FAQ


1. What are my computer system requirements for HughesNet?
2. Can I use HughesNet to run a small network?
3. Why is there a requirement that the HughesNet system be professionally installed?
4. What is transmission latency?
5. Can I run a VPN over HughesNet?
6. Why does the service slow down when used in conjunction with a VPN?
7. Can I put this system on a boat or in an RV?




1. What are my computer system requirements for HughesNet? (back to top)
HughesNet lets you connect your computer to the Internet whether you are running a Windows® or Macintosh® operating system. In order to ensure you get the most out of your Internet experience, DIRECWAY has developed these minimum requirements:

- Windows 98SE or higher or Mac OS 10.1 or higher and
- Network capability (10/100 Ethernet pre-equipped)


2. Can I use HughesNet to run a small network? (back to top)
Yes, you can connect multiple home computers and laptops to a single HughesNet Internet connection. Home networking equipment may be required and is not included with your HughesNet system. For network setup, support, and configuration, contact your network hardware manufacturer and/or operating system software developer (HUGHES is not responsible for home network configuration or management). Please understand that all computers on this network will be sharing a single connection. Simultaneous use of high-bandwidth applications by multiple users may result in degradation of speed and is subject to the HughesNet Fair Access Policy.


3. Why is there a requirement that the HughesNet system be professionally installed? (back to top)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that trained professionals install any satellite system that both sends and receives signals.


4. What is transmission latency? (back to top)
Latency refers to the amount of time it takes a packet of data to travel across a network. With satellite service, that data must travel up to the satellite and back (about 45,000 miles). This round trip adds about a half-second delay to the total time your computer takes to communicate with a Website or host server. Therefore, time-sensitive applications that require fractions-of-a-second user inputs (such as multi-player “twitch” games or real-time equities trading) are not recommended with HughesNet.


5. Can I run a VPN over HughesNet? (back to top)
Yes, but running a VPN client over satellite is not an ideal configuration. If you choose to run VPN over satellite, your data speeds may be reduced by as much as 50-75%. You can restore your connection to full speed by simply disabling your VPN client when your session is over.
Note: HughesNet Technical Support does not provide help with configuring or troubleshooting problems associated with VPN clients.
*** HughesNet does offer an end-to-end VPN accelerator solution for large corporations and government agencies that delivers higher connection speeds over VPN. Go to for more information.


6. Why does the service slow down when used in conjunction with a VPN? (back to top)
HughesNet uses sophisticated acceleration techniques to enable high-speed performance over satellite. These acceleration techniques require access to data packet header information, which is blocked when IPSec-based VPNs are used. These VPNs encrypt the data and create a secure tunnel through the HughesNet network. The encrypted data cannot be processed by HughesNet's acceleration techniques, therefore resulting in slower performance.


7. Can I put this system on a boat or in an RV? (back to top)
HughesNet Home and Professional service is available for non-mobile (fixed) locations. To receive mobile high-speed Internet service, please visit the MotoSAT section of our website.