High Speed Internet

“High-speed internet” is an ironic phrase for a few reasons. First, it has come to represent every connection option other than dial-up internet access (i.e., “Anything but dial-up!”), which is realistically past its prime and now offers the slowest connection speeds on the market. Second, the speed of internet connections continues to evolve at an equally speedy pace, and today’s “high-speed internet” will eventually be tomorrow’s “dial-up dinosaur.” In fact, some of the connections that are commonly considered to be in the high-speed internet category—for example, DSL and cable—are likely to be superseded in the relatively near future by even faster connections like fiber optic internet and LTE. Still, internet users prioritize speed of connection in their subscription decisions, and so the “high-speed internet” phrase has become a marketing mantra for countless service providers despite the reality that advertised “top” connection speeds do not always accurately correspond to users’ actual speeds.

What is the difference between high-speed internet connections?

DSL: Using telephone lines, the provider’s device (DSLAM) communicates with the users’ modems to send and receive data. Connection speeds are often determined by the end-user’s distance from the hub or central office although this information is not known in advance. In addition to phone companies like Verizon and AT&T, DSL service is available from a large number of other providers depending on your area.

Cable Internet: Like DSL, cable internet is a type of broadband internet connection. However, unlike DSL, cable internet uses television wires to transmit information. A determining factor in the upload and download speeds of cable internet is the number of users who share a given connection. Comcast, Road Runner, and Cox Communications are a few examples of cable internet service providers.

Satellite Internet: Although it is possible to get similar connection speeds as those enjoyed by DSL and cable users, doing so may be more costly. Additionally, connections can be disrupted by atmospheric conditions or obstructions like foliage and power lines. However, for those who need rural internet access, satellite internet may be the only possibility. Providers include VSAT, Dish Network, DirecTV, HughesNet, and WildBlue among others.

Fiber Optic Internet: Using cables constructed from thin glass strands, fiber optic internet offers faster connection speeds than either DSL or cable because these cables are able to transmit more data with less degradation of signal. Despite its speed advantages, however, fiber optic internet is often more expensive and not available in all regions of the U.S. Verizon and Qwest are two providers of fiber optic internet.

Wireless Internet: In addition to satellite internet, other types of developing wireless internet options include WiMax (Clear is one WiMax provider), EVDO, and LTE. Although still in the early stages, experts anticipate that some of these technologies will offer significantly faster connection speeds for users in metropolitan, suburban, and rural locales.

What should I consider when selecting a type of high-speed internet service?

In addition to the obvious factors like availability, speed, and monthly rates, you should consider hidden costs like installation, equipment, cancellation fees, and introductory rates that jump steeply after the first year of service. Even advertised speed can be deceptive so you should seriously consider your intended uses and do some additional research into the type of service and specific provider before signing a contract. As only one example, DSL plans tend to offer faster download speeds than upload speeds, which may not be an issue for personal web browsing but may be problematic for businesses that need to frequently send large files. Another factor to consider is compatibility of devices; if you opt to change providers in the future, will you be able to reuse your equipment or will you have to start from scratch? Finally, experiences of family, friends, and colleagues, and even online reviews can be helpful in determining whether a discount service compromises customer service and satisfaction.

Advantages of High Speed Satellite Internet

You may have heard that satellite internet is expensive, maybe even prohibitively so, but what you've heard is wrong: satellite internet is affordable. It may cost a bit more than cable or DSL internet connections, but if you live in a rural area, you don't have access to those anyway.

For the rural internet user, satellite internet is your means of high speed internet connection; with plans and speeds starting at 15times faster than dial-up connections, and without the hassle and frustration of having to tie-up or dedicate a phone line just for internet connectivity, HughesNet satellite offers cheap, reliable, always on broadband internet.

HughesNet Plans

HughesNet currently has three plans priced significantly under $100 for the home computer user. Each plan comes with rebates and cash back, making them even more affordable.

The Home Plan - $49.99 per month, with upload speeds at a maximum of 128 Kbps and download speeds at a maximum of 1.0 Mbps. Connection speeds are up to 15 times faster than dial-up connections. The cheap connection choice for one light to moderate internet user.
The Pro Plan - $69.99 per month, with upload speeds to a maximum of 200 Kbps and download speeds to a maximum of 1.2 Mbps. Connection speeds are up to 20 times faster than dial-up connections. This plan is the inexpensive choice for families with one or two moderate internet users.
The Pro Plus Plan - $79.99 per month, with upload speeds at a maximum of 250 Kbps and download speeds at a maximum of 1.6 Mbps. Connections speeds are up to 30 times faster than dial-up connections. This is the affordable choice for one to three moderate to heavy internet users.

Connection Speeds

Upload and Download Speeds

All internet connection speeds are measured in two directions: upload or upstream speed is the rate of data transmission from the user's computer to the internet and download or downstream speed is the rate of data transmission from the internet to the user's computer. With most internet connections, the download speed is faster than the upload speed.

Measurements of Internet Speed

Internet speeds or connection speeds are usually measured in kilobits (KB) and megabits (MB). A "bit" is one digit. There are 1000 bits in 1 KB. And there are 1000 KB in 1 MB. When speaking about high speed internet, the "speed" usually refers to connections capable of transmitting more than 200 KB per second (Kbps). By contrast, a dial-up connection is limited to 56 Kbps, which is a slow connection by today's standards.

Satellite Internet Connection Speeds

All HughesNet satellite internet connections speeds exceed those of a typical dial-up connection. The company offers consumers six choices for upload and download speeds, so the consumer can choose a plan based on their needs and those of their family. Additionally, the higher-end plans work well for small offices or businesses.

Our website offers a HughesNet Speed Comparison for consumers wanting more information on satellite internet connection speeds.

Why A Fair Access Policy?

HughesNet Satellite, like most other satellite internet service providers, has instituted a Fair Access Policy (FAP) for its customers. This policy helps to ensure that all consumers who use a satellite’s connections have at least somewhat equal chances of having broadband or high speed internet access. This is done through monitoring the amount of data that each user downloads. When the monitor determines, automatically, that the user has exceeded the amount of downloaded data allowed under their service plan, connection speed is slowed – sometimes to the rate of dial-up. This is often called being “FAPPED.”

Once a user has been FAPPED, they must wait for a pre-determined amount of time – usually 24-hours – for the system to reset; the user can then resume using the satellite internet connection at the standard high speeds.

Why a Fair Access Policy?

To put it simply, some users will use a lot more of the satellite’s bandwidth than other users – sometimes to an extent that the over-usage causes other users to have slowed connection speeds. Satellite internet service providers consider this to be abuse of the system, as they want everyone to have an equal – or fair – access to high speed satellite internet.

Avoid Being FAPPED

Users should monitor their bandwidth usage – this can easily be accomplished by logging onto their HughesNet account, which provides up-to-the-minute bandwidth used. Also, there are some free programs that the user can install on their computer that will track or monitor bandwidth being used.

Users can also arrange to download data during the “Download Zone,” the hours between 2 AM and 7 AM, Eastern Time, when full speed connections are allowed without counting toward the daily download allowance.

HughesNet FAP Limits

Each of the HughesNet service plans has a different cap or limit on the amount of data that can be downloaded during a 24-hour period.

Got data? The internet offers users unprecedented access to information, but the technology that allows people to connect to the internet has not necessarily kept pace with users’ increasing demand for data-rich applications. Unfortunately, when it comes to internet connections, even adults are still expected to share (although “please” and “thank you” remain optional). Did you know that, although you are free to use the internet for whatever (legal) activities you wish, your internet service provider (ISP) may limit how often or how long you can engage in certain activities?

What is a fair access policy?

Also known as “bandwidth caps,” a fair access policy is a policy specific to each high speed internet service provider that describes the limitations on bandwidth use that each of their subscribers will be subject to. Most providers will outline specific upload and download thresholds for a given period of time.

Who is affected by fair access policies?

Most internet providers have fair access policies, but these become more crucial for broadband connections as part of which multiple users share a finite amount of bandwidth: for example, DSL, cable, and satellite internet. Satellite internet, in particular, has a comparatively low bandwidth, which often translates into more restrictive fair access policies from satellite internet providers. Still, fair access policies are intended to be beneficial for the majority of subscribers; if a single subscriber is monopolizing the connection with applications that have high data-transfer requirements, the fair access policy reduces the likelihood that other subscribers will have slower, less efficient connections. These data-heavy applications might include streaming video or audio (radio), or file sharing among others; importantly, fair access policies usually only kick in if a user has been engaging in this type of application for an extended period of time.

How do fair access policies work?

There are a few ways that an ISP might cap usage. In a simple method, the ISP may limit the bitrate (speed) for each user, which would keep an individual from occupying an entire line at any given time. Alternately, the ISP may use “bursting,” which describes a sort of “credit” system. For users who are always online (which is also called sustained use), there would be a maximum “all-the-time” limit. However, if you only use the internet during certain hours (say, when you get home from work; also called peak use), you will have earned credits during the down time that might increase your connection speed above the sustained-use limit when you do actually connect.

How can I learn more about my internet provider’s fair access policy?

Your provider should publish this information on its website; if you can’t find information this way, contact them directly and ask about the policies.

Is satellite internet right for you?

With so many options for high-speed internet out there, how can you be sure that satellite internet is the right one for you? There are several factors to consider before making the plunge for high-speed satellite internet service.

Are you tired of dial-up service? Dial-up service is fine for those that are budget-minded and very light internet users. However, dial-up service can often become tedious, as users have to wait up to several minutes at a time to logon for simple tasks like checking email, weather, directions, and so on. Not to mention dropped connections and tied up phone lines. Satellite internet offers the convenience of instant and perpetual connectivity, without having to worry about missing phone calls on the land line. With satellite internet, you can talk on your phone and surf the web at the same time.
Does internet speed matter? For many going from dial-up service to high-speed satellite service can be a revelation. There is a noticeable difference in everyday activities like loading your favorite websites, sending emails, and loading photos.
How much are you willing to spend? For very bare-bones and basic internet use, dial-up represents the lowest part of the spectrum when it comes to cost. However, for those that are willing to spend a little more per month, satellite internet offers faster speeds and more conveniences than dial-up service.
Are you in a rural location? For those that live in rural regions like the mountains, woods, smaller islands, or even smaller population towns, the local infrastructure may not support broadband options like cable, DSL, or fiber optics services. Major satellite internet providers offer services throughout the contiguous United States, giving many people the opportunity to experience high-speed internet at a reasonable price.
Are you looking for a mobile high-speed internet solution? For those that are looking for mobile high-speed internet solution, perhaps for an RV or a boat, satellite internet might be the best way to go. Though satellite internet services are more readily available for those in fixed locations, most major providers will consult with customers on arranging the best plan for a mobile set-up.

Satellite Internet versus DSL and Cable Internet

Satellite internet technology has made a huge impact on the quality of experience for thousands of people that live or do business where DSL internet and cable networks do not exist. Until it was made available for general public use, people in this situation had no choice but to rely on dial-up internet if they wanted to have it at all. Dial-up is exceedingly slow compared with other forms of high speed internet. Satellite internet offers speeds of up to 50x faster than dial-up.

Satellite, cable and DSL internet all offer the possibility of high speed broadband solutions for anyone interested in the service. All three allow you to have instant connectivity the moment you open a browser with your computer any time of the night or day. It is available every day of the year without interruption provided there are no external circumstances that influence the quality of signal. You have the option with any of them to feed the internet transmission to your computer by plugging it into the modem with an Ethernet cable or you can pick up the signal wirelessly using a wireless router and a wireless card. In this way multiple users can access the internet from a single connection.

The primary difference between satellite internet and the other two (DSL and cable) is that satellite technology does not require a phone line or a cable network to provide the service to its subscribers. Typically DSL and cable internet providers hesitate to expand their networks into less populated areas since there are not enough subscribers to offset the cost of the expansion. Satellite internet relies on geosynchronous satellites orbiting the Earth. Anyone in any part of the country can access the data transmissions from these satellites, provided there are no major obstacles such as mountains blocking their view of the southern sky.

The Main Similarities and Differences

Satellite internet:

Does not require the use of a telephone line
Is available for subscribers in remote or rural areas
Can be accessed while travelling with an RV
Uses wireless satellite internet dish equipment
Receives data faster than it sends it
Provides stable service with the exception of high traffic periods and severe atmospheric conditions
Requires the installation of dish equipment

DSL:

Uses a telephone line but can run simultaneously without interruption incoming or outgoing telephone calls
Most of the time can use the current telephone wiring
Works better for subscribers closer to the central office
Decreases in strength farther away from the central office
Receives data faster than it sends it
Is not available everywhere

Cable:

Does not require the use of a telephone line
Uses the same cable network as your cable television service
Is usually faster than DSL unless there is an especially high volume of traffic
Is only available to people with cable television
Is not available everywhere in the country

Satellite Internet is Better Than Wireless Internet

Traveling long distances as an RVer or trucker often leaves little-to-no access to the Internet, especially in remote areas. Of course, limited Internet access is not ideal for today's long-distance traveler, which is why many rely on satellite Internet for reliable connections. If you've been considering satellite Internet for your next trip, now's the time to learn more.

What is Satellite Internet?

Satellite Internet is a service used in locations where cable and DSL Internet access is typically not available (i.e. rural areas). It's also useful for drivers like truckers and RVers who are frequently on the move and need a reliable Internet connection.

There are three basic types of satellite Internet systems: multi-cast one way, one-way with terrestrial return and VSAT. Multi-cast one way satellite Internet is used for IP multicast-based data, as well as audio and video distribution; however, most IPs won't work correctly with this type because it requires a return channel. One-way with terrestrial return is satellite Internet that requires a traditional dial-up connection to allow outbound data to travel through a telephone modem. While the outbound connection is slow, the return data delivers at broadband speed because it travels via satellite.

VSAT (two-way) is satellite Internet virtually connected on both inbound and outbound data. It is beneficial to truckers and RVers because it sends data out without the need for a dialup connection. When choosing satellite Internet, the mobile or portable VSAT is usually recommended.

How Satellite Internet Operates

When you use two-way satellite Internet, you can expect a similar experience to broadband Internet, except that a satellite dish will take the place of cables and telephone lines. This is great for travelers because they don't have the concern of talking and surfing at the same time.

Here is a basic breakdown of how satellite Internet operates:

Your computer sends a request for a webpage to a satellite.
The satellite contacts your chosen network (your service provider), which will then contact the website you've requested.
The website beams the data back using the same path and quickly reaches your computer.

It's pretty simple.

How RVers and Truckers Benefit from Satellite Internet

Satellite Internet is a popular choice with RVers and truckers for a variety of reasons. Here are a few to consider:

Continuous Internet access: When traveling with a laptop, it's no secret that it only holds a wireless internet connection when you pull over and to tap into an unsecured connection. By setting up your own satellite connection, you can count on a reliable connection from your own secure network.
Access to truck, rest and food stops: It is likely that as a frequent traveler you have a navigation system that offers points of interest (POIs) to help you find rest stops and more. However, the capabilities of the Internet can help travelers find even more locations in cities around the country.
Access to backup directions: Again, if you're a frequent traveler, you probably utilize a navigation system to find driving directions to desired locations; however, the Internet provides great backup options for driving directions.
Entertainment: Another great feature of satellite Internet is the ability to find great entertainment to keep everyone busy, including videos, music and games.

Satellite Internet can also benefit travelers who need to conduct their business on the road. By taking advantage of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), you can connect to your job while in transit.

Setting Up Your Satellite Internet Connection

When you're ready to set up your satellite Internet service, you will need to contact a reliable satellite Internet provider. The provider will send a certified installer to you to connect your computer to a satellite modem. The modem will then be linked to a satellite dish.

Since you will be traveling, the dish will likely be mounted on your roof (or wherever the installer decides is reasonable). Once installed, the dish will begin sending and receiving information. Usually by pressing a button inside the vehicle, the dish will then be activated, and in no time you'll be sending and receiving emails, Web pages, files and more over the Internet.

Connection Speeds

You can bet that with satellite Internet, your connection speed will be worlds faster than dialup, and just as fast as - if not faster than - cable and DSL. However, the actual connection speed you enjoy could range from download speeds of 500 to 1000 kbps and upload speeds of 70 to 128 kbps, varying greatly based on a few factors, including:

Whether you have a clear view of the sky where your provider's satellite sits: If you don't have access to correct area of sky, your service could suffer signal loss or latency.
If you're using the service during peak hours: Your upload speeds could be slower during different times of the day when system usage exceeds the service providers download threshold.

To learn what exact connection speeds you can expect, it's always good to check with your service provider.

Making Sure the Service You Choose Is Compatible with Your Computer

When setting up your satellite Internet service, it's also important to make sure you know whether the service you choose is compatible with your computer. For instance, some services may only be compatible with PCs; however, many are compatible with both PC and Mac.

Also, you want to make sure that the operating system you're using is compatible with the service. For instance, if you're working on a PC with Windows 98, you want to ensure that the computer meets the service's requirements so that it will function effectively. And if you're using multiple computers, you want to ensure that the service you use can link them all.

There's no doubt that satellite Internet can be beneficial to frequent travelers. So if you're an RVer or trucker looking for a reliable Internet connection while in transit, satellite Internet may be the right road to travel.

Signal Latency

Satellite internet has made it possible for families and businesses in rural locations to receive high-speed internet service. Although this is a step in the right direction toward making internet accessible and affordable for all Americans, there are still some areas that need to be improved and some issues that need to be resolved including those related to satellite dish line of sight and satellite signal latency.

What is satellite signal latency?

In the field of communications, latency can be thought of as a delay or lag time as a signal is transmitted over an extensive distance. For example, you may notice that there can be a slight delay when communicating with someone over a Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) service like Skype. Likewise, satellite signal latency is the lag that occurs while a signal is transmitted from your computer to the satellite and back to earth. Other internet connection options like cable and DSL can also experience latency although these lags tend to be shorter than those associated with satellite internet service.

How long is the lag created by satellite signal latency?

The speed of the signal depends on the distance it must travel; therefore, signal latency depends on whether the signal is being sent to a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite or a geosynchronous (GEO) satellite. In the case of GEO satellites, which are usually positioned about 22,000 miles above earth (depending on the location of the earth base) near the equator, the satellite signal latency is roughly a few hundred milliseconds (round trip). LEO satellites are in a much closer orbit and, therefore, have lower signal latency.

How does satellite latency affect my internet, television, phone, or other service?

Remember that signal latency is only a measure of the time it takes for the signal to travel to and from the satellite; it does not include the time that it takes for the satellite to process the data that it has received nor does it consider the time it takes for other devices (if applicable) along the communication path to do the same. Even so, the delay does not usually present a problem with basic internet usage like accessing websites or sending text emails. Among the applications that might result in a negative user experience from satellite signal latency are VoIP conversations, video streaming, and online gaming so a satellite internet connection is generally not recommended for these situations.

VSAT Internet

Do you live in a rural community? If so, you have probably been frustrated by your limited (if any) options for high speed internet service. A number of areas of the United States that are far from major (and even small) metropolitan areas are unable to get cable or DSL internet because they do not have access to television or telephone lines. By and large, the most readily available rural internet service is satellite internet although some other types of broadband internet do exist in certain areas. A few companies that provide satellite internet include WildBlue, HughesNet, DirecTV, Dish Network, and VSAT Systems.

What is VSAT?

VSAT stands for “very small aperture terminal.” It commonly refers to a satellite dish (on the ground) with a diameter smaller than 3 meters. Most satellite dishes for personal satellite internet or satellite television use would be considered to fall into the VSAT category. VSAT connections are two-way connections; this means that internet users can both receive data from the GEO satellite (download) and send data to the satellite (upload).

What are the advantages and disadvantages of satellite internet?

The biggest advantage of satellite internet over other types of internet service is the ability to access the internet in just about any location on the planet – as long as you have power to support your communication device and the satellite dish and modem. A major disadvantage is cost; even though the price continues to decrease as a larger infrastructure is built and technology is improved, satellite internet tends to be more expensive than standard options like dial-up, DSL, and cable. Additionally, although most types of internet service have some degree of signal latency, satellite internet signal latency is often more pronounced because the signal must travel such an extensive distance. Still, if you are not planning to use the internet for gaming or video streaming, you likely will not notice much of a problem. Finally, installation is an important part of the process and having a clear satellite dish line of sight is crucial. If you live in a heavily forested or congested area with many buildings and power lines, this may be difficult to accomplish.

What should I look for in a satellite internet provider?

For many people, cost will be a determining factor in their decision about which satellite internet service provider to go with. However, you should also consider connection speeds (i.e., How quickly can you download or upload files?), data transfer limits (i.e., What is the monthly limit for data and how much will it be if you exceed the limit?), frequencies used for data transmission (higher frequencies can often transmit more data more efficiently), and systems in place in case of an outage (i.e., Does the company have back up components to decrease down time in case a hub malfunctions?).

What internet speed do you really need?

Deciding on an internet service plan can be a daunting task. Perhaps you’ve collected brochures, called around, and done your research, but how do you know how fast your internet really has to be? Should you really opt for the premium plan with the fastest internet on the block? It really depends on what type of user you are, and how you plan on using the internet.

Casual user. The casual user can be described as someone that uses the internet periodically through the day primarily to read email and browse the web to check things like the news, sports scores, weather, and even social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. An internet service plan that offers anywhere from 500 kbps to 2 mbps should be sufficient.

Moderate user. Moderate users connect often throughout the day using multiple devices, including laptops, video game consoles, and smart phones. In addition to web browsing, they use the internet for downloading music, movies, and other content; stream video content through providers like Netflix, Amazon, or Hulu; or use Voice over IP services or video conference services like Skype. Moderate users should opt for something beyond basic dial-up or even basic DSL, to a broadband connection that reaches up to at least 3 mpbs for sufficient speeds, and can benefit from plans of up to 10 mbps.

Heavy users. Heavy users are those that are perpetually connected throughout the day. They include those that need instant connectivity or rely on real-time data transfer like fast-twitch gamers or day-traders - they can be classified as heavy users. Additionally, those that host home servers, run their own home business, or websites with decent traffic can be considered heavy users and would benefit greatly from premium broadband service plans. Heavy users should definitely opt for a premium plans that can reach over 10 mpbs.

What is Broadband Satellite Internet?

High Speed and Broadband Satellite Internet

According to the Federal Communications Commission, broadband or high speed internet covers a range of connection speeds, from 200 Kilobits per second (Kbps) to up 100 Megabits per second (Mbps). These speeds are significantly – and sometimes astronomically – faster than any dial-up internet connection, which is limited by the technology to 56 Kbps.

In terms of high speed satellite internet, the connection speeds usually start at about 15X faster than dial-up connections for download or downstream connectivity (that is, from the internet to the user’s computer) and can go as high as 50X faster than dial-up. Upload or upstream speeds can range from 128 Kbps to 300 Kbps, which is still much faster than dial-up.

Satellite internet is not the fastest means of internet connection. That is reserved for fiber-optic cable connections which are truly delivered at the speed of light. However, high speed satellite internet access is more than fast enough for the needs of most internet users.

Limitations of Satellite Internet Speeds

While high speed satellite internet connections are more than fast enough for most people who use the internet, there is an inherent latency in the data transmission to and from the satellite. Therefore, users will notice a slight delay when performing certain tasks online. Processes affected by latency include:

Online action games, which function in a real-time environment
Online trading with time-sensitive programs
Streaming live video or participation in video conferencing
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone service