How to Hook Up Satellite Internet Service

Ethernet Cable

Today's world brings us a wealth of options for access to the Internet. Cable, DSL and old-fashioned dial-up are all viable options. Another option that is gaining in popularity is via a satellite connection. A transmission beamed from Earth's orbit to your computer and back again brings the web, chat rooms, e-mail and more to your computer at incredibly fast speeds. Setting up your satellite Internet connection is no more difficult than using any other type of connection. If you're considering using a dish, follow these steps to hook up your satellite Internet service.

Things You'll Need

• Satellite Internet provider Satellite modem Router Ethernet cables Computer

Instructions

1. Choose a satellite service provider. Evaluate the service providers that are in your area and choose the one that has the strongest coverage at the best price. This may vary according to your location. One of the most popular companies in the United States is Hughes Net, which is listed in the Resources section below. Most satellite television providers, such as Dish Network or Direct TV, also can provide you with satellite Internet service.

2. Sign up for an account with the company you selected in the previous step. Schedule an appointment for the satellite service provider to come to your home so that the dish can be installed. Allow the service technician to install and calibrate the dish. The technician also will wire a satellite modem to the dish, which is how your computer will connect into the system.

3. Think about how many computers will be accessing the Internet from your satellite Internet service. If only one computer is used, run an ethernet cable from the satellite modem to the ethernet port on your computer. You are now hooked up and connected to the Internet. If multiple computers require an Internet connection, continue to the next step.

4. Connect a router to your satellite Internet service. Using a router allows multiple computers to share the same Internet connection. Begin by plugging an ethernet cable into the satellite model. Plug the other end of the ethernet cable into the "link in" port on your router. Your router now has access to the satellite Internet connection.

5. Use ethernet cables to connect your computers to the router. Plug one end of the ethernet cable into the ethernet port on the back of the computer, and plug the other end of the cable into one of the numbered ports on the router. Repeat this process for each computer. You can typically connect up to five devices to each router.

Tips & Warnings

• Your satellite Internet service may lose its connection in extremely bad weather. If the weather gets bad, save a copy of your work more frequently than you normally do.

Resources

• Hughes Net Satellite Internet Service
• Skycasters Satellite Internet
• Find Local Satellite Service