The concept of satellite internet is not something that has just been created, but has actually been around for quite a few years. While researchers and explorers have been using the technology for a while, only recently has it been introduced to the residential arena. The applications of satellite accessed internet are increasing as the technology and equipment become more advanced. While a lot of people understand the basic idea of an internet connection via satellite, there are a number of different tools that are necessary in order for it to work properly. Taking a look at all of the different equipment is a good way to enrich a person's knowledge about this technology.
The basic essential items that are needed for satellite internet are a computer, Ethernet card inside the computer, a modem, a dish, and a satellite. The beauty of this entire set up is that these tools can be at a home in the rural United States or an RV in the middle of the Sahara desert, in either place the internet will work the same. The entire process is quite straightforward and simple enough to understand. A person enters the information they want into their computer. The computer then sends the request to the modem, which then sends it to the terrestrial satellite dish.
The dish send the information request to the orbiting satellite that it is aligned with, which then sends the information request to a specified gateway. The gateway is terrestrially based and it translates the request for the internet and sends the desired information back down the line until it reaches the computer of origin. While this may seem like a long process for one simple request, the relay of information takes place within milli-seconds. The modern satellite internet equipment of today allows people to access high speed internet without having to use DSL or cable.
The problems a person might come into contact with in terms of how fast the exchange of information takes place between computer and satellite have to do with things that might obstruct the signal. Heavy rain can slow down the transfer of information between the terrestrial dish and satellite so areas that have a good amount of rain need to take this issue into consideration. There are special dishes that are designed to help combat rain fade. The larger a dish is in diameter, the more surface area there is to receive signals from the satellite. This way even individuals living in rainy areas can access satellite internet.
With proper installation, anyone can start accessing the internet from all over the world with relative ease and comfort. It is a better idea to have the equipment professionally installed because there are parts that could be confusing for someone who is not familiar with the technology. For satellite internet access a person needs an antenna and a dish that is connected to a transmit and receive device. Those items go outside, while inside there is an indoor receive unit and indoor transmit unit that connect to the computer and the dish outside. To make sure that all of the bells and whistles are set up and working properly, professional installation is the safest bet.
