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How fast is the service?
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Speed varies by service level, both in
terms of downloads and uploads, and since all services are
provided over a shared network, speeds can vary based on
network load. Be advised, however, that speeds advertised in
our Internet via satellite service plans are sustainable,
regular levels. Back
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Is there a Service Level Agreement
(SLA)?
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The Internet via satellite service is
provided on a best-effort basis. Uptime is above 99.5% but
can be affected by weather and other factors. Back
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What effect does weather have on the
service?
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This is not satellite TV. Satellite TV
systems use much smaller dishes and therefore suffer more
weather-related outages. It takes a pretty heavy (and pretty
precisely situated) storm to interfere with or block
transmissions. User studies suggest 10-12 outages per year
with a four- to five-minute duration per outage.
The technical term for this phenomena is "rain
fade." During certain times of the year, energy from
the sun can overpower a satellite's signal. This is called a
sun fade, sun transit or sun outage. These outages
occur during the spring and fall, and only last for a few
minutes. These times can be predicted, as they occur on a
regular schedule, and many Internet via satellite companies
post outage calculators on their Web sites. Back
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What is an IP address?
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An IP (Internet Protocol)
address is the way in which your computer is identified to
the world when you log on to the Internet. Back
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What is a Dynamic IP address?
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A Dynamic IP address is an
address that is temporarily assigned at the start of a login
session and then returned to an IP pool at the conclusion of
the session. The IP address will change. Back
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What is a Static IP address?
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A Static IP address is a
unique address that has been assigned to a given client for
an extended period of time, to be used by only that client
(The client does not own that address). The IP address will
stay the same and be routable from the Internet. A firewall
is required for security when using a static public IP
address. Back
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Why would I need a Static IP
address?
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Some companies require
their employees to have a specified IP address to allow them
access into their computer system, or if you need to run a
web or mail server. (Not recommended or supported, but
possible). Back
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What is a firewall?
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A firewall is software or
hardware that protects a computer or network from intruders
accessing it from the Internet. It is a requirement for any
computer which is "always on" the Internet. Back
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What is VPN?
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Software encryption
"tunneling" that allows secure access to private
corporate networks from remote locations. Back
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What is a proxy server?
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A software product that
acts as a moderator or go-between for a client and a remote
host. Most proxy servers also offer content caching. Back
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What is USB?
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The USB (Universal Serial
Bus) is designed to be a "plug and play" method of
attaching computer peripherals to a computer. It was
designed to eliminate the jumpers and dip switches, and to
remove the complexity of adding components to your computer.
USB devices can be "hot plugged" to your computer
while the system is turned on. Back
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What is FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
and is it supported?
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Used to transfer files from
one computer to another over the Internet. Our satellite
Internet offerings support FTP. Back
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Is a telephone connection connection
required?
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No, however a standard
telephone connection will be required at set-up time for the
initial commissioning of the unit. You may also need a
telephone line from time to time to receive Internet via
satellite technical support. Back
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How many concurrent users will be
able to use the system?
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This depends on the package you
purchase. The service level selected and the number of users
concurrently downloading will determine the speed each user
is granted. Back
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Can a subscriber use any email
program (Outlook, Eudora, etc.)?
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Yes. All major email
programs work with VSAT Systems offerings. Back
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Why does my Internet via satellite
system need to be professionally installed?
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The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) requires that trained professionals install
any two-way satellite system. Back
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How long does it take to install the
service?
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It takes about 14 business
days from receipt of a confirmed order. The actual
installation typically takes 3-6 hours. Back
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What is included in the Internet via
satellite installation?
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The installer will put in
place the outdoor equipment, run the cable and connect the
satellite modems, and test the system for Internet access.
The unit ships with several CDs that the customer will
install. Telephone installation support is available during
business hours, as well as support for any configuration
issues. Back
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Does the system support voice
telephone service?
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The system supports VoIP
(voice Over Internet Protocol) in the same manner as it
supports other Internet applications. When using the
optional SatVox point-to-point solution, both inbound and
outbound calling is available with standard 1+ dialing, as
well as full support for inbound/outbound standard fax
transmissions. There is also a network-based QOS option for
use with SatVox or 3rd party VoIP systems that prioritizes
voice traffic across a dedicated satellite link guaranteeing
that VoIP traffic performs extremely well (toll quality). Back
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What is SatVox?
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SatVox is a VoIP solution
specifically engineered for satellite IP use. VSAT Systems
is a Platinum level SatVox partner with an engineering staff
fully certified on the system.Back
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What security options are available?
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The VSAT Systems Internet
via satellite service is equal or superior to a standard
broadband connection due to the proprietary nature of the
communications, including its TDMA transmission protocols
which operate in a manner similar to digital cellular.
Unlike many satellite Internet systems, VSAT Systems can
support a traditional client-server VPN; however performance
will be lower than for a standard transmission. Because VSAT
Systems provides the lowest possible latency, VPN works
better over this system than it does over regular satellite
Internet service.
For real performance when using VPN over satellite, VSAT
Systems offers two types of satellite VPNs, a site-to-site
system and a client-server VPN system. Back
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Why do all Internet via satellite
providers caution customers about VPN use?
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The
acceleration protocols used by satellite operators cannot
function properly with normal encryption
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