Ever craved the freedom to work, learn, and connect to the internet from anywhere? Well, it’s possible to access the World Wide Web regardless of your location. Yes, satellite internet has made that possible. As you may have guessed, it harnesses the power of space to deliver internet access. And it goes without saying that it’s different than your average internet connection.
But the real question is, what makes the satellite internet worth getting? Are there any benefits? Or are you better off with regular wired internet? Well, that’s what this guide will delve deep into. So, if you’ve been thinking of trying something like Elon Musk’s Starlink, you might want to keep on reading.
What Is Satellite Internet? How Does It Work?
Before we dive deep, let’s understand what satellite internet is. In simple words, it is a technology. It utilizes the vastness of space to bridge the gap in internet connectivity. As it uses satellites, it can bring connectivity to challenging locations. For example, places where its regular wired internet installations are complex. It can also bring connections where you can’t get cellular networks on.
Want to know how satellite internet works? It’s very different from physical internet options. It doesn’t rely on optic lines or cables. Instead, it leverages a network of satellites positioned high above the Earth’s surface. But the satellites aren’t the only part of the story.
These satellites act as intermediaries. They send and receive signals, which connect you to the ISP. With a successful connection, you get access to the vast web from anywhere in the world.
Benefits of Satellite Internet
Now that you have a general idea about satellite internet, let’s get into the details. So, these are the benefits of this revolutionary technology:
Doesn’t Need Any Lines and Availability in Remote Areas
One big advantage of satellite internet is that it offers untethered connectivity. Cable or DSL internet needs a physical connection through cables or phone lines. To compare, the newer tech frees you from wires.
This unique feature is a gamer changer for people in remote areas. It can even be beneficial for locations where traditional options are unavailable.
Easier To Connect Than Dial-up Internet
Slow speeds of dial-up internet can get the best of you. Satellite internet has the upper hand in this regard. Most dial-up internet solutions struggle to keep pace with even basic browsing. But the newer tech can reach download speeds that are enough to get buffer-free streaming.
This also translates to a smoother online experience. With a good satellite internet connection, you can get:
- Fast downloads of large files.
- Smooth streaming of high-resolution videos.
- Lag-free video calls.
- Hassle-free browsing experience.
Better Stability and Reliability
Dial-up connections in remote areas can have poor stability. It can be challenging to get an always-on-connection. These issues aren’t there on satellite internet. That means you don’t need to worry about dialing in and dialing out every few minutes.
Moving on, traditional internet options that rely on a network of cables. They also need a lot of ground infrastructure. Well, satellite internet has a minimalistic approach. It uses fewer components on the ground. This translates to better handling in locations where weather can get tricky.
The minimal ground equipment also lowers the risk of disruptions. That 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 need to deal with a lot.
Satellite Internet Offers Better Security
It may not seem like it, but satellite internet offers a surprising advantage in security. To fill you in, DSL options share the connection among a large number of users. The newer tech gives you a dedicated connection to the web. This unique characteristic minimizes the risk of disruptions. You also get better safety from cyberattacks.
Satellite internet also leverages encryption technology. This scrambles your sensitive data into unreadable codes. As a result, even if someone snoops 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 disadvantages that you should know about. They are:
Latency
Data transmission via satellite internet involves traversing a large distance. While it’s fast, it does introduce a delay. This delay is latency, which, in comparison, is lower on cable counterparts. So, although you may not face issues browsing, online gaming can be challenging.
Data Limits on Satellite Internet
Elong Musk’s Starlink does have an unlimited data plan. But most of the others have data caps. For example, ViaSat and HughesNet are restrictive. You can get cut off for staying online for a long time. Sometimes, when you reach the data limit, you may face:
- Reduced speeds that lead to slower browsing.
- Extra charges that are higher than the plan.
