HughesNet

[PBinWA]

does DW use VPN in her work application ? If so DW is out of luck, VPN will not work with any Satellite system I have heard of. Much to my regret.
Ben

It works with some VPN servers. You have to get the "Pro Version" and a static IP address. It will then work with most VPN systems. I used mine with Cisco VPN and a Linux based VPN Server (can't remember it's name though). Of course, all that makes it even more expensive per month but if it's your only choice then you might as well do it. It's better than dial-up and ISDN.

 

[Adron]

No she just d/l the 2-3 Mb special format voice files, transcribes and emails the transcription to appropriate parties. Security is included on both the d/l and email parts.

I have used VNC on several occasions as well as pcAnywhere. perhaps not VPN, but it works for controlling my clients computers enough to get them past their problems........... usually.

 

[jmt1271]

My wife requires high speed for her job. We had Direcway about 3.5 yrs ago when we were in the sticks. I didnt love it, but it was better than dial-up. Her boss paid for the hardware, and half the monthly fees, so that helped. DSL and cable are far better, but if you can justify the cost Id go for it.

 

[ALHILLDIRT]

I checked out the HughesNet site, but could not find the answer to a question of mine.......

Do you have to use separate dishes for DirecTV and HughesNet, or can the same one be used for both? I know that my current dish (I only have DirecTV) will not work with HughesNet, but I hope that I won't have to end up with 2 dishes.

Thanks!

Per Hughes customer service yesterday, they have to use a different dish for TV, because of interference since they up the power on the transmitter.

 

[midmodan]

I live out in the country and used Direcway for a couple of years. The older system 4000(??) series was terrible. Then they came out with the newer system 6000 (??) that worked great. Not real sure of the numbers. I would recommend it over dial up.

The price I paid ($500) included installation and has to be done by a licensed installer.

This winter I got a call and DLS was available out here in the sticks. Too bad your not close by, I'd just about give you my old system. Don't know how much a installer would get. After that, it may now be worth it over a new system.

 

[circlelake]

Make sure you check out other options. I'd also check with a bunch of your local computer dealers and cell phone providers. There may be wireless land connections which would be better.
Satellite systems are OK except for the down times during storms and the latency and costs.
I'm a computer consultant and find most people you talk with don't know what's available.
Tom

 

[PineRidge]

I have had it for about a year and its 100 times better than dialup. Its not as fast as dsl or cable but if you mainly use it for just surfing the net its great. If you download or upload huge files it can get a little slow. When we moved to my property this year this was our only way to get high speed internet. Make sure if you get it to watch the installer and make sure they ground the system to an earth ground or you will have problems other than that i love it

wickedinhere hit the nail right on the head. We used DirectWay for several years before DSL became available. The difference between DSL and Hughes is like night and day.

 

[Adron]

True to everyone who mentioned it...It's isn't cable or DSL. But it is one GIANT step above dial-up. If I had to move back to the city to get a decent connection I would just be off-line. Cost? As I mentioned in a previous post, $10 over dial-up cost is nothing.

Wish I had DSL...But having few (but good) neighbors is worth it.

 

[gsganzer]

Check into fixed wireless broadband. I had the same problem as you. Other thread Turns out I have a tower 7 miles away. They put a transmitter/receiver on my roof and I transmit to/from that tower. I get download speeds of 1.5 mbps. It cost $200 for the hardware and $50/month.

 

[Dweeks]

.

Wish I had DSL...But having few (but good) neighbors is worth it.

My thoughts exactly.