Satellite internet is a technology that allows users to connect to the internet via communication satellites orbiting the Earth. Unlike traditional wired internet connections such as DSL, cable, or fiber optic, satellite internet provides access to remote and rural areas where laying physical cables is impractical or too costly. The technology works by sending and receiving data signals between a user’s satellite dish on the ground and a network of satellites positioned in space, which then relay the data to ground stations connected to the internet backbone. This process involves multiple components working in harmony to ensure that users can browse the web, stream videos, and communicate online even in places far from conventional infrastructure.
At the core of satellite internet service is the satellite itself, which acts as a relay station in space. Most modern internet satellites operate in geostationary orbit, approximately 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above the Earth’s equator. A satellite in this orbit moves at the same rotational speed as the Earth, effectively remaining fixed over one spot on the planet’s surface. This stationary position allows ground-based satellite dishes to remain aimed at the same spot in the sky without the need to track a moving satellite continuously. These geostationary satellites are equipped with transponders that receive radio signals from the ground, amplify them, convert their frequency, and retransmit them back to Earth. This process enables data to be sent both ways—from the user to the internet and from the internet back to the user.
The user’s setup for satellite internet includes a satellite dish, a modem, and a connection to a computer or router. The satellite dish is typically a parabolic antenna that is mounted outside the home or business, pointed precisely at the satellite in the sky. When the user how satellite internet works a request—such as clicking a link or sending an email—the data is sent from the user’s modem to the dish, which transmits it as a radio signal up to the satellite. Once the satellite receives the signal, it relays the data down to a network operations center or ground station connected to the broader internet. The ground station acts as a gateway, routing the request to the destination server on the internet. The response, such as a webpage or video data, is then sent back through the ground station to the satellite, which beams it down to the user’s dish, completing the communication loop.
Because satellite internet involves signals traveling thousands of kilometers up to space and back down to Earth, latency—or the delay between sending and receiving data—is a notable characteristic of the service. The round-trip distance results in latency times typically around 500 to 700 milliseconds, which is higher compared to terrestrial broadband connections. This delay can affect certain applications that require real-time responses, such as online gaming or video conferencing. However, satellite internet providers use various technologies to mitigate the impact of latency, including data compression, caching, and advanced error correction techniques that help maintain a smooth user experience despite the inherent delay.