Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Hughes provide high-speed Internet options to everyone in the United States?

A: Because of advancements in technology, Hughes is able to offer high-speed Internet via satellite to almost anyone in the United States. As a satellite ISP provider, Hughes is dedicated to supplying reliable satellite Internet connections for customers. Since many Hughes customers live in rural areas where cable and DSL are not available, HughesNet is one of the only high-speed Internet options available. Hughes takes pride in offering reliable high-speed Internet to those who wouldn’t normally have this option.

Definition of terms for high-speed & satellite Internet

As a satellite Internet ISP, Hughes strives to offer a reliable high-speed Internet option with a customer-friendly and easy-to-use service. This list of glossary terms is meant to familiarize you with satellite Internet and answer questions you may have.

56K line – Most dial-up Internet connections use a telephone line that allows transfer of data at 56,000 bits per second. 56K line refers to this type of Internet connection.

Bandwidth – This term describes the amount of data that can be sent through a particular Internet connection or network. High-bandwidth Internet connections (faster than 768 kilobits per second) are often called “broadband” or “high-speed Internet.”

Bit – A single binary value; a bit is the smallest piece of computer data. Many bits are needed to transmit even the simplest file.

Broadband – Broadband refers to an Internet connection with download speed in excess of 768 kilobits per second.

Dial-up – This term refers to an Internet connection through a home telephone line.

DSL (digital subscriber line) – Allows user to access the Internet by way of existing telephone lines.

Ethernet – A commonly used local area network (LAN) that connects computers to one another and/or connects a computer to the Internet.

Firewall – Software that protects your computer network from outside users.

High-speed Internet option – An ISP (that is, satellite, cable, or DSL) offers an Internet service option that provides enough bandwidth for high-speed Internet use.

IP (Internet protocol) – Programming language that serves as the backbone of the Internet. “IP” is short for “IP address.”

IP Address – Every computer has its own IP number, which acts as the computer’s identification. IP addresses are unique for each computer connected to the Internet. They are much like a physical address.

ISP (Internet Service Provider) – Each ISP offers service options to customers that range in bandwidth, type of connection, and other options such as email, storage space, and virus protection.

Kilobit – 1024 bits of data. Internet speeds are often measured in kilobits per second (kbps).

Megabit – One million bits

Modem – A modem connects your computer to a phone line, cable, or satellite. The modem acts as an interpreter between the two devices so that digital messages can be sent from your computer to another computer or to a satellite dish.

Satellite dish – An antenna affixed to a structure that sends and receives data. Home satellite users typically receive Internet access or television via satellite.

Satellite Internet – Using a modem, coaxial cables, and satellite dish, computer users are able to access high- speed broadband Internet.

Satellite ISP provider – An Internet service provider that offers a satellite Internet connection to homes or businesses. A satellite ISP provider is particularly beneficial for rural residents.