What is HughesNet Gen4 Satellite Internet Service?
HughesNet Gen4 is a high-speed Internet solution that uses satellite to provide everyone in the contiguous U.S. (with an unobstructed view of the southern sky) high-speed Internet service. Unlike DSL, which uses your phone line, HughesNet Gen4 uses satellite technology to give you a super-fast Internet connection that is always on. Bottom line: with HughesNet Gen4, you are always on the Internet and you can surf, download, and open pages five times faster than you can with a DSL connection.
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Will I still need my old modem?
No. Because your HughesNet Gen4 system comes with all the equipment needed to access the Internet at high-speed.
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What speeds can I expect with HughesNet Gen4 Satellite Internet?
- With the HughesNet Gen4 Power plan, you can connect to the Internet with maximum download speeds up to 10 Mbps, with typical upload speeds of up to 1 Mbps.
- With the HughesNet Gen4 Power PRO plan, you can connect to the Internet with maximum download speeds of up to 10 Mbps, with typical upload speeds of up to 2 Mbps.
During hours when Internet traffic is high, connection speeds may be reduced by 60%-70%. This will affect bandwidth-heavy and time-sensitive Internet applications. If you use a VPN (virtual private network), you may notice decreased connection speeds.
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What are the computer system requirements for HughesNet Gen4?
HughesNet Gen4 works with both Windows and Macintosh operating systems. For maximum benefit from your HugheNet Gen4 system, these are the listed minimum requirements:
- Windows 2000 PE or higher (including VISTA) or Mac OS 10.1 or higher, and
- Network capability (10/100 Ethernet pre-equipped)
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I have a Mac. Can I use HughesNet?
Yes, if you have Mac OS 10.1 or higher, HughesNet Gen4 is fully compatible.
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Can I use HughesNet Gen4 to run a small network?
Yes. Multiple home computers and laptops can be connected to a single HughesNet Gen4 Internet connection. Please note that HughesNet Gen4 does not provide network configuration, setup, or support of any kind.
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What if my computer did not come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)? What can I do?
In most cases, you can install a new Ethernet 10/100 Network Interface Card (NIC). It is important to make sure your NIC is configured to "auto-negotiate."
Also, most computers today have more than one USB port. If you have at least one, you can also buy a USB Ethernet adapter. This is most likely makes for an easier install than installing a PCI network card.
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I have a laptop. Can I use my PCMCIA card adapter to connect to HughesNet Gen4?
Yes. All you need to connect your computer to the HughesNet Gen4 modem is either a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card or a PCMCIA adapter with an Ethernet connector.
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How long will it be until I have faster Internet service?
Most new customers, on average, have their system installed within 2 weeks of their order. After placing your order today, a certified installer will be contact you within 5 day set an installation appointment.
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Can the HughesNet-certified installer set up my home network?
This may be an option available through your installer; you can inquire about this when you set your installation appointment. Please note that multiple users on a single system (a network) will most likely lead to degraded speeds. Also, HughesNet does not support, configure or maintain home networks.
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Does HughesNet service allow for running a VPN?
Yes, but VPNs do not work great over satellite. You may use a VPN with HughesNet Gen4 plans, but you will likely experience reduced speeds by as much as 50–75%. You can restore your connection to full speed by simply disabling your VPN client when your session is over.
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