To receive the internet via a satellite internet connection you will need the following equipment: Dish transceiver with base (some providers call it a dish, a tiny dish, or a transceiver unit), modem-router, and two types of cable. The modem-router may be one combined device or it may be separate devices. The modem functions as an internet signal translator that renders words and images to your screen rather than the raw signal code elements. The router is a device that shares the satellite signal you’re getting from your dish transceiver to other devices in your home.

The dish has a cable running from the outside of your home where the dish is installed to the inside of your home where your modem-router sits near your main computer. Another cable runs from the modem-router to the AC power on your wall or strip so it has power. The modem-router shares the signal to your device via the air, or, you can hard-wire the modem-router directly into your desktop or laptop device using a basic LAN cable that either came with your computer or one you can pick up elsewhere easily. There are several permutations of this setup depending on your needs. Some people who use a VPN for work, which you can do with satellite internet service as you can with broadband cable internet, find that their work VPN tends to disconnect less often if the router is hard-wired into their laptop or desktop. It all depends on how your computer hardware is built and programmed. Trial and error are generally required to fine tune the best solution. Generally, you want your modem-Wi-Fi router near your main computer. The router will send the signal through your home but it will be strongest at the base unit. Depending on the size and setup of your home you may want to purchase a router mesh kit of two or three routers and place them strategically to intercept the Wi-Fi signal. Again, trial and error will be required here. Wi-Fi units can be counted on for about three years of shelf life these days, so if you got five or more years out of yours, good for you. But if you are getting frequently disconnected from the internet, you may need to buy a new Wi-Fi router.

It’s worth mentioning that if you opt for Starlink satellite service, you do need a full and unobstructed 360-view of the sky. This is a bigger requirement than the legacy satellite setups where you only need a clear path to the Southern sky. We mention this not to disrespect Starlink in any way but just to advise you that in cases where there are trees all around your house, or buildings all around you, and you have to move the receiver unit farther from where you have your computer(s) inside the home, then you might want an additional cable to extend that signal to your home. It might help to have a professional installer look into it if you’ve done everything you can with the provided cables but aren’t getting strong and fast internet. It will be totally worth it to resolve those issues.