How To Reduce Latency on Satellite Internet

How To Reduce Latency on Satellite Internet? Since its introduction in the early 2000s, Internet-ready satellites tailored for public consumers have seen tremendous growth and popularity across the globe. And some factors accelerating this growth include Internet satellite’s broad coverage and the fact that it’s an upgrade to the much slower dial-up Internet service. 

However, latency remains one of the most significant drawbacks to satellite Internet use. More latency results from the immense distances data travel between your PC, land Internet servers, and the globe-orbiting satellites. 

But how can you reduce satellite internet latency to improve your connection? Read on to find out. 

Table of Contents

What is Latency?

Satellite internet latency is the noticeable delay in sending data to and from satellites. In most cases, it is attributed to the limited speed of light. It could also result from network congestion. 

Generally, satellite internet latency affects online gaming, web browsing, and video streaming. Luckily, there are several ways to reduce it. This includes satellite dish and router inspection. 

How Does Satellite Internet Perform?

Generally, satellite internet has been known to work effectively globally. However, much still has to be done to improve its efficiency. 

At the center of the satellite internet is a satellite orbiting around the earth. The satellite routes the signal to a receiver dish on the earth’s surface. In most cases, the receiver is fixed on a building with clear access to the sky. 

A modem is used for the signal arriving at the dish to become a workable internet connection. Satellite internet doesn’t rely on ground-laid infrastructure like fiber or cable wires. 

Why Reducing Latency is Important

First, low latency isn’t a specific delay measurement. It’s simply a strategy seeking the lowest delay in a network. 

Achieving low latency will enable you to access a reliable internet connection. Consequently, you’ll get real-time results while accessing internet resources. For instance, online gaming, web browsing, and video streaming will become more stable. 

How to Reduce Latency on Satellite Internet

Follow the below steps to reduce satellite internet latency:

Running A Speed Test

(Internet speed test)

First, run a speed test to establish the download and upload speeds you’re getting. We recommend connecting devices via cable rather than Wi-Fi while running the speed test. This way, you’ll get accurate download and upload speeds. 

You can then compare this with the expected or service provider speeds. 

Adjusting The Dish

Satellite dish on a roof

(Satellite dish on a roof)

Satellite internet signals always weaken with distance. If they travel longer distances, expect the internet connection to be slow. 

Therefore, ensure your satellite internet dish is as close to your house as possible. If possible, move it closer to where the internet modem is fixed. While moving the dish, ensure you keep it in good condition. 

Remove Obstacles Near The Dish

Obstacles around the satellite dish might be responsible for the internet latency you’re experiencing. Most satellite internet service providers require that the southern sky view from your home is clear. 

At times, even after installation, tall trees might grow in areas around your satellite dish. This is likely to block the signals, thus weakening them. 

Therefore, regularly check the area around your dish to ensure its view isn’t blocked. Sometimes, you might be forced to cut some tall trees. 

Incorporate an In-Line Amplifier

An in-line amplifier is used in a transmission system to compensate for signal losses. In this case, we recommend using a 20dB satellite in-line amplifier. It’ll enhance the weak signals from the satellite to the receiver. 

Normally, the amplifier is installed at the signal source (satellite) or satellite dish. In your case, the only option is to install it at the dish level. 

Update The Router Firmware

A satellite dish is connected to a router in your house. Well, this router operates on firmware that should be up to date. The firmware manages the routing protocols to enable internet access via Wi-Fi. Additionally, it fixes system bugs and keeps the connection secure. 

You might be experiencing satellite internet latency due to outdated router firmware. If this is the case, an immediate update is required. Log into the router’s admin panel and check for any available updates. After the update is complete, restart the router, and you’re good to go. 

Reposition Your Router

Router positioned centrally in a home

(Router positioned centrally in a home)

In some cases, satellite internet might be faster in some parts of the house and slower in others. This results from improper router positioning. Therefore, reposition the router centrally in your house. The area should be free from obstacles. 

Average Satellite Internet Latency

The satellite internet latency averages between 594-624 milliseconds. It’s higher than the latency experienced by any other media. For instance, the fiber internet latency is lowest at 10 to 12 ms. 

To play online gaming or video streaming effectively, the internet latency should be below 100 ms. 

FAQs

Is Satellite Internet Latency Bad?

Generally, latency isn’t bad if it’s low. What makes satellite internet latency bad is that it’s too high. It’s almost 50 times that of fiber. This results in challenges with downloading large files or streaming videos. 

What amount of satellite internet latency is ok?

A latency below 100 ms is good enough for your streaming or download needs. Anything above this will cause downloads or internet streaming to be slow. 

Why is latency present in Satellites?

Latency is present in satellites thanks to the large distance signals travel from source to destination. Signals travel from satellites that are about 36,000 KM above the equator. Therefore, the signals will likely be distorted before reaching the satellite dish. 

Starlink connection page

(Starlink connection page)

According to Starlink, their internet services experience a latency of 20-40 ms. This is way below the acceptable latency of 100 ms. With Starlink, you can download large files or stream live events without challenges. 

Conclusion

Nowadays, having a reliable internet connection has almost become a basic requirement. For those relying on satellites for internet connection, latency has always been challenging. Although eliminating latency is impossible, following the above guide will help you lower it. 

Always keep the latency below 100 ms for stable internet access. For more latency-related solutions, contact us.

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