How to Improve Latency for a Satellite Internet Signal

Satellite Internet requires the use of a dish to send and receive signals.

Internet Service Providers are corporations that provide Internet access to consumers at fixed monthly rates. Your ISP distributes Internet via fiber-optic cables or satellite signals. Satellite Internet often has higher latency than fiber-optic cable. Satellite latency (~480 milliseconds) is the result of the curvature of the Earth and the intermittent coverage satellites provide over the globe. You can improve your satellite Internet's latency by reducing the software demands of your computer.

Instructions

1. Mount your satellite dish in a location that is not completely exposed to rain or snow but still has a clear line of sight to the sky. Choose a location like the corner of your house or apartment where the roof overhangs or a tall tree provides overhead cover for the satellite dish.

2. Turn on your computer and connect to the Internet. Examine the programs running on your computer, then close the nonessential applications. This will reduce the drain on your Internet bandwidth and improve your computer's online latency.

3. Do not run video game consoles or online computer games on your satellite Internet connection as they require an enormous amount of Internet bandwidth and will slow down your home's Internet connection. Turning off online games will improve satellite latency and free up bandwidth for browsing the Web or downloading files.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your satellite Internet provider's instructions and equipment manuals before attempting to move or mount your satellite dish yourself.

References

• Sunrise Internet Services Page: What Is Latency?
• High Speed Internet Access Guide: Satellite Internet Latency
• VSAT-Systems: Satellite Internet Latency