Hughesnet is one of the leading satellite internet service providers that provide a satellite internet connection to millions of people in the United States, particularly, individuals residing in rural settings or at remote locations. Another common inquiry about Hughesnet satellite internet service installation is – what hardware do I get – does Hughesnet supply a router or do I purchase it myself? Now, let’s look at the issues with the router that Hughesnet has for sale or rent.
Standard Router Included
The good news is that yes, Hughesnet does include a router every time they have sold their satellite internet packages. Hughesnet provides their particular Hughesnet Wi-Fi Modem model HR5400 or HR6480E in case you have signed up whenever for service. This modem has dual functionality and it works as a satellite modem and as a WiFi router.
Hughesnet uses a proprietary router that is compatible only with their satellite internet service and enables users to connect multiple devices through WiFi or a regular ethernet cable. It can support the current 802. 11ac WiFi standards and offers good wireless speed. The router also has the built-in features of firewall, security, and other advanced features of networking.
However, when subscribing to Hughesnet, you don’t have to buy a new router for your household because they do offer one that is optimized for satellite Internet services with a multiple connections option.
The benefits associated with using the Hughesnet router include:
There are several benefits to using the router provided by Hughesnet rather than getting your own: There are several benefits to using the router provided by Hughesnet rather than getting your own:
- No configuration required: The Hughesnet router is shipped with all the satellite modem configurations and WIFI configurations already in place, meaning that you don’t have to make any additional configurations by yourself. Just plug in the device and link; no further handling is required.
- Optimized for satellite: One of these features of the Hughesnet router is the quality of service (QoS) settings and bandwidth management focused on satellite internet usage.
- Technical support: If you do not get your Hughesnet router or satellite service to work properly, they can assist because it is their equipment, and they have a 24/7 technical helpline. Carrying your router would complicate things when it comes to support.
- No extra cost: The standard router is available for free with all HughesNet plans and can be customized in terms of color and design. If you were buying your high-quality router, then it would cost you anywhere between one hundred to two hundred dollars or even more.
There are just two nagging issues with the Hughesnet router supplied: power users may feel that the router lacks some of the features and options that one can tweak on a business-grade router or a consumer-grade router costing a couple of hundred bucks. Nevertheless, potential home users will find that the included router has all the capabilities essential for their use.
Is It Wise To Have Your Router?
However, it is also worth mentioning that Hughesnet does offer a good quality WiFi router with all its packages and some customers still may want to use their router instead. There are a few reasons you could consider bringing your router: There are a few reasons you could consider bringing your router:
- Unlock more settings and options: For most users, the router is sufficient in performing its intended tasks but some limitations might prove to be irritating especially to enthusiast users. Getting an enabled router such as the DD-WRT or Tomato allows you deep settings control over features such as QoS, bandwidth, WiFi, DHCP, and more.
- Upgrade to mesh WiFi system: However, Hughesnet’s integrated router may not offer the home sufficient WiFi reach, especially in large homes. An improvement to owning your mesh system such as Eero, Orbi, or any other brand can give full coverage. Yes, I think just putting the Hughesnet router into bridge mode should suffice.
- Additional wired ports: HughesNet would be most beneficial to those with many wired devices which would require additional Ethernet LAN ports than those offered by the router which is 4 LAN ports. If you have additional wired devices to connect you can bring an additional router for that purpose.
If you do want to use your router, you will have to manually change the HughesNet modem/router to “bridge mode” which means that it only acts as a modem and not as a router. Then you can connect your router to the Hughesnet modem through Ethernet cable or wireless connectivity. Please bear in mind if you have your router, then you are on your own as far as technical support for networking gone awry is concerned.
Hughesnet Router Rental Option
Another thing to note is that while Hughesnet’s basic WiFi routers are free, there is also a premium, higher-quality router available for rent. As an added service, customers can subscribe to the Hughesnet HomePro Satellite WiFi router for $10 per month when renting, instead of availing the free router.
The router, HomePro offers extended Wi-Fi connectivity, advanced connections such as a Virtual Private Network, and Disney Circle parental control. To some extent, ordering this upgraded router is less costly but still sufficient for customers who need improved router performance and functions but do not wish to own routers. It has been noted, however, that in the long term, it probably is cheaper to simply purchase your fancy router rather than leasing the HomePro.
This leads me to my final question – Does Hughesnet offer a modem with a built-in WiFi router with all their satellite internet plans? Broadly, this offered router will suffice the simple wireless networking requirement of most customers. However, some advanced users can select to use their router if they need more settings, ports, or networks. It is worthwhile to think about such steps as using mesh systems or replacing routers as these measures can improve the WiFi signal strength and stability in the spaces of your residence if necessary.
