Satellite Internet Guides
Run a Speed TestSatellite internet has transformed for rural and remote users — Starlink's low-earth-orbit constellation delivers speeds that once required fiber. These guides explain how satellite internet works, what latency to expect, how Starlink compares to cable and fiber, and how to get the best performance from your dish.
Satellite Internet Basics
What Is Satellite Internet?
How satellite internet beams data from space to a dish on your roof — and why it's the best option for many rural households.
How Satellite Internet Works
The full signal path from your device to a satellite in orbit and back — ground stations, uplinks, and why latency is unavoidable.
Geostationary vs LEO Satellite Internet
Why traditional GEO satellites have 600 ms latency and how Starlink's low-earth orbit constellation cut that to under 60 ms.
Satellite Internet: Pros and Cons
Availability anywhere vs higher latency and cost — when satellite internet makes sense and when to look elsewhere first.
Satellite Physics & Technology
Ka-Band vs Ku-Band
Satellite frequency band tradeoffs — antenna size, throughput, and rain fade.
Phased Array Antennas
Electronic beam steering without moving parts — the antenna in every modern LEO terminal.
Inter-Satellite Laser Links
How constellations route around ground stations using free-space optical links.
Ground Station Handoff
Keeping connections alive as LEO satellites traverse the sky every few minutes.
Polar & Equatorial Coverage
Why satellite coverage varies by latitude — orbital inclinations and gaps.
Atmospheric Attenuation
The physics of rain fade, gas absorption, and the path loss between satellite and ground.
Satellite vs Fiber Latency Physics
Light in vacuum vs glass — when LEO satellite actually beats fiber.
Starlink Explained
Starlink vs Other Options
Starlink vs Fiber Internet
Speed, latency, reliability, and price — when Starlink wins and when fiber is the clear choice.
Starlink vs Cable Internet
How Starlink's satellite service compares to cable for everyday use, streaming, and working from home.
Viasat vs HughesNet vs Starlink
The three major US satellite internet providers compared on speed, latency, data caps, and price.
Starlink for Rural Areas
Why Starlink changed rural internet access, realistic performance expectations, and how to check coverage at your address.
Starlink Performance and Fixes
Starlink for Gaming
Can you game on Starlink? Latency, ping spikes, and which game types work well vs which are problematic.
Starlink Obstructions: Fix Dropouts
How obstructions cause Starlink dropouts, how to use the app to find the best mounting spot, and how to remount your dish.
Weather Effects on Satellite Internet
How rain, snow, and clouds affect Starlink and GEO satellite signals — what to expect and how to minimize disruptions.
Starlink Slow Speed Fix
Step-by-step fixes for slow Starlink speeds — obstructions, network congestion, router placement, and equipment issues.