Satellites are used to
transmit telephone, television and data signals originated by common
carriers (broadcasters and distributors of broadcast), and cable TV
program material. High-speed Internet access via satellite provides
consumers another wireless alternative and is ideal for businesses and
consumers who can't subscribe to traditional high speed Internet access
methods, such as people residing in remote areas.
Over the past few
years companies have developed a line of service that fills the need for
high speed Internet connections in rural and remote locations. Using
satellites that orbit far above the earth's atmosphere, companies are able
to offer satellite Internet access, including two-way internet service
(the satellites both send and receive data) that is affordable for most
homes and businesses. Because the systems work both up stream and down
stream, there is no need for a phone line in order for these services to
work.
The download and upload speed for satellite Internet access
depends on several factors including: the satellite Internet provider, the
consumer's line of sight to the orbiting satellite, the service package
purchased, and the weather. Typically a consumer can expect to receive
about 500 kilobits per second (kbps) download and approximately 80 kbps
upload. While this type of connection is slower than many Internet access
services provided using cable modem and DSL
connections, it is about 10 times faster than a dial-up
modem.
Setting up satellite Internet access today can be more
costly and more involved than obtaining high-speed Internet access using
DSL or cable modem. A user must have: a two or three foot dish (or "base
station" as it is often called), a satellite Internet modem, and a clear
line of sight to the provider's satellite. The dish will most likely
account for the largest part of the startup
cost.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Satellite
Connections
Satellite access to the Internet is an
alternative to DSL service and cable model service, and in particular, its
major advantage is its ability to reach areas that other alternatives can
not. The line of sight is required for a satellite dish in order to see
the satellite. In extreme weather conditions, the service may get
impacted. The cost of satellite equipment and installation is higher than
other alternatives, and sometimes, providers absorb the cost with various
contractual and marketing promotions. Due to long haul satellite links,
the transmission delay may be higher than other alternatives. This should
not cause any problem for current Internet applications which are mostly
Web surfing and e-mail
applications. |
