If you live in an area without DSL or cable, satellite Internet may be your best option for a high-speed, always-on connection. However, as you watch all that data zipping back and forth on your computer, have you ever wondered exactly how satellite Internet works?

Understanding satellite Internet begins with the satellite dish that uploads and downloads data communications. Two-way satellite Internet sends compressed data from your dish to the satellite, which then sends it to a hub teleport at a ground station. It does not require telephone lines or cable systems. The teleport then forwards the data through the land-based Internet. For receiving the requested information, the same process is followed in a reverse order to direct the data back to the user’s dish, and the desired webpage then appears on the your computer.

Upload and download speeds vary depending your provider’s plan and the usage, but download speeds typically range between 500 kbps and 3.0 mbps while upload speeds range from 70-80 kbps during peak hours to 300 kbps. Your maximum speed will depend on the plan you choose.

Additional factors that impact how satellite Internet works are latency and thresholds. Latency is how much time it takes for the requested data to get from one point to another and receive a response. Due to the location of the satellites, the latency in satellite Internet access is higher than in land-based Internet. Consequently, satellite Internet may not be suitable for applications requiring real-time response such as on-line gaming. Satellite providers also have thresholds as to the maximum amount of data you can upload or download during a set time period before they slow down your speed. Consider your usage and ask about this policy when understanding satellite Internet plans.

As you think about how satellite Internet works, also remember that a satellite dish must have a clear view to the south, since the orbiting satellites are over the equator area. Similar to satellite TV, trees and heavy rains can affect reception of the Internet signals. Then again, broadband cables can also be affected by heavy rains, or severe hot and cold spells.  You can read about satellite Internet, like  how to install a satellite dish or actually compare satellite providers, in our satellite category.

Tags: high speed internet, satellite dish, Satellite Internet

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 27th, 2010 at 1:56 pm and is filed under Satellite Internet, Satellite TV. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.