Have you ever longed for the freedom to work, learn and connect to the internet from anywhere? Well, it is possible to access the World Wide Web regardless of your location. Yes, satellite internet has made this possible. As you might guess, it uses the power of space to provide access to the Internet. And it goes without saying that it’s different than your average internet connection.
But the real question is what makes satellite internet worth getting? Are there any benefits? Or are you better off with regular cable internet? Well, that’s what this guide will delve into. So if you’ve been thinking about trying something like Elon Musk’s Starlink, you might want to keep reading.
What is Satellite Internet? How it works?
Before we dive deep, let’s understand what satellite internet is. In simple words, it is technology. It uses the vast space to bridge the internet connectivity gap. Because it uses satellites, it can provide connectivity in difficult places. For example, places where regular cable internet installations are complicated. It can also provide connections where you can’t turn on cellular networks.
Want to know how satellite internet works? This is very different from physical internet options. It does not rely on optical lines or cables. Instead, it uses a network of satellites located high above the Earth’s surface. But satellites aren’t the only part of the story.
These satellites act as intermediaries. They send and receive signals that connect you to the ISP. With a successful connection, you get access to the vast network from anywhere in the world.
Advantages of satellite internet
Now that you have a general idea of satellite internet, let’s get into the details. So, these are the benefits of this revolutionary technology:
It does not need any lines and availability in remote areas
One big advantage of satellite internet is that it offers untethered connectivity. Cable or DSL Internet requires a physical connection through cables or telephone lines. In comparison, newer technology frees you from cables.
This unique feature changes gamers for people in remote areas. It can even be beneficial for places where traditional options are not available.
Easier to connect than dial-up
Slow dial-up speeds can get the best of you. Satellite Internet has the upper hand in this regard. Most dial-up Internet solutions struggle to keep up with even basic browsing. But newer technology can reach download speeds that are enough to get buffer-free streaming.
It also means a smoother online experience. With a good satellite internet connection you can get:
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- Fast download of large files.
- Stream HD videos smoothly.
- Video calls without lag.
- Seamless browsing.
Better stability and reliability
Dial-up connections in remote areas may have poor stability. It can be challenging to get a consistent connection. These problems do not exist in satellite internet. This means you don’t have to worry about dialing and dialing every few minutes.
Here we go, traditional internet options that rely on a network of cables. They also need a lot of ground infrastructure. Well, satellite internet has a minimalist approach. It uses fewer components on the ground. This means better management in places where the weather can get tough.
Minimal ground equipment also reduces the risk of interference. This further ensures that you stay connected. This design also means you can recover faster when something happens. It even makes troubleshooting and repairs easy. You don’t have to deal with much.
Satellite Internet offers better security
It may not seem like it, but satellite Internet offers a surprising security advantage. To fill you in, DSL options share the connection between a large number of users. Newer technology gives you a dedicated connection to the network. This unique feature minimizes the risk of interference. You also get better safety from cyber attacks.
Satellite Internet also uses encryption technology. This encodes your sensitive data into unreadable codes. As a result, even if someone hacks into the connection, they may not be able to extract data.
Disadvantages of satellite internet
Not everything is perfect about satellite internet. There are some drawbacks that you should be aware of. They are:
Latency
Data transmission via satellite internet involves traveling a long distance. Although fast, it introduces lag. This delay is latency, which is comparatively lower in cable analog. So, while you may not face any problems while browsing, online gaming can be a challenge.
Data limits on satellite internet
Elong Musk’s Starlink has an unlimited data plan. But most of the others have data limits. For example, ViaSat and HughesNet are restrictive. You may be cut off if you stay online for too long. Sometimes when you reach your data limit, you may experience:
- Reduced speeds that result in slower browsing.
- Additional charges that are higher than the plan.