The future of satellite communications

June 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Artist's conception of a WGS satellite in orbit 

Image via Wikipedia

The future of satellite communications looks promising. Satellites will become the backbone of telecommunications. Doing away cable, optic fibers, and other modes of data-line infrastructure, the future seems headed for satellite based communications.

As mobile phones need to get faster and smarter, it needs able supporting infrastructure. Existing infrastructure may be augmented to support this need. But it is limited. With satellite communications, opportunities for speed and efficiency are unlimited.

Satellites have been around for long, since the 1960s. The use of satellites then was not considered. High costs were detrimental for the development of satellite technology. Satellites were huge, heavy, and every expensive to put into orbit.

But things have changed. Now cost is overseen by the benefits satellites offer to communication providers. Satellites are able to provide faster radio signal processing. The digital revolution has created the need for satellites. Satellite television for example, is an example of how satellites are used to stream television channels.

Mobile telephony has increased in adoption. Now everyone has a mobile. Even a beggar does. With a surge in demand for communications, there is also pressure on service providers to provide infrastructure to handle this demand. Which means networks have to be expanded.

Telecommunications providers do not want to lose out on markets. Their lack of physical presence, in terms of communications infrastructure in these regions, means they have lost out on a jackpot. Over here, satellite-based communication is a saving grace.

Satellite-based services will only increase in the coming decades. In tune with the change, devices will change. We  may have different looking television sets, and mobile phones.

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Subscribing to Satellite Internet

January 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Everyone is always looking for the best when it comes to the Internet. Many people don’t know a lot about satellite and while it’s used mostly for people who work from remote places, it can be a great way to get Internet if high speed isn’t available in your area. Here are a few tips on subscribing to satellite Internet.

You’d be surprised at the amount of satellite plans available to you so having some sort of a budget will be very beneficial to you. When you’re thinking about how much to spend, think about whether or not you’re looking for just the Internet or Internet and phone service. A great way to save money is by purchasing a bundle with your Internet and television provider.

With satellite Internet it’s important to make sure that your house or business has a perfect a clear of the sky and facing the south. This will give your satellite the best connection. Not having this clear view can create problems with your satellite Internet service.

One quick way to know if you can have satellite Internet is based on whether or not you’re able to get satellite television in your area. If you answer no to this question than you won’t be able to get satellite Internet.

Before choosing an Internet satellite company, do your research online. Find out what people are saying about the company. You want a provider that’s reliable and won’t have any issues with.

Consider what plans the companies are offering in your price range before signing a contract. Once a contract has been purchased a technician in your area will come to your house or office to install your satellite dish as well as your modem for the Internet.

Getting your satellite dish can be a really simple task if you know exactly what you’re looking for. Do your research and make sure that satellite Internet is available in your area beforehand.

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Making Your Computer a Gaming Machine

January 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Online casinos offer dozens of great games for you to choose from. Even the classics are becoming flashier, probably in an effort to match up to the newer games and to stay interesting even though everybody already knows how to play. Flashier games mean more exciting game play–and you don’t want to miss out on that!

To ensure that your computer can run any game from any online casino, you’ll need to address several things. For starters, you’ll need a good Internet connection because it is naturally vitally important for any online game. “Good” means fast as well as stable. Your computer can only run the graphics of a game as fast as your Internet connection can download the data, and if the Internet switches from high quality to low quality and back again a lot, there may be freeze-frames and other glitches that make your gaming experience less enjoyable.

Keeping your computer’s software up to date is also extremely important. The most cutting-edge games require the most current operating system and drivers in order to work. Some games may require you to download programs such as Java or Flash to play them, as well.

Last but not least, your computer’s hardware has to be up to date. For the best online casino experience, make sure your computer has the following:

  • Enough RAM: upgrading your RAM can give instant and dramatic improvement in how fast your computer processes data.
  • A good graphics card: the graphics card renders 3D imagery and certain games require newer and faster models to function well.
  • An efficient cooling system: the better a computer runs online games, the hotter it tends to get; multiple CPU fans might be a good idea.
  • The latest operating system: the newest games might not run on anything older, so stay up to date.

Follow these steps and your computer will easily handle the technical stuff so that you can have fun playing and winning!

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Hooking Up Your Wireless High Speed Internet

January 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Having high speed Internet will give you a better Internet connection than dial-up ever could. Setting up a wireless network for the Internet is a pretty simple task to do. All that’s needed is a wireless router that you will connect to the Internet. If it’s not included with the computer, you might need wireless cards.

To hook up your wireless high speed Internet, simply take the main source of the Internet provider and connect that to your modem, whether it’s a cable or phone jack.

Take your Ethernet cable and plug it into the output of your wireless router. Then take your router, plug it in and turn it on.

To configure your router, follow the manual that was included. This is where you’re going to log onto your ISP address and use the username and password given to you when the Internet was set up.

Next you’ll pick the name for your network and password. This is where you’re going to decide if you want to use your Wi-Fi, Mac computers automatically come with this feature, or your Wireless encryption.

To get into the wireless network settings from your computer, go to your control panel menu. You can also just right-click the icon on your task bar. Click on the option that says, “view available wireless networks” and find your network. Go ahead and hit “connect” and put in your username and password.

Finally, open up your Internet browser to make sure that you’ve successfully connected to the Internet.

Hooking up your wireless high speed Internet might seem like a difficult and tricky task, but it really isn’t. Simply follow the instructions and you’ll be on your way to having the best high-speed Internet connection. If you run into trouble along the way, contact your Internet provider, they’ll guide you until you’ve got your Internet up and running.

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How Satellite Internet Works

January 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Satellite Internet is basically using satellite technology in order to get the Internet. With satellite there are three parts, first is the satellite itself, then there are two modems and coaxial cables, which runs to the modem from your satellite. The hub is where the Internet signal will begin. This signal then gets sent to the satellite dish that’s currently orbiting the Earth from you dish. Your coaxial cables will be connected into your dish, which is used to run your Internet signal to your router. From there it goes to the computer.

Most of the time Internet companies using satellite will use IP multitasking technology. The problem many people had with dial-up was that it couldn’t handle a ton of bandwidth all at once. With multitasking technology the satellite can actually have 5,000 users at the same time on one satellite. Another plus is that it will compress information files, which will let even more data be sent at the same time.

To have satellite Internet all that’s needed is the correct equipment. Another important requirement is having perfect view of the southern sky. Having a clear line between both the dish and the orbiting satellite is important because that strong, clear shot will give you the best Internet connection since you’re relying on that signal in order to connect to the Internet.

There are some benefits of using satellite Internet. It’s great for active people who are always on the move or in areas where cable Internet isn’t available just yet. Satellite Internet is also will also give you 10 times more speed than dial-up.

Even though satellite is faster than dial-up, it’s still slower than cable. It’s more limited to the amount of traffic that the dish can handle at once, causing the Internet to be slow during the time when the Internet is the busiest.

It’s always best to do some research before deciding if satellite Internet is right for you.

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Hooking Up Your Satellite Internet Service

January 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are many different Internet options out there for people to choose from. While many people choose between DSL and cable, there is another option available to you. Your third option would be using a satellite to connect to the Internet.

There is some good news about setting up a satellite Internet connection… it’s super easy! Switching over to satellite and setting up the connection is no different than setting up your DSL or cable Internet. For those looking to make the switch to satellite, here are a few simple steps to follow.

First decide which satellite provider you want to go with. Find out which service providers are available for you and choose a few you feel have the best coverage at the most affordable price. Keep in mind that prices could vary depending on your location. Majority of the satellite television service providers will offer Internet service. If you’re with the Dish Network or Direct TV, give them a call to see if they offer satellite Internet and for how much. They might even offer a great deal since you have satellite TV.

Now you’ll want to set up your account. You will need to set up an appointment for a technician from the company to install and set up the satellite Internet in your home. The technician will install, calibrate and wire the satellite modem to the dish, which will allow you to connect your computer to the dish.

Next take a router and connect it to your satellite Internet. The router is used for those with multiple computers sharing the Internet. If there’s just one computer in the home, the router won’t be necessary. In that case, just run your Ethernet cable to the satellite modem and you’re good to go!

Setting up satellite Internet is not much different than setting up your DSL or cable. Just know there are many different options for you when it comes to the Internet.

Filed Under: Internet, Satellite Tagged With: ,

The Net As We Know It

December 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Net As We Know It

Most people have no idea how the internet works; aside from the vague idea that it involves bouncing data off of satellites. While this rings of truth, such an oversimplification of the web takes away the significance of communications technology, such as Cisco’s most recent accomplishment: a functional space-based router.

How It Works
“Network” is a term that refers to a system of interconnected computers. These connections, wired and/or wireless, and enable the computers to communicate, sending and receiving data per user commands. However, this data is not sent in a complete form, but rather segmented by the sending computer and pieced together by the receiver.

These pieces of data, or “packets,” are transferred one-at-a-time, under the direction of a “router.” Routers determine the order and route the data travels. As the network grows, more routers are used to direct data traffic.

At a certain point a computer on this network may wish to connect to another computer on a different network. Internet Service Providers enable this connection by agreeing to link their data traffic at certain points. These points are called Network Access Points (NAPS).

But what about the satellites? The satellites are simply mirrors, catching and reflecting packets between physically distant routers. They do not actually open or direct packets–yet.

The Problems
1. The problem with this system is in its limited mobility. Wireless devices have to be within range of a receiver to access or send packets; which, in practical terms, means weak signal in your own home and no cellular service when you need it most.

2. Packets are not routed and given priority based on urgency. A streaming video, may be divided into thousands of packets, each routed through a slightly different path. The result? Slow or stuttering video for you, the viewer.

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Thales Alenia Space Sits Out of Satellite Contest

December 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Thales Alenia Space : satellite meteo
Image by pm12dindin via Flickr

In the business world, it’s usually a smart idea to take advantage of a good thing while it lasts. That’s one reason why many are surprised that Thales Alenia Space will not be entering the bidding war for the manufacturing of the Turksat 4A and 4B, which are the latest telecommunications satellites in development with Turkey’s Turksat. Most of the previous spacecraft developed by Turksat went on to manufacturing at Thales Alenia Space.

With the most commonly used manufacturer out of the picture, other companies are jumping at the chance to win the bid, and Turksat has reported it has received the best-and-final offers from all bidders hoping to get in on the deal. Companies that have turned in bids include Japan-based Mitsubishi Electric Corp, the United States’ Lockheed Martin Space Systems, and the United States’ Orbital Science.

As of the end of October 2010, Turksat was already over due to announce the winner of the bid, which could push its plans to have the new satellite telecommunication devices in place by 2012. The companies vying for the bid will have to wait and see whether the delay affects Turksat’s timetable.

Orbital Sciences is a company based in Dulles, VA. It has worked with Thales Alenia Space in the past, but the manufacturing project would be the first time the company has won on its own, should Turksat pick them. Orbital will also be competing head-on with Astrium, which has partnered with the Indian Space Research Organization, for small telecommunications satellites. Astrium’s product hasn’t raised much interest in the market yet.

If Lockheed Martin secures the project, it would be one step toward the company’s plan to increase its profile in the commercial satellite market. The company has not announced contingency plans connected to this yet, but may should they fail to get the project.

In a bidding war with no answer, the only thing certain is that it won’t be Thales Alenia Space.

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The Networking Experience: Social Media Software

December 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Desk Diary 2010/06/22
Image by Danny Choo via Flickr

It was meant to be an idle search, a rare waste of hours, as your duties as a parent leave you with little time for indulgences. Too often you must ignore all thrills, dedicating yourself instead to the needs of your family. The notion of simply scrolling through networking sites is unfamiliar (but no less wanted), but suddenly you find yourself doing just that. Blogs are read. Message boards are examined. And, when a whim leads you finally to seek out an old acquaintance, you are amazed by what you find: post after post is filled to their name. Your friend is online.

And you begin to realize what this can mean.

The concept of social networking is one too often dominated by youth. Individuals believe it to be only for teens and their obsessions, the trade of music and secret jokes. But this idea can have far greater implications, and stay at home mothers should understand just how those implications can be applied to them.

There are endless ways to connect online. The use of social media software (such as networking websites and communities) allow users to seek each other out, discovering shared interests and experiences. Past friends can reunite, separated families can meet again, and strangers can become close companions with hobbies bonding even the most disparate of personalities.

This is invaluable for mothers who have little time to leave their homes, who must instead stay near their children. Obligations can’t be refused. Affection can’t be denied. Their schedule is simply too crowded for outside adventures, but this does not include the ones found within a computer. A monitor can become a much needed gateway.

Gaining relationships is essential for all individuals. Social media simply makes it easy. Through the tap of a keyboard the world can be revealed, and parents will then discover easy conversations and far easier rewards.

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Filed Under: Information Tech., Internet, Satellite Tagged With: , , , ,

Wireless Internet and Your Laptop

October 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment
A woman typing on a laptop
Image via Wikipedia

One of the great things about having a laptop is that you can take it anywhere. However, while that’s a great feature, one of the drawbacks is that your laptop isn’t able to access wireless internet wherever it goes. The only place that you will be able to log on to the internet is where wireless internet is offered. These are places such as the library, internet cafes, Starbucks and other remote locations featuring this free service to you, and when the service is free there is always a chance of extra files being downloaded. This can cause your memory to be taken up, so before taking advantage of free WiFi cloud storage might be something to consider.

The fact that laptops can’t access wireless internet everywhere is irritating when you consider that the iPhone has wireless internet service virtually anywhere it goes. Well, the good news is that there are a couple ways you can bring wireless internet to your laptop no matter where you are! You just need to decide which one is the best for you.

Use Your iPhone: If you have an iPhone then you do have the ability to get wireless internet to your laptop. There are several applications out there that will give your iPhone the ability to transform itself into a modem for your laptop. However, keep in mind that to access these apps, you will most likely have to jailbreak your iPhone 3.0 first. But, if you have an iPhone 4.0, internet tethering is supported by AT&T when you purchase the Tethering Plan for an additional $20 a month.

Purchase an Internet Air Card: If you don’t have an iPhone, these little gadgets are great for accessing wireless internet on your laptop. Companies like AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint and Sierra Wireless all have air cards that allow laptops to access wireless internet. However, before you purchase an air card, take the time to analyze how much internet usage you require and how much your budget will allow. For example, some air cards allow you two to five megabytes and others only allow 250 gigabytes. Naturally, the price varies for these air cards too. You may be looking at $40 a month or $80 a month – all depending on how much data usage you need. So, make your decision carefully!

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Filed Under: Internet, Satellite, Wireless Technology Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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