What is Satellite Internet, How it Works, Its Advantages and Disadvantages

Jio Space Technology Limited:

The company has announced the launch of Jio Space Technology Limited, which is a joint venture between Reliance Jio and SES, a Luxembourg-based provider of satellite content connectivity solutions. Through satellite technology, the company plans to bring scalable and affordable broadband to more Indian cities and towns. In Jio Space Technology Limited, Jio and SES will have 51 percent and 49 percent ownership stakes, respectively.

Multi-orbit satellite constellations - a combination of geostationary satellites and medium earth orbit satellites - are being designed to offer many gigabit-speed connections, while also providing power to enterprises and retailers across India. In addition to offering its services to Indian customers, the venture will serve a few international aeronautical and maritime customers as well.

Here we will discuss Satellite Internet and how it works, along with its advantages and disadvantages.

Satellite Internet - What is it?

Three satellite dishes provide a user with access to the web with satellite Internet: one orbiting in space, one positioned at the hub of their internet service provider, and one on their property. Satellite Internet uses a dish installed on your property to send a wireless signal to a geosynchronous satellite in space, which allows you to surf the internet without worrying about underground wiring. Signals are transmitted wirelessly from your internet access point back to your dish, modem, and then onto your computer, resulting in a completely wireless connection to the web. Satellite Internet works just like any other type of internet connection, so you can do all the things you normally do online, such as download, stream, upload, and play games. If you are using satellite Internet, you will need a modem and router for Wi-Fi in your home, plus a satellite dish on the roof of your house.

Satellite Internet: How does it Work?

Using Satellite Internet, the signal is sent from a satellite located above the equator to your home dish and back and forth as necessary. Satellite Internet providers will install the equipment for free. You will have uninterrupted internet as long as you have a clear view of the sky.

What About the Travel Lag in Satellite Internet?

It's possible that a satellite Internet's 90,000 mile round trip journey - or even longer, depending on your latitude - creates a delay in the signal, which could impede real-time communication with programs like Skype. Other transmissions, however, are generally fine.

What are the Speeds of Satellite Internet?

Satellite technology has advanced considerably over the years. In the past, home satellite Internet was exceptionally slow, providing rates of roughly 750 Kbps. As far as upload and download speeds are concerned, wired connections tend to deliver the best results because the signal is able to travel unhindered. Signals from satellite Internet connections travel much further than those from wired connections, which is why they usually have lower speeds. In recent years, advancements in satellite technology have made it possible for users to receive up to 100 Mbps, depending on their provider.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Satellite Internet?

There are a number of reasons that Satellite Internet can be a great option (and sometimes the only option) for some people, but it also comes with a number of unique challenges that you may not encounter if you opted for a DSL or Cable internet connection. As satellite technology evolves and improves, it still does not match cable or fiber optic internet for speed and bandwidth. A satellite connection in your home, however, comes with a number of valuable advantages. There are some advantages and disadvantages associated with satellite internet.

Advantages of Satellite Internet:

Worldwide Coverage of Satellite Internet: If you have a clear sky view, you can connect to the internet via satellite. A rural area, a location in a remote location, or any other place that cannot access other types of high-speed services falls into this category.

It has the benefit of being accessible to anyone. In addition, satellite internet requires no physical address for installation, unlike cable and DSL. Moreover, since the signal doesn't pass through a telephone or cable television, it's more reliable. However, it does not rely on those types of services being available.

Speed of Satellite Internet: As a tradeoff, satellite internet service is available in remote areas where other Internet services aren't available. But its signals tend to be slower than those for other types of high-speed Internet. Compared to dial-up, satellite internet is often faster and more reliable in areas without DSL or cable TV.

Satellite Internet is Cost-Effective: Satellite internet service is cost-effective, which is one of its greatest benefits. It can be less expensive to use satellite internet in a less populated area where fiber and cable TV aren't available since it doesn't rely on the necessary infrastructure for fiber and cable.

Instant Installation and Deployment of Satellite Internet Service: Installing and deploying satellite internet is usually quick and easy. Among the devices installed is a tripod mount, a Wi-Fi router, and a power supply. Service upgrades can be completed without costly construction or waiting weeks, months, or years. The installation is usually done by the satellite internet provider, or it can be done by you.

Reliability of Satellite Internet: Satellite internet is generally more reliable provided that the equipment is used correctly. Satellite signals are not dependent on physical infrastructures, like phone lines and cable TV systems, and rely on satellite availability.

Disadvantages of Satellite Internet:

Latency issue with Satellite Internet: The downside of satellite internet is that there can be problems with signal latency. As well, the speed and quality of the connection can vary according to where you are, how many other users are using the service, and whether you are indoors or outdoors.

Data Caps in Satellite Internet: Data caps are another disadvantage of satellite internet. As a result, you'll use a greater amount of your monthly data allowance than with other types of broadband services. Additionally, ISP throttling may be an issue.

Satellite Internet May Show Weather Vulnerability: Signal paths of Satellite Internet connections can be affected by the weather in your area. The signal could be interrupted by weather conditions beyond your control, such as heavy rain, snow, and strong winds.

VPN Incompatibility with Satellite Internet: Satellite Internet is not compatible with virtual private networks (VPNs). In order for a VPN to be functional, it requires high bandwidth and low latency-two essential characteristics that a Satellite connection cannot offer.

Satellite Internet Provider in India:

At the moment, there is no satellite internet service provider in India. The Indian Government turned down Starlink's plans to start satellite Internet service in India. HughesNet, Viasat, and Starlink are the only satellite internet providers currently offering satellite internet worldwide. India's Jio Space Technology Limited will be offering satellite internet services very soon.