alarmed to see download speeds measuring several times faster than upload speeds.
Wireless Internet
As part of the history of the internet, many people—even computer scientists—found it difficult to believe that it would one day be possible for two computers to communicate with each other over long distances even through standard telephone lines. Imagine how those same skeptics would respond today in the face of such highly developed modern technology that has allowed internet use to go wireless in a few ways. But in a fast-paced world, wireless communication options are, increasingly, becoming the norm as users demand internet access whenever—and wherever—they want it.
What is wireless internet?
Wireless internet simply refers to any type of internet connection that is possible without wires. Wired connections include fiber optic internet, DSL, and cable internet. Wireless internet includes satellite internet, EVDO, LTE, WiMax, and WiFi. Although wireless internet is certainly an option in major cities, it has become a crucial solution for those who need rural internet access for their homes or businesses.
How do the different types of wireless internet work?
Satellite internet: Exactly as the name suggests, satellite internet enables an internet connection via satellites (either LEO or GEO satellites). Data from your computer is processed by a satellite modem, which then transmits the information to the satellite. The satellite interprets the data and sends a signal back to your satellite dish. Although start-up and monthly costs, signal latency, and satellite dish line of sight make it an imperfect internet solution, for many in remote regions of the country and the world, satellite internet remains the only option. Some companies that provide satellite internet include DirecTV, VSAT, WildBlue, Dish Network, and HughesNet among others.
EVDO: “Evolution-data optimized” internet is available from such providers as Verizon and Sprint. A broadband connection that uses radio waves to send and receive information, an EVDO internet connection functions similarly to mobile phone connections with signals being sent between your device and a tower.
LTE: The next (4th) generation of wireless communication, long term evolution (or LTE for short) connections are yet another type of broadband communication. Although some providers have begun to offer preliminary services, the network and infrastructure are still in development. LTE is considered to be WiMax’s competition by many.
WiMax: Worldwide interoperability for microwave access—or WiMax—uses radio frequencies to transmit information between your home and a WiMax tower. Although the range is usually about 5 miles, with strong antennas, line-of-sight transmission (without obstructions), and other special devices designed specifically to enhance WiMax connectivity, WiMax service can sometimes be provided in a 30-mile radius of a WiMax tower. When transmitting in a low-frequency mode, WiMax is able to transmit despite certain obstructions albeit at a shorter distance. Although WiMax still has to conquer obstacles of cost and availability before becoming a dominant wireless connection option, it has a lot of promise especially for rural areas. One example of a WiMax provider is Clear.
WiFi: WiFi might be considered a smaller, earlier version of WiMax; some use the analogy of WiMax being like cellular phones and WiFi being like cordless phones. Conceptually, WiFi (a wireless local area network) is perhaps the most mainstream wireless internet connection. Still, WiFi is extremely limited in its ability to provide internet service, covering only a small network within its range (at most, a few hundred feet); the hotspot is often connected to a wired service like DSL or cable. WiFi can transmit data over unlicensed frequencies because the distance is so short. In other words, WiFi is good for facilitating internet access in densely populated places like businesses, universities, coffee shops, and even metropolitan neighborhoods but not for sparsely populated rural areas.
