5 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Satellite Internet Plan

If you live in a remote or rural area, satellite internet is the best way to get high-speed internet directly to your home. It’s affordable, effective, and constantly improving its own technology. With so many devices relying on a home internet signal, such as laptops, smart TVs, smartphones, gaming devices and more; it’s never been more important to stay connected 24/7.

While the base service of most satellite internet providers is rock solid, there are still a few tips and tricks you can take advantage of, to truly get the most out of your service.

Tip #1 – Use An Ethernet Cable

If you’re looking for the highest speeds possible while using satellite internet – connect straight to the source! While Wi-Fi provides great internet connectivity and speeds throughout your home, connecting your device directly to your modem will always provide the quickest speeds.

Most largest devices such as desktops, laptops, and smart TVs come with an ethernet port directly in them and can be plugged directly into your modem with an ethernet cable. Other devices may require a connector, such as a USB-C to Ethernet converter, which you can purchase from just about anywhere on the Internet.

Tip #2 – Check Your Outdoor Equipment

The speed of your home satellite equipment relies on the signal between the satellite in orbit and the satellite dish you have installed at your home. Generally, it’s mounted somewhere on your property, or even directly on your home. If you notice a large difference in your internet speeds, it could certainly be worth checking your dish out. You want to make sure it’s clear of any pollen, grime, or other substances that could interfere with the signal.

It’s also possible the dish may need readjusting to be pointing in exactly the correct direction. In most cases, the satellite dish should be pointed towards the southern sky, but it can vary from provider to provider. When it comes to adjusting or changing your installed satellite equipment, we always suggest reaching out to your provider before you change anything.

Tip #3 – Reboot & Update Equipment

If you’re using a wireless modem & router to send your satellite signal to devices such as smartphones, laptops, and more – you want to make sure it’s always fully updated! These wireless modems & routers run software updates every few months, and if you fall behind, it could have an impact on your speeds. Most modern modems offer mobile apps that allow your devices to connect directly to it, and update its software. Generally, they also have a setting that allows for auto-updates, so you don’t have to worry about manually updating.

If you’re noticing a recent slowdown in your satellite internet connection, it’s always a great idea and give the tried and true “turn it off and on again” method with your router and modem. Often, just cycling the power can iron any speed issues you may be having.

Tip #4 – Utilize Wi-Fi Extenders & Guest Networks In Your Home

With Wi-Fi networks in just about every American household, having a “weak signal” is one of the most frequent issues we hear about home internet. Thankfully, there are great products called “Wi-Fi Extenders,” that will connect directly to your modem, and expand the signal even further. This can be exceptionally helpful if you have a large home, and need to cover rooms away from your modem location – or even if you want Wi-Fi coverage in a porch or outdoor patio. You can purchase Wi-Fi extenders and connect them yourself for a very modest price. Also, many satellite internet providers, such as Hughesnet, offer Whole Home Wi-Fi packages that include installation and set up of wifi extenders.

Another great asset you take advantage of is a dedicated guest network. If you frequently have visitors over at your home, you can set up a completely separate network for them! This allows you to connect just about anyone you’d like to, without ever worrying about the security of your main Wi-Fi network, as well as streamlining the process of getting guests connected.

Tip #5 – Manage The Amount of Devices Using The Service At Once

This may seem like an obvious one, but it does make a huge difference in satellite internet signal speeds, so it’s very important. The more devices using your home internet at once, the slower the signal will be for everyone – as you all share “bandwidth!” That means, if you’re looking for the quickest internet speeds possible, make sure you’re actively managing how many devices are using your connection at once!

It doesn’t mean you have to disconnect all your devices, just make sure you aren’t downloading a huge file on your desktop, while your kid is video chatting, and you’re live streaming a show. If you notice reduced satellite internet speeds, be sure to check around your home and make sure no unexpected devices are using your signal, such as a computer or phone auto-updating software, or a gaming system downloading a huge game.