Satellite internet is so confusing, there are a lot of elements that go behind getting a satellite internet connection up and running. You need a lot of equipment for a satellite internet connection. Satellite dish (which is provided by your Satellite internet provider), Satellite Modem and satellite Router. The question that pops up is Which is the best Modem & router for Satellite internet connection.
Satellite Internet Equipment Functions:
- Satellite Internet Dish: If you live in a rural area then you might have come across these ugly pieces of technology more than once. It is a dish that receives internet signals. Your satellite internet provider will provide you with it as well as install it
- Satellite Modem: The job of a modem is to translate the signals received from your ISP so that all the devices in your home can connect to the internet easily. Your ISP will most probably provide you with this as well. If they don’t you can always go out and buy one of your own! Be careful while choosing as it can be not compatible with your connection.
- Router: A router receives signals from a modem and then transmits in every direction to create a wireless internet network. Without a router, your devices can not connect to an internet connection.
Do You Need Both Modem & Router for Your Business?
You do need a modem for Satellite internet and the satellite internet service provider will lease rent it to you as a part of your internet plan. You need a modem to translate the signal you get from your ISP. However, if you wish to get better connectivity, you will need a Modem that is better in terms of connectivity and compatibility. Renting a router would cost you more in a year then buying it one time.
What is the Best Modem for Satellite Internet?
You don’t have to spend additional money on modems, people end up buying both Modems & routers. One thing you should know is that you won’t find a better compatible modem for your internet connection than the one provided by your internet service provider.
As of now, there are only two companies that offer satellite internet connectivity, HughesNet & Viasat. Both of them offer almost the same type of modem to their users. The Modems have built-in Wifi routers in them. Modems you get from Viasat have more ports and give you better security options. Here’s a list of Specs of modem provided by both Satellite internet service providers.
- Viasat Wifi Modem:
- Band: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Protocol: 802.11 a/b/g/n
- Security: WPS, WEP & WPA
- Ethernet Ports: 4
- Includes adapter for Viasat voice options
- HughesNet Wifi Modem:
- Band: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Protocol: 802.11 a/b/g/n
- Security: WPS
- Ethernet Ports: 1
Best Router for HughesNet Satellite Internet
HughesNet offers the HT2000W modem and wifi combined unit to its consumers. This unit will work just fine for most of the users but if you better connectivity and security options then you can choose from the below-mentioned options.
- TP-Link Archer AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router:
- Band: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Protocol: 802.11 ac
- Security: WPA/ WPA2
- Ethernet Ports: 4
- Antennas: 3
- Netgear nighthawk x10:
- Band: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Protocol: 802.11 ac/ad
- Security: WPA/ WPA2
- Ethernet Ports: 10
- Antennas: 4
Best Router for Viasat Satellite Internet
Viasat is widely available as a satellite internet service provider. You get more plans, better security options and more flexibility with Viasat. Although the case is the same here, you can use the same piece of technology offered by your satellite internet service provider. Viasat also doesn’t publish the model no of the Modem + Router they offer but we’ve found few best Wifi routers for Viasat satellite internet.
- TP-Link Archer AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router
- Band: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Protocol: 802.11 ac
- Security: WPA/ WPA2
- Ethernet Ports: 4
- Antennas: 3
- Netgear nighthawk x10
- Band: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Protocol: 802.11 ac/ad
- Security: WPA/ WPA2
- Ethernet Ports: 10
- Antennas: 4
Should I Rent or Buy the Modem?
Most ISPs offer you to rent the modem and router at minimal costs. When you sit down and calculate, these modems and routers can cost you as much as a new modem and router during the time span of a year. When you talk about HughesNet and Viasat, both of them offer you a combo device of Modem and Routers. You should use the modem for the best compatibility but you can turn the router off if you want to use your own!
You’d still have to pay a monthly fee for the modem even if you use your router. Normally we advise against using rented equipment but when it comes to the satellite internet connection, you should use the device you’ve got!
