Satellite internet service is internet access through communications satellites. Performance and satellite internet speeds depend on latency, interference, and line of sight. Since satellite communications are affected by moisture (rain or snow interference), a clear line of sight between the dish and the satellite is typically required for optimal performance. Under perfect conditions, this accounts for approximately 550 milliseconds of latency round-trip time.
Satellite Internet generally relies on three primary components:
A satellite, typically in geostationary orbit (sometimes referred to as a geosynchronous Earth orbit or GEO)
Ground stations known as gateways that relay internet data to and from the satellite over radio waves (microwave)
A small antenna at the subscriber’s location, often a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) dish antenna with a transceiver.