Internet Satellite Technology

Internet satellite connections use a satellite and modem to connect a computer to the Internet. The technology involved includes a satellite in space. The technology works by bouncing a signal from that satellite to a home modem.

Satellites

Internet satellite technology depends on satellites. These satellites use higher frequencies to allow more data to be sent. Internet satellite is about as fast as other high-speed Internet connections and uses the Ka satellite band. Satellite users have a dish somewhere on the home or business to capture the signal.

Latency

Because information has to travel from the satellite to a home or business, a lag exists. That is known as latency, usually about 230 milliseconds. This lag makes online gaming and voice over Internet difficult.

Downloads

Downloads on Internet satellites are limited by the provider and more downloads generally mean paying more money. If a user goes over the amount of allowed downloads in a day, the user will not be allowed to download until the next day. This limit is placed because downloads take a lot of the satellite's resources.

References

• WildBlue: How It Works
• Make Use Of: How Satellite Internet Works