- Information Technology
What is Satellite Internet, and Should I Use It?
New Zealand, like many other countries, has been utilizing satellite technology for internet connectivity since the 1980’s, particularly in remote and rural areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is challenging to deploy.
Satellite internet uses geostationary satellites that orbit the Earth at the same speed, allowing them to remain stationary relative to a specific location. These satellites make long-distance communication possible by relaying signals between ground stations and satellite dishes. These services are often used to bring internet access to areas where traditional wired infrastructure is impractical.
Over time, advancements in satellite technology have enhanced the speed and reliability, making satellite internet a more viable option, not only for rural and remote areas but also for users in suburban locations where traditional broadband services may be limited.
Satellite internet can be weather-dependent; it relies on line-of-site communication between a satellite in orbit and a ground-based satellite dish, twice. The signals travel from the user’s dish to the satellite and then back down to an earth station, which is then connected to the internet backbone.
Weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or thick clouds, can potentially interfere with the signals traveling between the satellite and the ground. Rain, in particular, can absorb or scatter the satellite signals, leading to a temporary decrease in signal quality or even a total loss of connectivity. This phenomenon is known as rain fade. Newer satellite technologies and designs aim to mitigate the impact of weather conditions on satellite internet.
Despite advancements, satellite internet may still experience some performance degradation during severe weather events. In comparison, other types of internet connections are generally less susceptible to weather-related disruptions.
Satellite connections are typically asynchronous
A term used to describe the difference between the download and upload speeds of an internet connection. Using a popular business system, the download speeds published vary between 40 and 220 Mbps, and the upload speed will wander between 8 and 25 Mbps.
Synchronous connections are used for “real-time” communication: Like a video or voice meeting and playing on a high ping server, if your timing is out, things go bad.
An asynchronous connection are best for browsing the internet, or checking your email. A big burst of data downloaded, as we open our favourite apps/websites, then not much for a few minutes/seconds whilst we digest the new intel.
One of the technical challenges instigated by the online gaming industry, now taken up by streaming services, is the problem of finding enough performance from a highly distributed, hop intensive network. Improvements have been made, but there is still work to do.
You may be interested in these articles
Navigating the World of Internet of Things (IoT): Connecting the Physical and Digital
Dive into the transformative realm of IoT with our blog. Explore the synergy between the physical and digital worlds, unlocking new possibilities in our interconnected future.
Cybersecurity in a Hyperconnected World: Strategies for Protection and Resilience
Navigate the cyber landscape with our blog on ‘Cybersecurity in a Hyperconnected World.’ Uncover protection strategies and build resilience in an era of heightened connectivity.
The Rise of Edge Computing: Revolutionizing the IT Landscape
Discover the future of IT in ‘The Rise of Edge Computing’ blog. Unravel its game-changing impact on technology. Stay ahead in the dynamic world of computing evolution.
