Satellite internet is a widely-available, generally high speed, but also high cost option that uses communication satellites to access the internet.
How does it work?
End users need a satellite router and a satellite dish. Numerous ground stations send and receive your requested information up through an orbiting geostationary satellite. A geostationary satellite is a satellite that remains over a specific area by orbiting at the same pace as Earth. The information that comes to and from the geostationary satellite comes from the Network Operations Center (NOC). This is what’s connected to the internet. All network communications go through the NOC, up to the geostationary satellite, down to a satellite dish, and to your computer.
This may seem like a complicated and lengthy process. When measured, there is latency due to the distance traveled. The latency is rarely noticed by the typical end user, though. In fact, the FCC ranked satellite internet as the internet provider with the top speeds in 2013. However, there is clear latency for gamers, VoIP users and video chat users, and some providers warn against online gaming altogether.
Pros and Cons
Satellite internet has some other limitations. Most notably, it’s vulnerable to weather conditions. Rain weakens radio signals, making your connection slower. A satellite dish position that is bothered by wind can cause a weakening or even a complete loss of satellite connection. Satellite internet also has data caps. Bandwidth thresholds limit how much bandwidth can be used in a month. If a user goes over, you can be charged overage fees and even face restrictions for the following month. Any extra fees are on top of the satellite internet fee, which can be three times the fee of a landline connection.
Despite these drawbacks, satellite internet has its perks. For one, it’s available everywhere. Rural areas may not have any way to connect via DSL or cable modem, but satellite does not need telephone poles or cable lines. As already stated, speeds for satellite internet can be fast if you can afford the higher-cost options. Even the lower cost options beat a dial-up connection.
For users who do not have a landline available, satellite internet is an option. Those in populated areas who would still prefer not to be connected to phone or cable lines should consider the high cost, latency, and bandwidth limits carefully. Satellite internet is a worthy option, but it may not be the best option.
