Satellite Internet

What is Satellite Internet?

Just as satellites orbiting the earth provide necessary links for telephone and television service, they can also provide links for broadband. Satellite broadband is another form of wireless broadband, also useful for serving remote or sparsely populated areas.

Downstream and upstream speeds for satellite broadband depend on several factors, including the provider and service package purchased, the consumer’s line of sight to the orbiting satellite, and the weather. Typically a consumer can expect to receive (download) at a speed of about 500 Kbps and send (upload) at a speed of about 80 Kbps. These speeds may be slower than DSL and cable modem, but download speed is about 10 times faster than download speed with dial-up Internet access.

How Satellite Internet Works?

The connection to your high speed Satellite Internet service is comprised of both indoor and outdoor equipment. Outside, there is an antenna and transmit-and-receive electronics, along with a connection to a small, unobtrusive dish. This equipment connects by coaxial cable to the Indoor Receive Unit (IRU) and Indoor Transmit Unit (ITU) which connect to your computer through a simple USB connector.

Advantages of Satellite Internet

- Once the signal is clear Satellite Internet speed is simply superb fast.
- It is available almost everywhere.

Disadvantages of Satellite Internet

- Communication delays are significant. This makes it unsuitable for voice and video communications and gaming.
- Installation can be disruptive and problematic, depending on the premises.
- Service can be disrupted in extreme weather conditions.