How Does Satellite Internet Work?

Satellite internet connects homes and businesses across the country. Other internet services require extensive and expensive infrastructure, frequently unavailable in rural locations. In contrast, satellite internet only requires a satellite dish and modem for reliable connectivity, no matter how remote your location. 

So how does satellite internet work, and what are its benefits? Here, we’ll break down the basics, from how satellites transmit internet data to installation requirements and availability in your area. 

The Fundamentals of Satellite Internet 

J3 satellite above earth

Orbiting Satellites & Ground Stations 

There are three main types of orbiting satellites: low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO). Each serves different purposes, from GPS and Earth observation to communications. Hughesnet® uses geostationary satellites (GEO), which remain fixed over one point on the Earth’s surface, allowing us to provide broad internet coverage across the United States—even in rural or remote areas where landline coverage is not available. 

Data Transmission Flow: A Primer 

For home satellite internet, data travels from the home’s satellite dish to the orbiting satellite, to the ground station, out to the internet, and then back again. Here’s how the process works: 

Step 1: A request for a Web page is sent from your computer to a satellite about 22,000 miles out in space. At this altitude, the satellite's period of rotation (24 hours) matches the Earth's, and the satellite always remains in the same spot over the Earth (geosynchronous orbit). 

Step 2: The satellite contacts the Hughes Network Operations Center (NOC) which locates the specific Website you have requested. 

Step 3: The Website beams the information back along the same path to the NOC, then to the satellite, and then to your computer or device through your Hughesnet dish and modem.

How satellite internet works

A satellite internet connection requires a satellite dish installed at the user’s location and a Wi-Fi modem. This modem is a combination modem/router. Modems decode the signal from the satellite into usable data, while the router acts as the foundation of your Wi-Fi network and forwards data to connected devices. 

If you live in the contiguous United States, Puerto Rico, or Alaska, you can connect to high-speed satellite internet with Hughesnet—making it an excellent choice when you need internet for rural areas. You only need a clear view of the southern sky. 

Yes. Data is relayed back and forth between users, satellites, and ground stations, which provide access to the larger internet. 

Getting satellite internet is easy. Choose the Hughesnet internet plan that fits your needs. Once you sign up for the plan, you schedule installation with a certified installer to mount and set up your satellite dish and modem. 

  • Coverage makes satellite internet ideal for homes in remote and rural locations.
  • Installation is simple: select a convenient date and time with a Hughesnet technician.
  • Perfect for everyday online activities such as browsing, streaming, video calls, and more. Continuously improving technology has resulted in higher speeds and lower latency. 

A Hughesnet technician will visit your home or business and choose the best location for your satellite dish. This location will have an unobstructed view of the southern sky. The technician mounts the dish and aligns it to match the satellite’s orbital position precisely. Hughesnet Select, Elite and Fusion plans include a built-in Wi-Fi Modem featuring Wi-Fi 6 technology. The advanced, built-in Wi-Fi delivers improved speed with enhanced security and better performance for multiple devices. 

Want a more detailed explanation of the installation process? Check out our blog post on how satellite internet is installed.

The best satellite internet providers offer reliable internet service with a range of affordable high-speed plans. Look for a provider that, like Hughesnet, offers free professional installation and unlimited data. Also, look for promotional offers, like $25 per month for 12 months, and introductory discounts in certain geographic areas.

Connections Where You Love to Live

With satellite internet, you no longer need to sacrifice connectivity to live where you want. Orbiting satellites and ground stations make it possible to deliver internet connections wherever you live. Hughesnet continues to improve satellite internet technology through innovations like the Hughesnet Fusion® plan, which combines satellite and wireless technologies to provide a low-latency internet experience. Fusion plans use multipath technology to offer a fast and responsive experience with added reliability. 

Explore Fusion availability and Hughesnet satellite internet options where you live. 

Fusion How it Works

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