Satellite Internet vs Wi-Fi: What Is the Difference?

Satellite Internet and Wi-Fi are two terms that are often used interchangeably by people. However, does that mean that these two technologies are the same? The answer is no. In this short blog, we will talk about satellite internet and Wi-Fi, and illustrate the differences between the two.

What is Satellite Internet?

Satellite internet is a wireless service that connects to the internet via a satellite. The tech utilizes wireless signals to communicate with the satellites rotating in the earth’s orbit, hence bringing you high-speed internet.  Since it is an internet service, it uses a certain protocol to get you internet directly to your home. These steps are highlighted below for your reference.

• An internet device authenticates a request, which travels as a signal to your modem. It directly requests the internet connection for data needed to display a webpage.
• The modem jumps into action as it receives the device’s request. The signal is converted into data that can be used by the satellite dish to send the request forward.
• The satellite dish receives the information and beams it towards the satellite up in the atmosphere.
• The signal travels in the form of radio waves to reach the satellite several thousand miles up. The satellite intercepts the signal and redirects it back to Network Operations Center (NOC).
• A connection is immediately established. The NOC quickly connects to the web and sends the information back to your satellite dish at home in form of data, which is then displayed on your internet device.

It may seem like a lengthy process but it takes place within a fraction of a second. Do bear in mind that once the signal reaches your residence, it would still need a modem and a router device to actually be used by all the wireless internet devices in your home.

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is simply a technology that can dispense internet signals without the need for wires. This is especially important in the world we live in today since most devices actually do operate on a wireless internet connection only.

The difference between satellite internet service and Wi-Fi is basically just this. Satellite internet connects people to the Internet by sending and receiving data to and from satellites in space; whereas Wi-Fi simply uses an existing internet connection to amplify and spread the signals over a certain area. This allows Wi-Fi-enabled and wireless devices to connect to the internet wherever a viable signal is available.

Go Wireless – Enjoy Satellite Internet with HughesNet

HughesNet Satellite internet service is one of the most popular satellite internet services in the U.S., and with good reason too. Not only do you get high-speed satellite internet with HughesNet, but you can also expect generous data allowance and top-quality services. Here is a quick look at all that you can enjoy with the HughesNet internet service:

• A high internet speed of 25Mbps/3Mbps on all HughesNet internet plans
• Choose from a variety of 4 data-based plans – pick whatever works for your home
• No hard data limits – speed throttling may apply if you go over your data limit for the month
• Enjoy FREE 50 GB of extra data every month for use during off-peak hours (2 AM – 8 AM), which is the Bonus Zone
• Relish wireless connectivity with HughesNet internet – the internet modem for the service comes with an in-built router for complete home Wi-Fi
• Smart and intuitive data-saving features are perfect for limiting data use during gaming, video calls, and streaming

HughesNet gets you a variety of perks but one of the best things you get to enjoy with the service is the modem with comes with in-built Wi-Fi. This way you can enjoy wireless connectivity throughout your home without having to worry about acquiring an additional device.

HughesNet internet plans are a good investment, especially in areas where wired internet services are limited. Let us take a look at all the HughesNet internet plans that you can pick from. For more information, call our experts at 1-855-349-9309.