Can I Run A Network On Satellite?
Satellite Internet connections can support a home network in much the same way cable or DSL services do. The equipment required to set this up may be available thorough the satellite provider but more often than not it isn't. This generally means that although home networking isn't supported, if you know how to set it up yourself it will work.
Additional help in setting up a network can usually be found by calling the manufacturer of the hardware purchased, which would include a modem, router, switch, cables, and so forth. The manufacturer's web page may also be a valuable resource, as well as the satellite service's site. Setting up the network isn't particularly difficult if the user has some experience in setting up other networks, and functions about the same as any traditional ones.
One unique issue to keep in mind is that although a user may be increasing the number of computers on a network, the connection and its Fair Use Policy remains unchanged. All satellite providers have a Fair Use Policy which limits the amount of data throughput in a given amount of time (usually measured each month). This means that not only will several computers all using bandwidth intensive applications slow down the connection, but that the available monthly bandwidth will be lost at an accelerated rate. When the allotted bandwidth is used up, the user's connection speed is throttled down to around dial up speed until the next month. If the Fair Use Policy is violated the provider can terminate the user's contract, although several violations are usually required.
For more articles about Satellite Internet Service, plus a form that allows you to check for all major high speed ISPs in your area, return to our main satellite Internet page.