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How Satellite Internet Works

There are many people who live in rural areas and can't access high-speed cable or DSL Internet. Dial-up is one alternative, but it is too slow for most users. Luckily, those with such a dilemma now have a fourth option: satellite. This form of Internet connection enables people in remote areas to have high-speed Internet by sending and receiving signals through an orbiting satellite in space.

There are three ways that satellite Internet can be obtained: one-way multicast, one-way with terrestrial return, and two-way. One-way multicast is the simplest form of access, using technology not unlike satellite television. Signals are broadcast from a source (the Internet), sent up into an orbiting satellite in space, then they come back down to an Earth-bound satellite, which sends the signals into a receiver (in this case, a computer modem). That is all there is to a one-way multicast. However, that only sends signals from the Internet to a computer, not the other way around. Thus, things can only be viewed or downloaded and no information can be sent, such as emails.

Since one-way multicasts are quite limited, users can also choose a one-way with terrestrial return. "Terrestrial return" means that an outbound phone line is used to send signals to the Internet. Basically, it is a process of using satellite to receive information, then using dial-up to send it. Although this isn't an ideal broadband connection for some, it is faster than an exclusive dial-up connection for both sending and receiving.

The third type of satellite Internet service uses a two-way satellite link, which is faster and far more convenient. Not only can a user receive full access to the Internet this way, sending and receiving through the satellite dish means no terrestrial dial-up service to pay for. There are only a few companies that currently offer a two-way satellite connection, however.

Satellite is the newest type of Internet connection, so the industry is still learning through trial and error. Just like satellite television, the best signal will be sent and received if the user's dish has a clear view of the southern sky. Also, since this is a new technology, prices can be high for satellite broadband. However, as it grows in popularity, prices will continue to lower in the future. High-speed satellite internet is offered by HughesNet and Dish Network.

Interested in satellite internet? Click here for more information about HughesNet Satellite Internet.

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