Hughesnet is a satellite networks and services provider headquartered in Germantown, Maryland, United States. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar, a satellite internet service provider that offers its services through Hughesnet. Hughesnet is among the companies that provide a high-speed satellite internet service and has over 1.3 million subscribers in the United States, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. Sometimes signals may become poor due to some issues. You will learn how to boost Hughesnet Signals shortly.
You might be wondering what satellite internet is. It is one of the various types of internets, including cellular internet, WiFi hotspots, Dial-Up, Broadband, DSL, Cable, and ISDN. The internet types differ in the way their signals are transmitted. The satellite internet relies on satellites orbiting the earth to relay signals to different parts of the earth. That is where it gets its name, “Satellite.” For your understanding, Satellites are artificial equipment that transmits signals to the earth from space.
The operation of the satellite internet is straightforward as it works like a satellite TV, whereby the data transfer process begins with the internet service provider sending satellites into space to orbit around the earth. Once the objects are ready for use, the service provider can communicate with devices on earth upon request, whereby signals move from the service provider’s stations to the internet-enabled devices through the satellites and also in a reverse manner.
How does the Hughesnet satellite internet work
The operation of the Hughesnet satellite is straightforward. It involves three steps which are as follows.
1st Step
A computer user sends a request for a web page to a satellite about 22,000 miles in space whose period of rotation (24 hours) is similar to that of the earth.
2nd Step
The satellite communicates with the Hughes Network Operations Center (NOC), which finds the particular website you have requested.
3rd Step
The Website sends the data back through the same path to the Hughes Network Operations Center, then to the satellite. From the satellite, the data moves to your computer, tablet, or smartphone through the HughesNet dish and modem. Despite the signals traveling a long distance, their speeds are super-fast. You can only experience a fraction of a second delay during transmission.
How do you install the Hughesnet satellite internet
Installing the system is not something to worry you about since Hughesnet has professionals who can carry out the activity. There are various steps that professionals use to install the systems. They include the following.
- The HughesNet professional technician installs the HughesNet WiFi Modem and connects your devices such as;
- Desktop computer (connected to the modem with the supplied LAN cable)
- Tablet (Apple iPad, etc.)
- Laptop
- Smartphone
- They can also connect other devices such as security systems for an additional cost.
- The professionals then install a HughesNet outdoor antenna system on your roof or a wall at a suitable location which should be at least 4 feet 5 inches off the ground to avoid interference by small children.
- Next, they will connect the outdoor antenna to the modem inside the house with up to 125 feet of RG-6 cable through a drilled hole.
- After that, they will put a grounding block for the entire system using an NEC-approved bonding point.
- They will then finish by sealing all outdoor penetrations and water-resistant compression fitting to prevent damage to the equipment by weather elements.
What can interfere with Hughesnet network signals
Various issues can interfere with your signals. They include the following.
i) Bad weather
Weather elements such as rain, snow, fog, and mist can interfere with signal reception. Ice can accumulate on the antenna covering the surface area needed for signal reception. However, the weather issue is usually temporary, and you can start getting reliable signals in no time.
ii) Poorly positioned satellite dish
If the professionals fail to position the dish well, you might experience slow connections.
iii) Damages to the dish
Damages to the dish may bring issues when it comes to network reception. They interfere with the regular reception of signals.
iv) Poorly connected cables
You should check that all cables are where they should be. If there is any loose cable, you can adjust it accordingly.
How to boost Hughesnet signals
Sometimes you may experience poor signals from the company that may lead to slow connections. That can be embarrassing, and thus there is a need to know how you can boost poor signals for better connectivity. The following are ways you can use to boost the signals.
1) Position the dish correctly
You might be receiving poor signals because your satellite dish is poorly positioned. The dish should be in a place with a clear line of sight to the satellite in the southern sky.
2) Repair or replace damaged antennas
Chips, cracks, or signs of wear and tear can interfere with the normal functioning of your antenna. If yours is damaged, that could be the reason you are getting poor signals. A professional from Hughesnet may be of great help when the matter arises.
3) Dust your satellite dish
When a lot of dust accumulates on your dish, it interferes with network reception. Therefore, you should ensure that you clean all the dirt and leave the surface as clean as possible. That can improve your signals more significantly.
4) See that the connectors are okay
You may also experience a slow network connection if the cables are loose. You should inspect the cables from the antenna to the LAN linking your computer with your modem. Rodents may damage some cables, and you may need to replace them.
5) Check the modem settings
There are some modem settings that can interfere with signals. The modem has a setting to block devices from getting network signals. You should inspect to see that all the settings are okay.
6) Restart the modem and router
Slow internet may be due to memory issues with your modem. Restarting the device may restore fast internet connections.
7) Use a WiFi extender
You may be getting poor signals because you are far from the modem, or due to obstacles within your house. Using a WiFi extender may help you solve the slow network issue.
Bottom line
Hughesnet is a satellite internet provider headquartered in Germantown, Maryland, United States. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar, a satellite internet service provider that offers its services through Hughesnet.
Satellite internet relies on satellites orbiting the earth to relay signals to different parts of the world. The satellite dish on your house receives signals from the satellite in space. Various factors such as bad weather, poor dish positioning, loose cables, and damaged parts can affect internet signals.
