What Is Satellite Internet and How Does It Work?
Businesses, towns, travellers, distant properties and other areas where wired connectivity is difficult to implement require reliable internet access.
Fibre, cable and fixed wireless are frequent options for connectivity, but they aren’t available everywhere. Satellite internet can also be another way to access the internet, especially in rural, remote, geographically difficult or temporary locations.
Satellite internet has changed quite a bit over the last several years too. Newer low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite networks have distinct performance characteristics from earlier geostationary satellite systems, which dominated the early satellite broadband market.
What is satellite internet and how does it work? In simple terms, satellite internet transmits data to and from a user’s terminal and orbiting satellites, which communicate with terrestrial infrastructure and the wider internet.
The technology can be used as the primary link in areas where there are no viable terrestrial options, or as part of a business’s connectivity and redundancy strategy.
What Is Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet is an internet access service via satellite. The satellites communicate with a customer location and a terrestrial network that is connected to the internet.
Instead of depending on subterranean fibre, cable or telephone infrastructure, satellite communication utilizes a satellite link between the consumer and a satellite network.
A typical connection is as follows:
User device → Router → Satellite terminal → Satellite → Ground network → Internet
Data moving in the opposite direction follows the reverse route.
Customer equipment typically consists of an external satellite antenna or terminal, a modem or integrated network device and a local router or WiFi network.
The specific design relies on the satellite provider and the type of satellite constellation employed.
How Satellite Internet Works
Satellite internet is a form of internet where a wireless link is set up between the customer’s location and satellites in orbit.
When you access a webpage or utilize a cloud application, your device sends a message to the satellite terminal via the local network.
The terminal talks to a satellite, which connects the traffic to the provider’s ground infrastructure. The request then passes through terrestrial networks to the destination.
The response then travels back over the provider’s network, the satellite system and the customer terminal to your device.
The basic procedure
1. Your gadget sends data to your local router.
2. The router forwards the traffic to the satellite terminal.
3. The terminal communicates with a satellite.
4. The satellite connects the traffic to the provider’s terrestrial network.
5. The request arrives at the internet destination.
6. The response is transmitted back through the satellite network.
7. Your terminal transfers the info to your router and device.
While this occurs extremely quickly, the physical distance between the consumer and the satellite can have a considerable impact on latency.
What Kinds of Satellite Internet Are There?
Satellite Internet is not one technology. The primary difference is in how far above the Earth the satellites employed by the service orbit.
Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
Geostationary satellites orbit about 35,786 kilometres above the equator.
These satellites are very far away from the consumer. Signals therefore need to travel a significantly longer distance.
The benefit is that a single GEO satellite may provide coverage over a relatively vast geographic region.
This can impact applications that demand fast two-way interaction such as video conferencing, online gaming, remote desktop programs and some real-time corporate communications.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
LEO satellites are substantially closer to the Earth than regular GEO satellites.
Because the signal has a shorter distance to travel, LEO systems may often provide much lower latency than traditional geostationary satellite services.
Modern LEO constellations use huge numbers of satellites which move around Earth, rather than using one or a few geostationary satellites.
The consequence is a new take on satellite communication, with newer systems increasingly turning their attention to applications hitherto the preserve of terrestrial broadband.
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites are between LEO and GEO.
MEO systems have varying coverage and performance characteristics and are utilized in a variety of satellite communications applications.
The most impactful contrast regarding business connectivity is often GEO vs. LEO, as their latency and network designs might be rather different.
Why Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet can solve connection challenges that terrestrial networks can’t always solve economically or rapidly.
1. Geographic Availability
Coverage is one of the main pluses.
Satellite networks can reach places that fibre, cable, or other terrestrial services might not be able to reach.
Satellite internet is very handy when:
- Rural businesses
- Remote properties
- Construction sites
- Temporary Buildings
- Outlying communities
- Transportation Operations
- Emergency response sites
- Recreational uses
2. Fast Deployment in Some Locations
Delivering fibre to a faraway place can involve a lot of building, permits, and infrastructure expenditure.
Sometimes satellite communication can be delivered without waiting for a new terrestrial line to be built.
That can be a boon for a business that needs connectivity in a hurry.
3. Useful backup connection
Satellite internet can also be used as a backup internet connection.
For example, a business might have fibre as a main service and satellite as a backup.
If the terrestrial connection goes down, traffic might then be routed over the satellite connection.
This strategy can give an extra level of resilience for regions where downtime is especially costly.
4. Good for remote operations
Satellite connectivity can provide businesses operating outside of regular service zones with access to cloud applications, communications systems, security platforms and other internet services.
The actual experience will depend on the satellite network, location, weather, network congestion, equipment and application requirements.
What Are the Disadvantages of Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet is not automatically better than fibre or other terrestrial connectivity.
There are several restrictions to it that firms need to be aware of.
Delay
Latency is the time it takes for data to transit between two endpoints.
The distance to the satellite directly impacts latency. Usually, GEO systems have higher latency than LEO systems due to the much greater distance of the satellites.
This is critical for interactive applications where fast responses are needed.
Environmental and Weather Conditions
Severe weather and atmospheric conditions can impact satellite communications.
Satellite technology, frequency band, equipment, and conditions can sometimes affect signal quality when heavy rain or other environmental factors are present.
Blockages
The satellite terminal usually needs a clear line of sight to the sky.
Obstacles such as trees, structures, topography and others can interfere with the link.
Site planning is thus vital.
Network Traffic Congestion
Performance will be affected by the provider’s network architecture and location, service plan and the overall network utilization.
Businesses should verify provider policies and projected performance, instead of relying on advertised speeds.
Equipment & Installation
Satellite Internet needs unique equipment on the customer side.
Depending on the service, installation may require an outdoor terminal, mounting equipment, power, cabling, and necessary network hardware.
Is Satellite Internet High Speed?
Satellite internet speeds vary widely by provider, satellite constellation, location, service package, network conditions, and equipment.
Most terrestrial broadband services today generally deliver better performance than older satellite broadband systems.
Newer LEO systems have dramatically impacted the discourse around performance, with some services offering speeds and latency that can make satellite connectivity practical for a larger range of applications. But businesses need to consider more than download speed.
Key Performance Factors Include:
- Download bandwidth
- Upload bandwidth
- latency
- Jitter
- Lost packets
- Available
- Data policies
- Network congestion
Weather resilienceFor commercial applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, cloud apps and remote access, these qualities can be as significant as the headline Mbps number.
Is satellite internet an option for businesses?
“Yes. Depending on their operational needs, businesses might employ satellite internet as a primary or backup connection.
Possible usage scenarios include:
Offices Remote
Satellite can connect personnel and apps for businesses outside fibre or cable coverage areas.
Building Sites
There may be a requirement for internet connection in temporary construction offices until permanent infrastructure is accessible.
Hospitality and Offsite Properties
In places where there is not much choice for a landline, remote hotels, resorts, campers and other facilities may use satellite connectivity.
Multifamily & Residential Developments
Satellite can provide connectivity in developments or where terrestrial infrastructure has yet to be deployed.
Emergency Connectivity
Organizations can employ satellite services as part of emergency communications and disaster recovery plans.
Backup over Network
Satellite can serve as a backup to terrestrial when the terrestrial connection goes down.
Satellite Internet vs. Fiber Internet
| Factor | Satellite Internet | Fiber Internet |
| Delivery | Satellite link | Fiber-optic cable |
| Geographic reach | Very broad | Depends on physical infrastructure |
| Latency | Varies; LEO is lower than GEO | Generally very low |
| Installation | Terminal and equipment | Fiber construction/installation |
| Remote locations | Strong option | May be unavailable |
| Weather sensitivity | Can be affected | Generally less affected |
| Bandwidth | Varies by service | Often very high |
| Best use | Remote access or backup | High-performance primary connectivity |
Fibre will probably continue to be the best way to go for high-performance corporate connections in most places where good quality fibre can be readily found.
Satellite is useful when fibre isn’t available, it’s prohibitive to construct, or an organization requires a secondary way for connectivity.
Can Satellite Internet Handle VoIP & Video Conferencing?
It is contingent upon the satellite service and network circumstances. Current LEO services can drastically reduce latency compared to classic GEO satellite systems, enabling real-time applications. But VoIP and video conferencing require more than download speed. Latency, jitter, packet loss, network stability and quality of service configuration might impact call quality.
Before depending on satellite as the sole link for mission-critical communications, businesses should evaluate the real service under the expected operational conditions.
For mission-critical voice situations, satellite may be more valuable as a backup link rather than as the primary connection, depending on the organization’s network requirements.
How Does Satellite Internet Fit Within a Business Connectivity Strategy?
Satellite internet must be considered as part of a bigger connectivity strategy.
For example:
Primary Fibre → Secondary Broadband → Satellite Backup or in a remote location:
Satellite primary → Cellular/fixed wireless backup
The proper mix relies on availability, business-critical applications, budget, geography and the repercussions of an outage.
Multi-site businesses can also assess connection at the portfolio level rather than having to choose a whole separate approach for each property.
This can ease vendor administration, monitoring, failover planning and support.
What do businesses need to know before choosing satellite Internet?
Evaluate satellite connectivity only after:
1. Location: Does the land have broadband or fibre?
2. Satellite coverage: Does the service really operate in your area?
3. Latency: Will your applications be supported by the service?
4. Bandwidth: How much upload and download speed will you need?
5. Reliability: How does the service perform when the conditions are bad?
6. Obstructions: Is there a clear view of the sky from the site?
7. Data policies: Are there usage or traffic policies?
8. Equipment: What hardware and installation are needed?
9. Backup requirements: Would satellite be a better alternative for a backup connection?
10. Total Cost: Consider equipment, installation, service and ongoing network administration.
Connectivity evaluation can assist in identifying if satellite should be the primary link, a backup or part of a larger network strategy.
Conclusion
In addition, satellite internet is a nice choice for places where no other internet is accessible, or where it’s hard to roll out, or not robust enough. The technology has improved a lot, especially since the introduction of LEO satellite networks that can offer lower latency than conventional GEO systems.
The most effective approach to think about satellite internet for businesses isn’t only as an alternative to fibre. It can be a useful solution for remote locations, transitory operations and sites that need an extra layer of connectivity resilience.
The best choice depends on location, applications, latency sensitivity, bandwidth requirements, dependability expectations and availability of terrestrial alternatives.
Many firms may find that the best connectivity plan does not rely on one technology alone. But blending fibre, internet, wireless and satellite connectivity can produce a more flexible, resilient network intended to meet the real demands of each site.
Frequently Asked Questions –
1. What is satellite internet and how does it work?
Satellite internet provides online connectivity by transmitting data between a customer’s satellite terminal, satellites in orbit, and terrestrial network infrastructure connected to the internet. The terminal communicates with the satellite, which connects the traffic to the provider’s ground network and the wider internet.
2. Is satellite internet good for businesses?
Satellite internet can be useful for businesses in remote locations, temporary facilities, or areas where terrestrial connectivity is unavailable or difficult to deploy. It can also provide valuable backup connectivity for business-critical locations.
3. Is LEO satellite internet better than traditional satellite internet?
LEO satellite systems operate much closer to Earth than GEO satellites, which generally results in lower latency. This can make LEO services more suitable for interactive applications such as video conferencing and cloud applications. Performance still varies by provider, location, and network conditions.
4. Can satellite internet be used as a business backup connection?
Yes. Satellite internet can provide an alternative connectivity path when a primary fiber, cable, or other terrestrial connection fails. Businesses should design and test automatic failover if the backup connection will support critical operations.
5. Does weather affect satellite internet?
Severe weather can affect satellite communications, although the degree depends on the satellite technology, frequency, equipment, and environmental conditions. Businesses that depend heavily on satellite connectivity should evaluate weather-related resilience and consider redundant connectivity where appropriate.
