HughesNet
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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. 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 [1] [2].
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[edit] 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.
[edit] Name change
On March 27, 2006, DirecWay officially changed its name to HughesNet. The previous DirecWay name was fully retired on April 22, 2006.
[edit] Criticisms
[edit] 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.
[edit] Fair Access Policy
The Fair Access Policy (FAP) is outlined in the HughesNet Terms and Conditions. The FAP is a policy that limits the total amount of data that can be downloaded by a user. The most basic HughesNet plan allows users to download 175 megabytes before the throughput is limited. The "Recovery Rate is the rate in kilobits per second at which a service plan recovers the Download Threshold". The recovery rate on the most basic HughesNet plans is 50 kilobits per second, which is about the speed of a dial-up connection. The FAP also can hinder programs that constantly transmit large amounts of data, such as Skype.
[edit] Price and weather
Satellite internet can be more costly when compared to other forms of internet access. For the "HughesNet Home" 700/128 kbit/s plan described above, installation is 599.98 dollars up front, and service is 59.99 dollars monthly (as of June 2006). Customers are required to pay for parts and installation, which breaks down to 399.99 for equipment, and 199.99 for installation. [3]
Satellite internet generally operates in a frequency band called Ku band which suffers from degraded performance during very heavy rain. This type of rain fade can cause outages in the HughesNet service similar to outages sufferred by DirecTV satellite television service which also primarily operates at Ku band.
[edit] Commercials
Throughout its history, HughesNet has run a series of television commercials featuring actress Margaret Easley. Each time the name of the service has changed, a new commercial has been filmed. The central message of each commercial is fairly consistent, stating to viewers that anyone in the continental United States can have Internet access and "all you need is a clear view of the southern sky." Most of the commercials are 60 seconds in length, but there have also been 30-second variants as well as 30-minute infomercial-length variants which are broadcast both on normal DirecTV channels as well as on DirecTV channel 227, a channel that DirecTV uses solely for its own infomercials.
One of the commercials had a demonstration of the service with web pages moving very fast, but if one looked at the program bar of IE, "Microsoft Internet Explorer - Working Offline" - which meant that they weren't connected to the internet when loading the pages. As of May 2006, an older DirecWay commercial is hosted and viewable on Margaret Easley's website.
