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.