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High Speed Satellite Modems

How A Satellite Modem Connects You To The Internet
by Richard Thomason - March 10th, 2010

The first thing to know about satellite modems is that you don't have to buy one yourself when using a satellite Internet service. The company that provides the service will also provide all of the necessary equipment, including the satellite modem. In some cases, the price of the modem is included in the setup fees; in other cases, the customer leases it; but in most cases, it is simply provided at no charge and you return it when you are done using your satellite Internet service.

While DSL and cable modems are connected to your existing telecom or cable connection, a satellite modem is connected to a satellite dish that must be installed at your location. With a DSL or cable Internet connection, many consumers will go out and buy their own modem and/or router in hopes of getting a better connection. When it comes to Satellite Internet Providers, it is usually better to just stick with the modem provided by your ISP, since anything you buy on your own might not work at all, and it probably won't improve your connection.

 

Using Wireless Routers With Satellite Modems

A common enhancement for high speed Internet connections is a wireless router. This simple device allows users to connect multiple computers and other equipment (printers, external hard drives, etc.) to a single satellite Internet connection. Just as with other forms of Internet access, a satellite Internet connection can support multiple devices by using a hub, a switch, or a wireless router.

Again, the type of equipment (routers, switches, etc.) that can be used with a satellite Internet modem might be different than the equipment you would buy for your DSL or cable modem. Some satellite modems have a land line or wireless router already built in; other satellite modems support multiple connections and all you will need is a hub or a switch; and in other cases, you will need a separate wireless router, but only specific types or brands will work. With so many different satellite Internet services in operation in the U.S., it is always best to check directly with your satellite ISP to find out exactly what type of wireless router you can use -- or if you will even need one.

 

Hughesnet HN9000 Satellite ModemHow A Satellite Modem Works

From the user standpoint, there is not much difference in how a satellite modem works as compared with a DSL or cable modem. Most satellite modems will have a special power adapter with it's own power cable, plus one or more lan ports for connecting a cat-5 cable to your computer or to your router, hub, or switch. Two-way satellite Internet providers (such as HughesNet, WildBlue Internet Service, or Starband) will have one connection on the back of the modem for receiving and a second connection for transmitting. Both cables will connect directly to the satellite dish installed outside your home.

If you use a one-way satellite ISP (such as Skyway USA), then there will only be a single receiving connection on the back of the modem. All transmissions (requests for data, uploads, sent emails, etc.) are done through a separate dial-up Internet connection. This is one of the reasons why you should choose a two-way satellite Internet provider over a one-way provider, unless you are really trying to save money.

Besides making sure your satellite modem is hooked up correctly, your satellite Internet connection will depend upon the setup of your satellite dish. We have additional articles for helping you with Satellite Dish Installation and Satellite Dish Alignment. Most ISP's will perform the dish installation and alignment when you signup or they will provide a list of qualified professionals who can install it for you.

 
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Besides providing information on Satellite Internet Providers, our guide also details how other forms of high speed Internet access work, such as wireless, cable, and DSL.