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How satellite internet works

We know that this question has been asked many times, since technology is one of the matters that generates the most concerns among users, especially if they do not live in urban areas with the possibility of having ADSL or fiber optic services. For reasons like this, the trend of using internet via satellite is being imposed.

Generally, the internet used in various parts of the cities is provided by ADSL, but in rural areas, for example, the infrastructure with cabling may not exist. Another alternative that arises for users is mobile broadband and WiMax, but it has its complications because coverage depends on the companies that provide the service. In this way, it is perfectly possible that people who live in remote places or are immersed in extreme conditions, have as a solution the installation of internet via satellite.

The ABCs of satellite internet

How does the internet via satellite work? It provides signals that in this type of connections must travel more than 35 thousand km upwards, over the Equator, in a single delivery. This process avoids having to apply the principle of speed of downloading and uploading information, which is normally used by the Internet.

All this is due to the fact that, to distribute the signal, a geostationary satellite is used to provide the information packets to the user. This information channel has two address channels; to send a request to the server, the uplink is used, (ascending or uploading link) which defines the path of the signal from a terrestrial station to a satellite; while the data requested will arrive via a downlink, (descending or downloading) which is defined as the downlink or signal path from a satellite to earth.

As can be seen, satellite technology does not require cables or telephone lines (as in the past). The way it works is linked to an antenna that must be directed towards the Equator, that is, the satellite. The reception and translation of the signal by a modem is the last stage of the process. In this way, you can use your computer, electronic devices, with a perfect speed and stability.

How does internet via satellite work? Now in technical terms, let’s review each of the components that are part of satellite technology and that allow (even reading this blog at this moment) to be connected.

Components of a satellite internet link

Ground components

Antenna: is the means by which all the information from the satellite is sent to and received from. For its correct operation, it must be positioned towards the satellite to avoid interference and improve transmission speed. Satellite dishes are used to send signals to a receiver or receive signals sent by a satellite.

Some of the types of antennas are:

-DTH (Direct to home): allows access to TV from a telecommunications satellite to the customer’s home where the signals are received and decoded by a satellite dish.

-VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal): it is for satellite communication. It is used for point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, or interactive information exchange.

-TVRO (Television Receive Only): television reception only. TVRO satellite systems are large movable dishes that allow one TVRO system to view programs on many different satellites.

Modem: it is in charge of translating the signals. The antenna receives the information in analog form, but, for example, computers only work with digital information. There are two types of modems:

-Unidirectional: can only receive data. To send and receive data from the Internet, you also need a terrestrial connection, be it telephone or cable.

-Bidirectional: capable of receiving and sending data. You do not need a conventional additional connection.

Teleport: it is a terrestrial radio station for telecommunications that retransmits different television, voice and data services via satellite. They are generally made up by a set of large antennas that broadcast signals to the satellite.

Network Operations Center (NOC): These are the facilities that control the multiple satellite connections. From there, the speed and the signal are monitored in general, as well as technical failures, power outages and allows managing the way to solve problems for customers with immediate assistance.

Components in space

Geostationary satellite: A single high-altitude satellite can provide reliable communications to about 40% of the planet. This rotates along with the Earth at the same angular speed, staying fixed, to achieve a more stable connection.

Transponder: these are devices used to receive and transmit information to any available space. It is made up by a bandpass filter, in charge of cleaning the signal from all noise, a low noise amplifier and a frequency shifter, focused on converting the frequency from the uploading broadband to the low output band. Finally, it has a low power amplifier in charge of amplifying the RF signal for the downlink.

Backbone: it refers to naming the main Internet connections, where data is transmitted at high speed.

To summarize the question, how does the internet via satellite work? we must understand that it is an excellent solution for users who need, under complex meteorological or geographical conditions, an Internet connection. It is important that you know that satellite technology provides you with supreme signal stability and speed, which is even more beneficial than the usual ADSL connections. It is worth making sure you have the necessary equipment to adequately receive your internet signal via satellite, such as antennas and modems, which are always operated by experts with well-established teleports and with responsibility when it comes to correct monitoring. of the service.