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DIRECWAY is now HughesNet !

  HughesNet®  Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between Hughes Net and DIRECWAY® ?

A:  In January 2006 Hughes Communications, Inc., completed the purchase of the remaining 50 percent of Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS) from The DIRECTV Group, Inc. Effective 3/27/2006 the DIRECWAY® brand name will be replaced with the HughesNet brand name. This change will have no affect on either new Hughes.Net customers or existing DIRECWAY® customers. All equipment and Service Plans will remain unchanged.

Q: How does HughesNet  work ?


Direcway is now HughesNet !
Q: What is HughesNet broadband by satellite?
A: Hughes Net is the new solution for everyone who is ready for high-speed Internet access. Hughes.Net satellite internet technology makes high-speed Internet available to everyone in the 48 contiguous United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as long as you have a clear view of the southern sky.




Q: What is SPACEWAY?

A: SPACEWAY 3 is a next-generation satellite system whose unique capabilities will enable high-speed data networking, enable groundbreaking applications, and unlock a wealth of value-added HughesNet services. Operating in globally-assigned Ka-band spectrum, SPACEWAY 3 employs high-performance, onboard digital processing, packet switching, and spot-beam technology to offer direct site-to-site connectivity at rates of from 512 Kbps up to 16 Mbps. SPACEWAY 3 combines the traditional advantages of satellite, namely ubiquitous reach and efficient broadcast/multicast, with high data rates and mesh connectivity—to give customers a fast, efficient, flexible, and cost-effective communications solution. For more information on SPACEWAY CLICK HERE.




Q: What are my computer system requirements for the new HN9000?
A: The New HughesNet Modem lets you connect your computer to the Internet whether you are running a Windows® or Macintosh® based system. In order to ensure you get the most out of your Internet experience, Hughes Net has developed these minimum requirements:

Operating system:   PC: Windows 98 SE or above.       MAC: 9.0-10.4 (excludes 10.0)


Processor:                 PC: Pentium II 333 MHz or faster  MAC: 300 MHz or faster


Memory (RAM):          PC: 64MB Ram Windows98SE,128MB RAM (Windows 2000, XP)
                                   MAC: 128MB


Hard Drive Space:       PC: 100MB                                MAC: 150MB

Connection :           PC\MAC:             Standard  Ethernet Port.


Q: What operating systems are compatible with the new Hughes.Net System?
 
A: The HughesNet Modem is operating system agnostic, meaning you can connect your computer to the Internet whether you are running a Windows® or Macintosh® based system.


Q: Is Hughes Net compatible with my Mac?
A: Yes. Please review our Minimum Requirements list above for Macintosh systems.


Q: Why is Mac OS 10.0 not supported?

A: Because the Mac OS 10.0 release is not supported by Apple, we do not develop products around non-supported OS systems.  We recommend you upgrade your Mac OS to 10.1 or higher, which is supported by Hughes.Net


Q: How can I tell if my computer has the required Ethernet Port ?

A: Usually you will find the ethernet port on the back or side of your computer. It looks similar to a standard phone jack but is slightly wider. If your computer does not have an ethernet port you will need to purchase an adapter which can be found on our " Networking " page above.


Q: What if my computer did not come with an Ethernet Port ? What can I do?

A: Many computers can be upgraded with a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) or an external USB type adapter such as the
LINKSYS brand we offer. You can view these items by clicking here.  If you have an available USB port on your computer, you can  use a USB Ethernet adapter. The USB type is much easier to install than a PCI card, which requires that you take the computer apart. For a laptop you can also use a USB Ethernet adapter.
 

Q: I currently have DIRECTV, will I need a new dish ?

A: Yes, HughesNet requires a unique dish that is capable of transmitting as well as receiving. The DIRECTV dish does not have that ability.   Hughes Net® and DIRECTV are billed separately. The HughesNet® dish can not be modified to receive DIRECTV  DIRECTV Service is billed separately.


Q: Can I Order Hughes.Net and DIRECTV on a single dish ?

A: No HughesNet and DIRECTV require two separate dishes. 

 

Q:  Can Hughes Net and DIRECTV service be combined on one bill ?

A:  Hughes.Net and DIRECTV are separate services and are billed separately. 

 

Q: Does HughesNet require an ISP ?

A: No, Hughes Net will be your new ISP. You get up to 10 new email accounts with HughesNet with 10mb storage each. HughesNet does not provide web hosting, however. When you turn on your computer you do not have to dial up. You are always on-line. You can continue to use your favorite browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape. You can also continue to use your favorite email software such as Outlook Express or Eudora.


Q: Do I still need a dial-up modem and telephone line?
A: No, there is no phone line requirement for normal operation, therefore, a modem is not required to use your Hughes Net service with the New HughesNet modem. 


Q: What does HughesNet do for Streaming media?

A: Hughes Net makes streaming media faster, smoother and clearer. So you can enjoy streaming video without uneven, jerky motion, delays or sync problems. And you can listen to the radio or audio files without all the snapping and crackling.

The Hughes.Net Two-Way System brings you everything the Internet has to offer -without the hassles of dial-up service. HughesNet satellite internet gives you super fast downloads and streaming media that's smooth and clear. Hughes Net is always on so there's no dialing up, logging on, or waiting around. And it won't tie up your phone line. So you can get more out of the Internet than ever before.

Q:  Does HughesNet have any download limitations ?

A:  HughesNet provides download capability 24/7. Download limits are subject to the Fair Access Policy. For more details CLICK HERE.


Q: Is HughesNet Secure ?

A: Hughes Net knows how important your privacy is. That's why our service uses conditional access and triple encryption to protect both your incoming and outgoing information. This makes Hughes.Net broadband access as secure as you can get. Conditional access uses encryption technology to secure HughesNet Service against unauthorized access. It protects multimedia and digital files from being intercepted by any site except those designated. Information you send is inherently secure because of the complexity of our satellite transmission.


Q: How does Hughes Net Security work?

A: Conditional access uses encryption technology to secure Hughes.Net Service against unauthorized access. It protects multimedia and digital files from being intercepted by any site except those designated. Information you send is inherently secure because of the complexity of our satellite transmission.



Q: Can I run HughesNet on a small network?
A: Yes, you can connect multiple home computers and laptops to a single Hughes Net Internet satellite internet connection at no additional cost. Home networking equipment such as routers or network adapters may be required and are not included with your Hughes.Net System. We do offer an affordable soultion for your home or small buisness networking needs. Please click on the "
Networking" tab at the top of this page for more information and pricing. 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 download and surfing speeds, and are subject to the Fair Access Policy.

 

Q: Is Home Networking included ?

A: Home networking equipment 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).  We do offer an affordable soultion for your home or small buisness networking needs. Please click on the "Networking" tab at the top of this page for more information and pricing.


Q: How much does the Hughes Net Hardware and Installation cost ?

A: Click Here for Details !
 

 

Q: What is the difference between a Dynamic IP and a Static IP address ?

A: A Dynamic IP address changes every time you connect to the internet while a Static Ip address remains the same. A Static IP address provides increased security and is necessary for applications such as video conferencing, voice over IP and VPN solutions.


Q: What does a Standard Installation Include ?

A:  A standard installation includes the mounting, grounding and aligning of the Hughes.Net dish to an existing 1 story structure, setup and installation of the RECEIVE/TRANSMIT modems on one PC.  Also included is up to 100 feet of RG6 dual coaxial cable. If a pole mount, 2nd story install or custom fishing of wire is required there may be additional charges to be determined at time of installation. For Standard  Installation details CLICK HERE



Q: How long does it take to get installed ?

A: After your order is received and processed a HughesNet Trained Installer will contact you within 5 business days to arrange an appointment. Typically, you can expect your Hughes Net System to be installed within 5-7 business days from the day you order.



Q: Does HughesNet come with a warranty ?

A: HughesNet comes standard with a 24 Month Parts and Labor Warranty. Please CLICK HERE for warranty details.


Q: Does HughesNet require a service commitment?
A: HughesNet requires a 24 Month Service Commitment with a Satisfaction Guarantee.


Q: Does Hughes Net come with Ant-Virus Protection ?
A:
  HughesNet comes with Zone Alarm Anti-Virus Protection Free for 90 Days and can be continued for $3.95/mo.



Q: Is HughesNet a one-way or two-way system?

A: Today’s Hughes.Net satellite internet consumer service uses the Newest HughesNet Modem. The System is a two-way satellite system that allows you to send and receive information via satellite. So, there's no need for the expense of a second phone line or hassles with logging in when you want to get onto the Internet.

 

Q: If I already have DIRECTV service, do I need to get a new dish for Hughes Net ?
A: The Hughes.Net System requires a unique dish in order to send and receive information via satellite.

 

Q: How fast is the Hughes Net System?
A: The experience with HughesNet high-speed Internet is astonishing. When comparing typical activities with a dial-up service based on standard dial-up connection at 28.8Kbps, the difference in the amount of time you'll be waiting for what you want is night and day.  Hughes Net download speeds range from 700 to 5000 kb/s depending on the plan you choose
. You can download software upgrades in just minutes, versus up to an hour. There's no more waiting for Web pages to fully finish loading; they are typically done within a couple of seconds. Getting your favorite song can be done in less than the song's length rather than three times as long. As you can see this is a huge improvement... and broadband by satellite is the only high-speed Internet technology that's available everywhere in the continental U.S !



Q: How fast is HughesNet compared to other high-speed services ?
 

A: Everyone's Internet technology is based on shared bandwidth, so sometimes one option will allow you to do things in less time than others. But because everyone uses shared bandwidth there's truly no definitive answer.
 
 

 

Q: Why is there a requirement that the Hughes Net system be professionally installed?

A: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that trained professionals install any two-way satellite system.

 

Q: I am relocating, can I take my HughesNet system with me ?

A: Yes, you can have your Hughes.Net satellite internet system professionally reinstalled at your new location. Re-Installation charges apply.



Q:
Can I run a VPN over HughesNet ?

A: Hughes Net Home Service plan is not compatible with VPNs.You may use a VPN with Hughes.Net but you will likely experience reduced speeds 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.


 

If you have more questions regarding HughesNet please email us at electronics-express@hughes.net or call 1-207-286-6393


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