HughesNet Satellite Internet Networking

HughesNet Concurrent Users

In a typical office or home network, many computers may be connected to Internet access, yet not all will be using the Internet at the same time. Regardless of the type of Internet connection or service provider, computers that access the same Internet connection at the same time split the available bandwidth between them. Most Internet activity involves downloading a webpage, email or smaller files. With this type of activity the computer is only accessing the Internet for short periods of time. Downloading large files like movies, music or software updates requires a constant connection till the process completes. This will impact the available bandwidth for other computers on the network during that period but will not prevent them from accessing the internet. For this reason, HughesNet provides a number of systems and service plans to accommodate a variety of Internet access needs.

HughesNet General Network Information

If you have more than one computer in your home or office, it’s likely that you have thought about connecting them all to a high-speed Internet connection. Networking makes this possible by sharing your HughesNet high-speed Internet link with any computer on the premises. With your system networked to multiple computers, you can work comfortably from one computer while others check email, research information online, surf the Internet or listen and watch streamed audio and video. And the kids won't have to fight about whose turn it is to get online. In this section you will find helpful information about sharing your HughesNet high-speed connection using a network.

Please note: Simultaneous use of high bandwidth applications by user numbers greater than that which is recommended for an individual connection plan may result in decrease in performance while all users are online.  For systems that often will have more than one user simultaneously accessing our network, connection plans geared to more than one user are recommended. Click here to view these plans.

All HughesNet plans utilizes the HN7000s. This state-of-the-art satellite system is self-hosted, meaning there is no software to load on your computer and therefore no "host" computer through which Internet traffic must flow. The HN7000s therefore eliminates the need to use ICS to share the high-speed Internet access with other computers as was previously the case on many satellite Internet systems. Every computer on your network can communicate directly with the system, enabling pure, direct broadband connections to everyone on your local network

97% of all Wireless Routers also come with 4 wired ports in the rear of the router. This will allow you to run both Wired and Wireless systems. Also by connecting the computer next to the router via a Cat5 cable you save the cost of a wireless adaptor.

HughesNet Wireless Network Information

Wireless networking is the easiest way to get started because you don't have to install cables and wires throughout your house. You will need wireless networking equipment (not included with your system). Wireless networks consist of two components:

1) The wireless base station allows you to share the high-speed connection with other computers.  The Ethernet output on the internal satellite modem plugs directly into the wireless base station. 

2) You will need a wireless device for each computer with which you want to share your connection.  Laptops use PC cards, which can easily be installed and removed.  Desktop computers can use either a PCI or USB adapter.  To install the PCI adapter, you will need to open your computer whereas the USB adapter can be plugged into any open USB port.  Even if you're not comfortable opening up your computer, wireless networking is not difficult to install or use.

The key to a good wireless network is placement of your wireless base station and your computers. The wireless base station will be the link between your networked computers and your satellite system, so it is important to establish a strong signal between the wireless base station and your computers. A poor wireless signal will negatively impact your Internet performance over the network. Finding the best placement of your base station for maximum range is a trial and error process.

Safety and Security
Whether you have a network installed or not, maintaining your security and privacy on the Internet is of utmost importance.  Make sure that you have Anti-Virus software installed on every computer you use to access the Internet.  If you use a Firewall, it should also be installed on every computer in your network. The Hughes Net HN7000s modem is a DHCP server allowing you to connect it straight to a Router or even a inexpensive switch or hub.  

HughesNet Wired Network Information

With a wired network, you will have none of the concerns about signal strength as you would with a wireless network.  However, the tradeoff is you'll have to run wires to every computer with which you want to share your HughesNet connection. 

Each computer on your network will need an Ethernet port.  Almost all newer computers come equipped with a Network Interface Card (NIC), but if your computer does not have one, you will need to purchase and install one. You also will need a hub or a switch (one port per computer). The hub or switch will connect directly to your internal satellite modem via an Ethernet cable.  Each computer is then connected to the hub via an Ethernet cable. 

Safety and Security
Whether you have a network installed or not, maintaining your security and privacy on the Internet is of utmost importance.  Make sure that you have Anti-Virus software installed on every computer you use to access the Internet.  If you use a firewall, it should also be installed on every computer in your network. 

IMPORTANT: Additional third party home networking equipment is required to network multiple computers to your HughesNet HN7000s. HughesNet is not responsible for home network configuration or management and does not provide technical support for network equipment provided by other companies. If you are not knowledgeable with computer networking, it is recommended that you consult your HughesNet installer or a network specialist prior to installing.