How Does the Satellite Internet Connection Work?

Step 1: A request for a Web page is sent from your computer to a satellite about 22,000 miles out in space. At this altitude, the satellite’s period of rotation (24 hours) matches the Earth’s, and the satellite always remains in the same spot over the Earth (geosynchronous orbit). Because internet via satellite is so technologically advanced, this distance hardly makes a difference, even with rural internet connections.

Step 2: The satellite contacts the Hughesnet® Network Operations Center (NOC) which locates the specific website you have requested.

Step 3: The Website beams the information back along the same path to the Hughesnet Network Operations Center, then to the satellite, and then to your computer through your Hughesnet dish and modem. Although the signal travels a great distance, there is only a fraction of a second delay during this transmission. This is similar to the delay you may have experienced when using a cell phone. In most cases, this delay (latency) isn’t apparent while surfing online.

Once Hughesnet has been professionally installed in your home, connecting to the internet via satellite is simple!

How can I view the devices connected to my network?

Customers with a HT3000W modem can view their devices connected to their Hughesnet® Wi-Fi as well as direct LAN connections. To view your devices, login to your myhughesnet.com account and visit ‘Usage’ > ‘Wi-Fi management’ page.

On this page you can view the devices connected to the LAN, and the different Wi-Fi channels. Only the devices connected to your Hughesnet modem will be displayed.

Under Network Settings & Access, you will be able to perform the following actions:

  • Wi-Fi settings
  • Guest Wi-Fi settings
  • Change Admin Password
  • Reboot Equipment
  • Parental Controls
  • Traffic prioritization

Please note that only the devices connected to your Hughesnet modem will be shown and not the devices connected to any third-party modems.

How can I view my Priority Data usage?

You can view your current data usage or usage history over time through the Hughesnet Mobile App or on myhughesnet.com.

On myhughesnet.com:

  1. Register or Sign In to your Hughesnet® account.
  2. Select ‘Usage’ at the top of the page.
  3. Select ‘Usage Details’ or ‘Usage history’ for an overview of your account.

On Hughesnet Mobile App:

  1. Click on the ‘Usage’ menu item at the bottom of the screen to see ‘Usage Details’ and ‘Usage History’.
  2. Click on the page to view the respective information.

How Do I Pair My Device(s) To the Hughesnet modem?

  1. Launch an internet browser and type www.systemcontrolcenter.com. You must be connected to your Hughesnet® modem, but internet access is not required to visit the System Control Center.
  2. Click on “Wi-Fi Settings” on the left

3. On the Login page, enter the “Administrative Password” listed on the back of your modem.

  1. You will then be able to see the available networks as below:

5. Click on each network (2.4GHz, 2.4GHz Guest, 5GHz, 5GHz Guest) to see the Wi-Fi Password.

  1. Using the device you wish to pair, search for either of the two wireless networks matching the SSID above. 
  2. Connect to the network. 
  3. When prompted for a password, enter the password exactly as it appears on the label on the back of the modem, referenced above. 

What is the Service Plan Data?

The new Hughesnet® is powered by our JUPITER™ 3 satellite, the world’s largest and most advanced commercial communications satellite.  The new Hughesnet service plans come with an allotment of Priority Data, and unlimited Standard Data.

When does my Priority Data replenish?

The data cycle is typically based on the day you activated your service. For a new customer, that may mean that your data cycle and billing cycle are the same. For customers who have upgraded, you likely have a billing cycle and a data cycle that do not coincide. Your data will be replenished on the date your new data cycle begins.

For example, your billing date and data cycle may occur simultaneously on the 5th of each month, if you originally activated your service on May 5th.

What counts towards my Priority Data?

Anything you do online, including but not limited to:

  • Streaming video (Netflix, You Tube, etc)
  • Downloading photos, videos, MP3 files, or documents
  • Uploading files (photos, YouTube videos, etc)
  • Browsing (Facebook, etc)
  • Software updates (antivirus protection, Microsoft/Windows updates, Apple iOS updates, etc)
  • Online gaming (including Facebook games)
  • Voice over IP (Ooma, Vonage, etc). If using Hughesnet Voice service, your service plan data will not be consumed.

How can I monitor my Priority Data usage?

There are two ways to view and monitor your usage.

1. myhughesnet.com – Sign in or register, and visit ‘Usage’ > ‘Usage Details’.

2. Hughesnet Mobile App – Login to the mobile app and visit ‘Usage’ > ‘Usage Details’ from the bottom menu.


What is unlimited Standard Data?

What does ‘unlimited data’ mean?

The new Hughesnet® Service plans feature an allotment of Priority Data (determined by the purchased Service Plan) and unlimited Standard Data. If you consume your monthly Priority Data, you can continue enjoying the Service using unlimited Standard Data until your Priority Data resets. Standard Data is prioritized behind Priority Data. Hence subscribers using Standard Data may experience slower speeds during high traffic periods.

What is the difference between Priority Data and ‘Standard Data’ that’s included in my service plan?  

Your Priority Data is always prioritized ahead of Standard Data on the network. You automatically use your Priority Data first, then have an unlimited amount of Standard Data.

If I exceed the amount of Priority data included in my plan, how can I get more?

If your usage exceeds your Priority Data, you have multiple options to get more Priority Data:

  • You can purchase Priority Data Tokens.  Click here to learn more about Priority Data Tokens. 
  • You can upgrade your service plan at any time to a plan that offers more Priority Data.  

Can I still stream video once I have exceeded the amount of Priority Data included in my plan?

If you have exceeded the amount of Priority Data included in your service plan, you may experience reduced speeds, especially during peak traffic times. This could impact the streaming quality and performance.