HughesNet is one of the most widely used satellite internet services in the United States for people who are far from cable or fiber optic internet service providers. Another disadvantage of HughesNet is that it is a satellite connection which slows down the connection and increases latency as compared with wired broadband. But to add to that, HughesNet has a recommended router that can help fine-tune your connection. The following factors reflect the key aspects to consider when choosing the right router for HughesNet.
Compatibility
HughesNet routers can only be used with satellite connections, so compatibility is the key consideration when selecting a router. Most routers available in the market for home consumers are built based on cable or DSL settings. Although they might use satellite internet, there is no evidence that their devices are tailored for this. It is important to know that different routers may be better optimized for satellite internet than others. Below we highlight routers that are suitable for use with HughesNet Gen5 Internet service.
Wi-Fi Performance
As stated earlier, HughesNet has limited bandwidth caps, so when the devices connect to Wi-Fi, you need a router that will maximize the utilization of the limited bandwidth. Specifically, consider devices with Wi-Fi 5 (802. 11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802. 11ax) standards to ensure that your network is as modern as possible. These newer standards offer increased bandwidth and support for more simultaneous connections without compromising the speed. MU-MIMO is another useful feature as well as because the router can communicate with several devices at once.
Processor and Memory
This means that it can support more devices and data transfer without reducing the level of performance. HughesNet recommends that for any particular system to be used to connect to the internet, the minimum requirement should be a dual-core 800 MHz or faster and not less than 256 MB of RAM.
Two-Way Communication
Some routers can also have a two-way satellite communication ability rather than just being a download. This allows the end user to be connected to the satellite for efficient transmission of data to and from the satellite. It makes the page load faster and enhances options like video delivery in a browser. If you consider two-way communication to be vital, search for routers designed for satellite internet, which has this option.
Best Routers for HughesNet
Based on the above criteria, here are our top picks for the best HughesNet routers:
1. Hughes Wireless Broadband Router
It is not a shocker then that a router made particularly by HughesNet is the most popular. Hughes wireless router is assured to be compatible and arrives at the customer’s doorstep with default settings that are integrated with Hughes's service. It has features such as two-way communication capability, an intelligent and enhanced dual-core processor, Wi-Fi capability, and port forwarding for gaming devices. This particular official router from HughesNet will guarantee that you’re going to be able to get the finest connection possible.
2. The ViaSat Surfbeam 2 Satellite Router is a marquee product that is integrated with next-generation services and capabilities.
HughesNet is built on the latest Gen5 service, and ViaSat is responsible for the modem and software for this service. They also provide a much improved Wi-Fi router selection designed specifically for satellite ISPs. The Surfbeam 2 router is bidirectional, smart software, has 2x30 device connectivity, and is secured by ViaSat. It even has the best satellite optimization that you will find in the market today. The only drawback that can be attributed to it is that it is a little bit costly.
3. NETGEAR Orbi Satellite Enhanced Router
The NETGEAR Orbi router has a specific HughesNet Edition version that is tailored for satellite configuration. It provides Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 with high speed for multiple connections and also establishes two-way communication. This Orbi router also has anti-buffering technology that helps watch streaming videos without interruption. Many of the products that NETGEAR has developed are marked by quality and durability.
4. ASUS Blue Cave Wireless Router is a powerful device that provides a Wireless Router function, allowing multiple devices to connect to the internet and share files or information between them.
The ASUS Blue Cave is a rather special Wi-Fi 5 router that offers broad coverage in a home and higher signal quality, which is suitable for satellite internet. It has a powerful Dual-core processor, adaptive Quality of Service to manage satellite data, and AiProtection network security developed in collaboration with Trend Micro. Though not designed specifically for satellite internet, reviews speak for Blue Cave’s operation and compatibility with HughesNet.
5. Peplink Balance 30 LTE-A Router is one of these sophisticated devices because it utilizes Carrier bonding technology that allows combining up to five different carriers.
Indeed, balance routers from Peplink are designed with high-speed data connections in mind, including satellite internet. The Balance 30 model provides optimized bandwidth for VoIP and video streaming integrated with the FusionHub that connects multiple WAN links simultaneously. On the expensive side, it provides high and quick speeds which can be optimal for restricted satellite data.
Selecting one of these HughesNet-compatible routers in consideration of your budget, house size, and the number of devices that will connect will be key in achieving the necessary speeds and connections. Distinguishing the number of users that will connect at once is important — the more simultaneous connections, the higher the specified router necessary for consistent speed. Please connect with a suggested satellite router for optimum results. Do not get routers designed mainly for cable or DSL landline-based internet. When using satellite broadband from HughesNet or any other provider, it is very important to get a good router that will do the job effectively well.
