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Satellite, DirecWay
HughesNet (formerly DirecWay) is the brand name of the one-way and two-way satellite broadband Internet technology and service in U.S. and Europe owned by Hughes Network Systems. more...
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The service was originally called DirecPC and was only available as a one-way satellite Internet option (uploading was accomplished with a dial-up modem connection). The original consumer DirecPC service launched in October 1996 .
Technology
HughesNet (then DirecWay) satellite Internet systems used to require both a home PC along with a special DirecWay-compatible USB modem. The original dial-up return (one-way) system used a single USB modem, while the satellite return (two-way) system used to use a special dual USB modem that interfaces with the subscriber's computer. The DW3000 USB modem were once used with one-way setups, while DW4000 USB were used on existing two-way customers' systems.
The DW6000 and DW7000 modems are newer products that have several major improvements over the older DW4000, including automatic software upgrades over the network, a smaller box, an ethernet connection instead of the USB interface, and it hosts an IP router.
The HughesNet satellite Internet system uses FSS-type Ku band satellites for transmission of data from the HughesNet network operations center's Internet connection to its customers' personal computers. In contrast, competitor WildBlue uses Ka band transmission.
HughesNet sales associates claim there is an FCC requirement to be "2-way microwave transmission" certified to install a 2-way satellite setup. This is true, but not actively enforced. The FCC recommends that you become trained in the proper methods of pointing a 2-way dish under 2 watts. Above that, you need a license to operate 2-way satellite. HughesNet systems are typically 1 watt, however some are 2 watts or 4 watts depending upon the upstream maximum data rate and class of service.
Name change
On March 27, 2006, DirecWay officially changed its name to HughesNet. The previous DirecWay name was fully retired on April 22, 2006.
Criticisms
Network latency
All satellite Internet providers have been criticized for their high network latency, which makes the service unusable for many applications. A prominent example is network gaming. Multiple players connect their gaming consoles or personal computers to the internet and participate in an online game (e.g. Counter-Strike) to compete against each other. The communication and synchronization between each player is highly important. These games require the possibility of reacting quickly to events occurring in the game (for example, attacking an opponent). With a latency of even 0.5 seconds, normal gameplay is affected, causing players using satellite internet to be at a disadvantage. Other applications such as instant messaging, Voice over IP or video conferencing also suffer due to the increased latency. Such applications typically require a near-realtime performance (with the exception of instant messaging) to provide a minimal quality of service and facilitate natural communication. Further effects of network latency include an overall reduction in throughput and reliability. However, general web browsing or e-mail applications remain largely unaffected.
Read more at Wikipedia.org
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