What Is Broadband?

• The common term "broadband" is usually used as a synonym for high-speed networking. However, broadband is a technical term that refers to communication using modulated carrier signals that allow a single frequency to carry multiple types of information, ranging from digital data to analog communication signals.
  
  

Satellite Communication

• Satellite communication uses high-powered transmitters and receivers to send and receive data to satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Geosynchronous orbit means that the satellite remains fixed above a point on the surface of the Earth and turns with the Earth as it orbits. Keeping the satellite in the same position in the sky ensures that satellite modulators, or devices that send data to the satellite, and satellite demodulators, devices that receive and decode data from a satellite, can remain in constant contact.
  
  

Broadband Satellite Internet

• Broadband satellite Internet allows people in rural areas with no access to cable, DSL (digital subscriber line) or ADSL (asymmetric DSL) Internet connections to access the Internet at fast speeds. Broadband satellite Internet is targeted to single-family homes.
  
  

Other Satellite Networking

• Some satellite Internet service providers also offer high-speed high-capacity satellite communication for business, enterprise and government. These networking services can either be part of a satellite Internet communication system or a system of private address networking. Business satellite networking can include backup systems for situations where a wired network has failed, wide area networking (WAN) to allow widely dispersed offices to communicate as if on the same local area network (LAN) or emergency services data transmission for situations where local infrastructure is not available.
  
  

Operating Principles

• Satellite broadband networking transmits signals via narrow, powerful radio frequency signals. They do not use traditional wires and cables. As long as a satellite is operational, the only thing needed on the ground is a clear visual path to the satellite, a satellite dish to send and receive signals and power to the satellite modulator and demodulator. That power source could be traditional power grids, batteries, solar power systems or even portable gas generators.