HughesNet is the largest satellite internet provider in the United States which provides internet connection services to the whole of the United States including rural areas where cable and fiber lines are hard to lay. However, satellite internet still relies on different equipment in comparison with the particular land-based internet connections. Below is information about the equipment that you will require for you to have HughesNet service in your home.
Satellite Dish Antenna
Thus, the most important component of satellite Internet equipment is an external dish antenna. The HughesNet satellite dish is about 2 feet wide and to function correctly it requires that it has a direct and uninhibited view of the southern sky. HughesNet satellite has special receivers that pick up the signals being transmitted from other satellites in space.
A HughesNet-certified technician will recommend and install the proper satellite antenna using poles and masts to ensure optimal positioning. The dish can thus be mounted on the roof, on the outside wall or pole mount, or a concrete pad directly on the ground. While mounting, correct angle and rotation must be achieved to function at maximum capacity.
HughesNet Modem
Moreover, for HughesNet to work, the subscriber will require an indoor HughesNet modem and a router to translate the signal from the satellite dish to an internet signal indoors. Many people get this modem when they subscribe to HughesNet as a way through which they can access the internet.
The HughesNet Gen5 modem is designed with a WiFi feature to broadcast the internet signal through wireless for any internet-enabled devices in the property. In addition to that, it has Ethernet ports for wired connection if an individual prefers to have one.
Cabling and Grounding Equipment
Some cables are needed to link the outdoor satellite dish to the modem indoors in the house. Coaxial cables are the ones that help conduct the signal from the satellite dish to the modem. The installer will usually most likely drill a small hole and pull cabling through the wall unless you would like to have an exterior cable entry point.
You should always ensure that you ground the satellite equipment properly as this prevents power surges and static build-up. Problem: HughesNet technicians will ground the satellite dish and other components to discharge this safely, which protects the equipment. This involves placing a length of copper wire into a hole in the ground alongside the satellite dish.
Power Supply Equipment
Like your cable or DSL modems, the HughesNet equipment needs an electrical power supply, so never place the modem near sources of heat or moisture. In the outdoor satellite dish assembly, the installer will connect a Power Inserter or Bias-T with the coaxial cable where power from the indoor modem will be introduced into the dish.
Inside the modem’s casing, it requires a 120V electrical outlet to provide it with power to function. Since it is a device that is always turned on, it is advisable to plug it into a surge protector to protect it from high voltage in cases of power surges.
Optional Equipment
Subscribers can add a few optional equipment pieces to the basic package that could be necessary or desirable to add more coverage in a home network or increase the speed of the existing service.
When it comes to extending the WiFi to the backyard or any other outbuilding, repeaters or more hotspots can be installed to re-transmit the signals. HughesNet also has the provision of router upgrades to better models, which can address performance-related parameters more resourcefully.
To accommodate other wired devices in an area where Ethernet ports are not available, users can plug in small Ethernet switches to open more ports.
HughesNet advises that to utilize the internet to the maximum it is advisable to plug in devices such as smart TVs or game consoles instead of using Wi-Fi where possible and preferably use an Ethernet cable connected directly to the router. This ensures that only the applications that require high bandwidth enjoy the fastest connection speeds.
Getting Started with Installation
After gaining adequate knowledge of the equipment used such as Satellite Dish, modem, and cabling among others, please call HughesNet to book an appointment for installation services at your place. The certified technicians will make sure all the necessary adjustments are made for the best internet experience through the satellite network as well as the fastest speed possible.
