Optimising your satellite broadband set-up

26th June 2017

Though the speed of satellite broadband has increased, there are still ways to get better performance from your home or business connection. Have you explored all of its capabilities and performance improvements yet?

We’ve got some great tips to share with you that will take your satellite broadband experience to an entirely new level.

Your set-up

Also known as internet-by-satellite, broadband satellite provides you with an internet connection through a satellite dish mounted to your home or business. Rather than waiting for fibre to be available in your area, satellite broadband is available immediately.

Broadband tools are available to test and optimise your broadband speed, quality, and metres.  For those living in rural areas, fast internet access has been elusive. Such a slow or non-existent connection makes day-to-day internet options frustrating.

Optimising performance

To ensure your broadband signal is clear and at its most potential for speed and reliability, here are some items to review in your home and with your setup.

Remove obstructions

If there is anything impeding the signal from the satellite to the sky, then that must be cleared away. Cut back any bushes or trees that may be blocking its clear line to the sky.

Check your position

Confirm with your Satellite ISP which direction is most optimal for your signal and re-position your satellite to face it. If you are not sure or are afraid to move your satellite, you can ask for a technician to visit your home to check the positioning.

Close those windows

The more windows and applications you have running at the same time, the slower your internet will be. For optimal speed, close down all but the necessary items and experience a faster connection.

Update, update, update

Like any system, software updates are imminent with your modem or router. Check with your network administrator to see if your software is up to date.

Time for a move

If after all of this, your speed is still slower than a turtle, it may be time to move your equipment to a different area of the house. It’s possible that where it is currently located, there are too many obstacles or signals getting in the way.

Internet accessories

Just like with traditional internet connections via phone lines, you can also use a compatible wireless router to shoot the signal throughout your home. You may have to ask your carrier for this option if you’d like to access the internet on your mobile devices or purchase a wireless router and install it on your own if you are technologically inclined.

If additional data is more your cup of tea, you can purchase volume boosters from your Satellite ISP or ask if they can upgrade your tariff.

Some companies offer unlimited data usage at night so you can continue to download larger files, software updates, or finish downloading that film or TV program while you sleep. It’s all done without using up your monthly contracted data percentage.