PANetworks

So, you’ve decided that you want to try to install your satellite internet yourself. This is an admirable task, and certainly will be a challenge for you, unless you’re a trained and licensed technician. Whether you were looking for an interesting hardware project to spend your day on, or simply wanted to save some money on installation, there are a few tips that you can follow in order to make your life easier:

Check your coordinates. Okay, now check them again. Done? Okay, one more time.

Your internet speed is going to rely completely on the coordinates that you’re using, and how accurately you configure them. The coordinates indicate an appropriate line of sight between the receiver and the orbiting satellite itself. A poor coordinate configuration will lead to little or no internet connectivity. If you don’t have coordinates, then you will want to contact your internet service provider in order to find them. Save this information in case you need to adjust it later.

Don’t get set on one installation location.

Sometimes trying to install the satellite receiver in the first place that seems convenient is a less than good idea. Sometimes it’s like trying to fit a square block through a triangle hole. Check out multiple potential areas for installation within your immediate location in order to find the right one for you. Be aware of natural features that may get in the way of connection, including how easily animals could topple the receiver itself.

Prepare your tools beforehand.

This isn’t a project for the handy person who only have a hammer in their belt pouch. You’re going to need drill bits of different sizes, a screw driver, and pliers at the ready.

Get educated on installation.

If your internet provider didn’t send you a pamphlet or installation guide, track one down. Once you have a guide, be sure to read it. Incorrectly connecting plugs, cables, or antenna will do more than make the installation more difficult. It can completely destroy your costly receiver equipment.

It is undeniable that Satellite internet is faster than dial-up in essentially every way. Satellite is also more accessible in remote locations, including in rural portions of the world that have no chance of DSL or Cable internet access, and even on RVs. However, it is also undeniable that not every internet based utility will work appropriately with Satellite. So, what does work on Satellite, and what doesn’t?

Things that Don’t Work

Satellite internet has a one word problem. “Latency.” Gamers are likely to know this term by the slang version, “lag.” This latency is the delay between the receiver requesting data and the satellite sending it down, across those twenty-three thousand miles between the two. The delay is really very minor, ranging from about 520 milliseconds to 840 milliseconds. In other words, it never even reaches a full second of delay. However, even this fraction of a second prevent certain activities.

Voice chatting and video chatting programs simply won’t work in this way, since the delay causes overlap issues that prevent the real time processing from functioning. Any real time program that requires real time internet access to function will be similarly hindered. Video games often fall into this category, especially if it is a multi player shooter, or any other game which requires real time response. Certain video games, such as MMORPGs, can be played with some effectiveness, although certain areas of the game will become either frustrating or impossible.

Things that Work

So, latency provides a major issue, but what happens outside the latency? Once the connection is established and the data is sent, the internet speed is comparable to broadband. This means that page load times will be low, but extended by the fraction of a second delay mentioned above, and that long downloads will be completed just as fast as they would be on broadband. Anything that doesn’t require a real time connection will function just fine, with that small delay being the only disadvantage of satellite when compared to broadband.

Latency, more commonly known as “lag,” is the worst enemy of PC gamers worldwide. It can also interfere with accessing websites, using real time internet services, and provide general annoyance worse than hairballs in your spaghetti. Most people know that internet latency is this bad, but these people frequently aren’t aware of the exact definition of latency. So, what is latency, and what causes it?

What is latency?

Latency is the delay between sending a request to your internet network and receiving a response. It covers a huge variety of potential kinds of delays related to hardware and internet service. “Low latency” is the qualification given to a network with minimal delays, but can vary greatly in actual technical abilities. Latency is measured in milliseconds, and what is “bad” or “good” latency will vary dependent on your activity. For internet gamers and real-time application users, a latency of less than a hundred ms is generally required. For many others, a latency of 200 to 800 is acceptable.

What isn’t latency?

It is important to clarify that latency is not the same thing as bandwidth. Bandwidth is the amount of data that you can transfer at a time from your internet service provider. As such, slow download rates, page load times, and internet streaming are not due to latency, but bandwidth issues, in almost all cases.

What causes latency?

There are many different sources of latency, but they all have to do with not receiving or sending data to your internet service provider as quickly as possible. The first major cause is computer based. If your computer doesn’t have up to date hardware, software, or firmware, you may be bottlenecking your internet access on your computer. The second major cause is home hardware based. If you have an out of date router or modem, a wireless connection from a long distance away or that has to deal with large amounts of interference, you will be creating additional unnecessary delays. The third major cause is service based. Some cheap internet providers have latency issues, and some internet types, like satellite internet, come with built in high latency.

People are becoming more and more aware of Satellite internet. There are many reasons for this. Large companies, such as Hughes Net, have launched aggressive advertising campaigns on the radio and television. Major satellite web providers have also been able to reduce their prices significantly while simultaneously increasing their speed. All of this has meant that satellite is more visible and more appealing. Still, satellite internet isn’t the best option for everyone. Here are the major advantages and disadvantages of satellite internet connection:

On the Plus Side

Satellite internet is fast, with download and upload speeds up to five times faster than dial-up, and only marginally slower than many standard DSL and Cable connections.

Unlike dial-up, satellite doesn’t disrupt your phone service or require an extra phone line. In addition, unlike some cable internet, satellite won’t cause any potential problems with your cable connection.

Satellite internet isn’t impacted by wiring problems, so it is often more reliable than other internet sources.

Satellite is available almost everywhere. Even recluses hiding in a cabin in the Wyoming wilderness will be able to get a solid satellite connection – something that is absolutely not possible to do with DSL or Cable.

On the Down Side

While the prices of Satellite internet are currently comparable to DSL and Cable internet, that still makes it more expensive than dial-up.

Satellite internet has higher setup fees than other forms of internet, since you need to purchase the appropriate hardware and have it installed by a certified technician.

There is a small amount of latency with the connection. Latency, the delay between taking an action and getting a result, will not be a problem for most. However, for people using the internet for gaming, voice chats, or video conferences, the latency will cause a very real disruption.

FAP, or the “fair access policy,” creates some limitations for heavy internet users. This policy, implemented by most satellite companies, makes sure that all users have equal access to the satellite’s data transmission power, and can create significant slow-down to especially large downloads.

Even with super-fast internet connection, the best possible hardware, and no major bugs, it’s possible that you’re not getting the most out of your home’s wireless internet. Here are a few quick tips on getting better signal strength and faster connection with your home’s wireless router.

1. Position, position, position.

Your wireless router should be placed in the most central location possible. The router will “bubble out” from where it is positioned, so if it’s placed close to the edge of the home, much of the signal strength will be wasted. If you absolutely can’t move it, there are different antenna types that can be used so your wireless stream isn’t being wasted.

2. Make your hardware as shiny as possible.

If you don’t already have a top-of-the-line router, you can always look into something that has a little more strength. When you’re buying your modem and router, you will get more bang for your buck by investing in multiple items from the same vendor, since doing so has shown a strong tendency to increase the hardware efficiency. Beyond your router, your computer’s network adapter might get a fair deal stronger with replacement. If you can’t, or just don’t want to, replace your hardware, make sure that your firmware and device drivers are all up to date. You can also invest in extras like wireless repeaters in order to bolster signal strength in all portions of your house.

3. Get rid of interference.

There are many things that can get in the way of your router’s transmission. Metal objects, or metal materials as a part of your decor, can disrupt your wireless broadcast. Other wireless devices, such as cordless phones, can also get in the way. Getting rid of these items, moving them to different areas, or moving your router away from them, can all help improve your signal strength.

4. Secure your network.

If your internet connection isn’t password protected, it’s entirely likely that other people are leeching off of it, and that’s one surefire way to hurt your signal strength. Simply adding a password to your wireless router will get rid of these unwelcome guests.

Satellite internet connections are more and more popular, largely thanks to new technologies that allow for faster connection speeds and lower prices for subscribers. The wireless internet provided by satellite companies is certainly faster than dial-up alternatives, and is far more readily available in rural areas than DSL or Cable internet. So, how exactly is satellite internet able to offer affordable and speedy internet access to such a broad geographic area?

One of the reasons that the price and speed for satellite net connections has improved is the approach known as geostationary connection. Geostationary connection gets your home’s satellite receiver in touch with a satellite that is always in the same direction. Obviously, the satellite is constantly revolving around the world, so it’s not in the same “position.” However, it is revolving on a trajectory that allows it to be in the same position relative to your receiver. This means fewer problems maintaining a stable connection, lower installation costs, and greater overall performance consistency.

In order to cover all these different areas, different satellites are launched. An independent satellite is needed for each area the size of the state of Wyoming, give or take. These satellites themselves function at an incredibly high “rate of transfer,” or in more common terms, speed. Their frequency is 18 ghz or higher – an earth shattering speed so impressive that it would overload your computer. So the transmission of data goes between the satellite and the receiver, and the receiver’s hardware tones down the data before it gets to your computer, or before your information is transmitted up to the satellite, minimizing the amount of data that actually needs to be displayed or sent. This transfer and conversion is what causes the latency often associated with satellite net connect ions.

This conversion also works to minimize the total data that can be transfered. This works to the advantage of all subscribers in the area, since all of the people using the same satellite will take up a portion of that satellite’s resources.

Everyone’s life gets crazy. When you just can’t think straight anymore, use these four steps to staying sane.

Time. Take time to breathe. Every day, you should have ten to fifteen minutes of time to yourself to collect yourself and refresh. Their should be no ifs or buts about it—without it, you won’t stay sane at all. If Baby goes down for a nap, first take 10 minutes to yourself before rushing off to clean. If you’re a planner who schedules your day to the last half-hour, leave at least one half-hour slot open. This will give you more leeway in case you run behind, and allow you to feel less rushed and feel able to take those ten minutes you need.

Place. It is important to have a safe place you can run to that energizes you. If you have a garden, go walk around in it. If you really love your porch, sit on the swing. If incomplete projects bother you, try to create one space where everything is done—even if its just the wall-papered powder room downstairs. If messes bother you, clean one corner of a room and sit with your back to the rest of the mess.

Action. Once you are in a place that calms and energizes you (or at least doesn’t make you more anxious), do something you enjoy. Pick up your favorite book and read your favorite part, or do a little crocheting. If you still need calming, put in a good cd, close your eyes and listen to it. Lay on the floor and relax. Meditate or pray. Do whatever will relax you and release the tension that has built up over the day.

Be Thankful. Focus on what you have to be grateful for—a nice neighborhood, a good family, a job at all. Try pulling out old pictures and remembering good times you’ve have and be thankful for them. Remember the people in your life who support you.

These simple ways to distress might just be enough to help you keep your head in your crazy day.