Internet technology and the ensuing competition make the world go round and prices begin to fall. Remember the advertising competitions between the two top digital satellite television providers to gain subscribers from cable television providers? Well, they are at it again except offering satellite internet access.
It is not so much competing technology as it is just an alternative for those who live in areas inaccessible by cable or DSL (digital subscriber line) services. At present, satellite internet access is somewhat more expensive than these but provides greater bandwidth availability than dialup and cable access.
One drawback of satellite access is that it uses ‘line of sight’ communications, and transmissions may be blocked by heavy precipitation (signal degradation due or rain fade) and occasional solar interferences. A variation of this is called fixed wireless and uses cell towers. This variation is susceptible to more line of sight problems but has less latency. Satellite technology and competition marches on and with the increased growth and use of the internet, satellite service is growing and improving in popularity, practicality, and decreasing in price.
Satellite internet technology has provided internet access to millions from fixed-position (geostationary) located approximately 22,300 miles above the earth by transmitting digital signals to subscriber antennas and receivers. There are two forms of satellite internet access – one-way and two-way. One-way transmissions from the satellite to your antenna do not permit transmission of data upstream in the same manner and demands that you transmit data via a dialup connection. This basically means that only the downstream data is being received from a satellite. Two-way satellite internet connections allows for both downstream and upstream transmissions. Two-way transmissions are the most commonly used types of satellite connectivity. Basically, the satellite receiver that is connected to your computer forwards digital signals to the out-door satellite antenna which then transmits signals to the satellite or transponder. The satellite then receives and decodes transmissions and forwards them to their NOC or network operations center on earth where the data request is transmitted again to the internet by land-based infrastructures. Data transmissions from the internet are then routed using the same process in reverse with their final destination being your computer. It must be noted that there may be a half-second time delay and this may or may not present a concern. Two-way satellite connectivity enables 24-hour access making it quite reliable. An always on connection makes connectivity more convenient and dependable than other connections. If your location makes it impossible to use DSL or cable, satellite internet service may just be the option to provide you the computer freedom you require.
Check out the offers and options of satellite internet providers and select the one that best fits your individual needs and circumstances.
A pioneer in technology reporting, Julia Hall has published articles about the latest digital devices and gadgets for over ten years. After graduating from MIT with a degree in electrical engineering, Julia turned down huge salaries from some of the most recognized fortune 500 companies in the world to pursue her dream of becoming a leading consumer advocate. Julia uses his expertise to cut through the too good to be true deals offered by high tech companies to reveal the real steals and the real duds that we're bombarded with daily. If you enjoy staying on the cutting edge of technology, whether for business or pleasure, but find yourself occassionaly confused by the overwhelming and convoluted information out there let Julia show you the way.
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