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In order to be able to surf the web thanks to the high speeds of satellite internet, certain elements must be installed. There is a list of specific equipment that can be installed by an installer approved by the access provider, in order to obtain the best possible quality of connection to the network. What equipment is needed to access the web via the satellite network? What is the purpose of each piece of equipment? Here's a technical review of the equipment used to connect to the Internet via satellite.

The 3 pieces of equipment needed for satellite internet access

Of course, accessing the Internet via the satellite network requires a fixed computer, a laptop or a smartphone. But in addition to this user-specific equipment, the installation of certain devices is also necessary. This list is a little longer than that for accessing the web via 4G, ADSL or fibre optics, but the installation can be carried out by a certified installer who is an expert in the field of telecommunications. This makes it easy to get a reliable connection with a fast internet speed!

Only three pieces of equipment are required to connect to the Internet via satellite:

  • A satellite dish;
  • A transceiver;
  • A modem.

The equipment listed above can be installed in any location: a dwelling (flat or house), a workspace (company office, professional premises, etc.) or a shop (café, bar, restaurant, hotel, etc.). Though you may wondering how to set up your own satellite internet, with the Konnect offer, there is no need to look for a dealer-installer: an interactive map shows who to contact in all the African countries covered by Eutelsat, and the equipment is supplied by the company.

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Antenna, transceiver and satellite internet modem: what are they used for?

The operation of satellite internet has its own particularities. Each element necessary for a connection to the satellite network has its own specific purpose. The satellite antenna makes it possible to send and receive remote transmissions from satellites in orbit, more than 36,000 kilometres from the Earth. Generally, this equipment has a diameter of 74 centimetres. The quality of the connection to the web depends on the correct installation of this essential element, which is placed on a mast for optimal fixing. The installer's expertise enables him to advise the best location for Konnect holders. Most often, this is :

  • A wall ;
  • The roof of the house.

Depending on the constraints (buildings, large trees, etc.), the antenna can also be installed remotely, for example on part of an adjacent plot. The Konnect Install application, available on the App Store or Google Play, can be used to get an initial idea of the best place to position the internet access antenna.

On the other hand, the transceiver - which is both a satellite internet receiver and transmitter - is a part of the antenna that is pointed towards the inside of this dish and sends the signals needed for telecommunications. Finally, the modem corresponds to what is classically known as the "internet box". Installed inside the home, this equipment is connected to the satellite dish via a cable. Fixed or portable computers can be connected to it via an Ethernet network cable or by using a Wifi adapter.

Optimal installation for the best broadband quality

To obtain the best possible quality of connection to the Web, Eutelsat strongly recommends that customers contact one of its partner installers and not install or move the equipment listed above on their own. Indeed, the perfect orientation of the antenna towards the satellites in orbit is the number one condition for a stable and fast connection to the Internet via satellite, even in the event of capricious weather. Only exceptional weather conditions can disrupt the quality of an internet connection via a satellite dish, such as heavy snowfall or rain, storms or strong winds.

Many countries in Africa are already covered by the Konnect offer, making it possible to access the internet even without a nearby network infrastructure, as is the case in many cities and rural areas of the continent. Thanks to a large and growing number of partnerships, Eutelsat is enabling a large part of the African population to connect to the web from rural areas or in places where traditional networks do not work well.

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