HughesNet Satellite DSL,
Is It Right For You?

HughesNet Satellite DSL introduces a new and exciting option for seekers of high speed internet access.


Individuals and businesses, who previously could not receive high speed internet service, may do so now via satellite.

It no longer matters if you reside or work in areas not served by traditional dsl or cable services. Most everyone in the continental US, Canada, and Puerto Rico with a clear view of the Southern sky, can now receive HughesNet satellite internet services.

The following discussion will address many of the frequently asked questions and technical aspects about this new high speed option for home and business.

If you have a question about HughesNet service that is not mentioned here, contact me.


Additional information about the exciting benefits and features of HughesNet Satellite DSL service may be found on our HughesNet page.

• Who is HughesNet and what's their service about?

• Is Hughesnet compatible with PC and MAC platforms?

• How safe is information/data transmitted via satellite?

• What are the system requirements?

• Will you need a separate ISP?

• What's the "buzz" on the HN7000S satellite system?

• Is a Network Interface Card required for HughesNet service?

• Does the older DW4000 modem still work or do I need to upgrade?

• If I already have DIRECTV do I need a separate dish for HughesNet service?

• How fast is Hughesnet service? How does its speed compare to other broadband service?

• What if I am experiencing slow downloads with HughesNet?

• What is satellite transmission latency?

• Why is professional installation required?

• Can I run a VPN with HughesNet Business service? Why does the service slowdown?

• Can I use HughesNet on a small network?

• What is the "Fair Access Policy"?

• Can HughesNet Enterprise handle the needs of large businesses?

• Does HughesNet offer a money-back guarantee?

• How can I contact Hughesnet?

• Where can I learn more about Hughesnet service offers?

Who is HughesNet?

HughesNet began offering satellite dsl internet services in May 2002 under the DIRECWAY® nameplate until the the name was changed in the Spring 2006.


What is HughesNet Satellite DSL?

HughesNet is a new solution for everyone who is ready for
high-speed Internet access, especially those who can not be serviced by cable or telephone.

Satellite DSL technology makes high-speed internet available via satellite to everyone in the continental U.S., as long as you have a clear view of the Southern sky.


Is HughesNet a one-way or two-way system?

HughesNet is a two-way satellite dsl system. It uses the new, next generation HN7000S series modem to send and receive information over the Internet. There are no hassles logging-on to the Internet because you're always connected!


Do I need a dial-up modem and telephone line?

No, there is no phone line requirement for normal operation; therefore, a modem is not required to use satellite internet service with the HughesNet HN7000S series modem.


Can I use a Mac with HughesNet?

Yes, the new HughesNet HN7000S system is compatible with both PC and Mac operating systems.

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How safe is data/information transmitted via satellite?

HughesNet satellite systems employ advanced encryption technology to insure information privacy and security for all users keeping your computer safe from hackers and prying eyes. Many industries employ HughesNet satellite systems in the delivery of sensitive credit card information over networks. The complexity of satellite transmissions alone prevents any information from being intercepted from this system.

What are the system requirements to qualify for Satellite DSL?

The minimum requirements for HughesNet are:

Operating System - PC:Windows 98 SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP
                           Mac:9.0-10.2 (excludes 10.0)

Processor - PC: Pentium II 333 MHz or faster
                Mac: 300 MHz or faster

Memory - PC:64MB RAM (Windows 98SE and Windows Me); 128MB RAM (Windows 2000 & XP)
              Mac:128MB

Free Space - PC:100 MB of free hard drive space
                   Mac:150 MB

Network Capability - 10/100 Ethernet pre-equipped (configured for auto-negotiate)

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Will I need to have a separate ISP - Internet Service Provider?

No, HughesNet Satellite DSL is an ISP providing Internet access for all subscribers. Standard consumer service includes 5 e-mail accounts with up to 10 Mb of storage. So, there's no need for the expense of a separate provider for internet access.


What's the "buzz" about the new HN7000S series satellite DSL system?

It's a newer and better way to connect to the Internet via satellite. A sleek, new design houses the next generation communication modems neatly in a single compact unit.

Together with a satellite dish, it is connected via ethernet cable directly to your computer. Smart technology provides built-in operational software which means no programs to load or updates to download. The system is self-updating via satellite. Bottom line - easier and worry-free operation!

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What if my computer did not come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)? How can I make it satellite internet ready?

Many computers can be upgraded with a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). If you are comfortable with opening your computer and installing hardware, most Ethernet NICs can be self-installed.

Check with your computer manufacturer for more information on the right Ethernet NIC for your system. Make sure your NIC is configured for "auto-negotiate."

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If my system has the DW4000 modem, will it still work now that HughesNet has launched its next-generation satellite dsl modem?

Yes. If you choose not to upgrade your HughesNet modem to the HN7000S, your DW4000 or DW6000 transmit and receive modems will still function and are supported by HughesNet.


Should I upgrade to the HN7000S series from an older DW4000 system?

Upgrading from a DW4000 modem to the next-generation HN7000S modem is a good idea if you would like to network more than one home computer or laptop to your HughesNet high-speed connection.

By networking more than one computer, your family will be able to access your HughesNet high-speed Internet connection from any computer on the network and will not have to wait in line in order to get online.


If I already have DIRECTV® service, do I need to get a new dish for HughesNet?

Yes. The HughesNet system requires a unique dish in order to send and receive information via satellite. You can not receive DIRECTV® and HughesNet services on the same dish.

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How fast is the HughesNet® Satellite DSL System?

The experience with HughesNet high-speed Internet is astonishing. When comparing typical activities with a dial-up service, the difference in the amount of time you'll be waiting for what you want is night and day.

You can download software upgrades in just minutes, versus up to an hour. There's no more waiting for Web pages to fully finish loading; they are typically done within a couple of seconds. Getting your favorite song can be done in less than the song's length rather than three times as long.

Currently, HughesNet offers three residential service packages to meet your needs and budget - Home, Pro, and Pro Plus. The download speed for HughesNet Home satellite internet service typically averages between 600 and 800 kbps with an upload speed of 120 kbps.(speeds approximate) Broadband by satellite is the only high-speed Internet technology that's available everywhere in the continental US, Canada, and Puerto Rico! (as long as there is a clear view of the Southern sky)

For those in need of faster service, HughesNet offers Pro and Pro Plus service packages with download/upload speeds of 1 Mbps/200 kbps and 1.5 Mbps/200 kbps respectively. In addition, Hughesnet offers two levels of business class satellite internet service - Small Office and Business Internet. Small Office delivers service speeds of 1.5 Mbps down/ 200kbps up, and Business Internet provides 2.0 Mbps downloads and 500 kbps uploads.


How fast is Satellite DSL compared to other high-speed services? Aren't they faster?

Most Internet technology is based on shared bandwidth. More users on a system at a given time will cause congestion and slow everyone's operational speed. Sometimes one option will allow you to do things in less time than others.Since everyone uses shared bandwidth there's truly no definitive answer.

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What if I am experiencing slow downloads with HughesNet satellite service?

You can perform a HughesNet satellite speed test on your system and read about some quick tips to resolve slowdown issues regarding the DW6000 / DW7000 & HN7000S systems here.


What is satellite transmission latency?

Latency refers to the time it takes data to travel across a network. A satellite network has greater latency due to the time it takes for the signal to travel to and from the satellite. Since most communications satellites are located in a geostationary orbit about 35,786 Km (22,223 mi.) above the Equator, you can expect a delay of about 240 to 280 milliseconds or approximately one half of a second delay to the overall response time between your computer and a host site or Web server. Consequently, Satellite DSL may not be ideal for on-line gaming and some time-sensitive business applications.

Business applications which have protocols that require sub second response times will be affected by increased latency and are not recommended for use over satellite. A few examples are VOIP, video conferencing, and remote desktop management. Talk to your software supplier or network integrator for more details.


Why is there a requirement that a Satellite DSL system be professionally installed?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that trained professionals install any two-way Satellite DSL system in the US. This is for safety reasons because these systems not only receive but also transmit radio signals. Improper installation may pose a potential health risk.

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Can I run a VPN using HughesNet Business?

Yes, but running a VPN client over satellite is not an ideal configuration and is not recommended over HughesNet satellite service. If you choose to run VPN over satellite, your data speeds may be reduced by as much as 50 - 75%. You can restore your connection to full speed by simply disabling your VPN client when your session is over.

Note: HughesNet technical support does not provide help with configuring or troubleshooting problems associated with VPN clients.

HughesNet does offer a VPN accelerator solution for small and large corporations and government agencies that delivers higher connection speeds over VPN. Go to HughesNet VPN for more information.


You may also contact HughesNet toll-free at 1-866-240-3875, or via web mail at hughesnet.com. Alternatively, you can contact an authorized HughesNet Systems Dealer, such as Nationwide Satellite toll-free at 1-888-892-2434 to discuss your specific requirement.


Why does the service slow down when used with a VPN?

HughesNet service uses sophisticated acceleration techniques which require access to data packet header information. This is blocked when some VPNs are used. These VPNs encrypt the data creating a secure channel through the network; however, the encrypted data cannot be processed by HughesNet acceleration techniques. This results in slower performance.

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Can I run HughesNet Satellite DSL on a small network?

Yes, customers can run satellite internet services on a small network using such software as Microsoft ICS. Please understand that all computers on this network will be sharing a single connection, and are subject to the Fair Access Policy. Companies should consider HughesNet Business Internet service to accommodate more demanding needs.


What is the Fair Access Policy?

The Fair Access Policy was implimented by HughesNet to curb an abuse by a small percentage (5%) of subscribers of this high speed internet service. Basically, if any subscriber downloads an excessive amount of information during a typical internet session, access may be temporarily restricted for 24 hours.

This is necessary to maintain system integrity and ensure that all users realize the benefits of high speed service. Normally, most HughesNet subscribers are never affected by this policy because this limitation is well above the maximum for typical usage. The download limitation thresholds vary according to the service plan you subscribe to. Generally, they are as follows: Home - 200MB, Pro - 375MB, ProPlus - 425MB, Small Office - 500MB, and Business Internet - 1,250MB. Click here for the HughesNet explanation of their Fair Access Policy.


Can HughesNet Enterprise for Business Service accomodate the needs of larger businesses?

Absolutely! Customized Enterprise business versions offer several options to meet the needs of larger business including higher data throughput (more capacity for multiple users), custom networking solutions, VOIP - Voice over IP for telephone communications via satellite, and Static IP addresses.

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Does HughesNet offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes, Hughes offers a 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with HughesNet service, just cancel your service within 30 days of activation, and return your HughesNet modem and radio (transmitter) to receive an equipment refund. Installation charges and other fees are not refundable.

Also, the modem and radio must be returned to Hughes, in good condition, within 60 days of your service activation in order to receive the refund. Instructions are provided on how to de-install and return your equipment. In any event, you are not required to return the dish antenna, mount or any cables.


Whom do I contact regarding HughesNet service problems?
Contact HughesNet Customer Care Support for any technical questions or problems related to Hughesnet satellite internet service. Telephone Customer Service and technical support is also available toll-free at 1-866-347-3292.


Where can I learn more about offers for HughesNet satellite internet service?

There currently are some very good introductory offers available from select dealers for HughesNet satellite internet service in the continental US. See our HughesNet Satellite DSL page for more detailed information.

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For international HughesNet satellite system offers, please visit our worldwide satellite dsl providers page.

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