|
If you
have more than one computer in your household, you have probably
wished at some point that you could access the Internet from a
computer other than the one connected to HUGHESNET. Networking makes
it possible to share your HUGHESNET Internet access with every
computer in your house. The kids won't have to fight about whose
turn it is to get online and you can work comfortably from your
office while they chat and surf in their bedrooms.
On this
page, you will find helpful information about sharing your HUGHESNET
connection using a network. Your network setup and configuration
will depend upon which HUGHESNET service plan you are subscribed to.
The
HN7000S is self-hosted, which means there is no software to load on
you computer. The HN7000S also eliminates the need to use ICS to
share Internet access with other computers. Every computer on your
network can communicate directly with the HN7000S and access the
internet using inexpensive networking technology.
PLEASE NOTE
"HUGHESNET" does NOT
provide technical support for networking. Since all networks are
slightly different, support for your network must come from your
local computer store's technical specialist who can provide that
"hands-on" and "eyes-on" assistance to you that your individual
computer network may require.
Your "HUGHESNET" installer
specializes in satellite dish installation and not computers, and
he/she should not be expected to connect your computer(s) to your
network. The installer will usually demonstrate the system works
properly on his/her own laptop, ready for you, or your computer
person to begin your special connections.
|
HN7000S
(Home Consumer Service Plan)
and Wireless Networking Basics
Wireless networking is the easiest
way to get started because you don't have to run wires
throughout your house. You'll need a Wireless Access Point (WAP),
which will allow you to share your HUGHESNET connection. The
Ethernet output on your HN7000S will plug directly into the WAP.
Then you'll need a wireless device for each computer you want to
share your connection with. Laptops use PC cards, which
can easily be installed and removed. Desktop computers can
use either a PCI or USB adapter. To install the PCI
adapter, you'd need to open your computer whereas the USB
adapter can be plugged into any open USB port. Even if you're
not comfortable opening up your computer, wireless networking is
not difficult to install or use.
The key to a good
wireless network is placement of your wireless access point and
your computers. The wireless access point will be the link
between your networked computers and your HUGHESNET service, so
it is important to establish a strong signal between the
wireless access point and your computers. A poor wireless signal
will negatively impact your Internet performance over the
network. Finding the best placement of your access point for
maximum range is a trial and error process.
This is what your
wireless home network would look like with the HN7000S
The HN7000S (Consumer Service Plan)
with a Wired Network
With a wired network, you will have
no concerns about signal strength like with a wireless network.
However, the tradeoff is you'll have to run wires to every
computer you want to share your HUGHESNET connection with.
You'll need a hub or a switch (one port per computer),
which you'll connect to your HN7000S with an Ethernet cable.
Then you'll connect each computer to the hub using an Ethernet
cable. Each computer needs an Ethernet port. Almost all newer
computers come equipped with a Network Interface Card (NIC),
but if yours does not have one, you'll have to install one.
This is what your
wired home network would look like with the HN7000S
 |
HN7000S Professional Service
Plan (with a "static IP")
HUGHESNET Professional service
can be purchased with a static IP address. In order to properly
configure your network, you'll need a router, available from your
local computer store or most big-box retailers. The purpose of a
router is to direct data to take a specific path to and from your
computers on your network out to the Internet and back again.
Safety and Security
Whether you have a network
installed or not, maintaining your security and privacy on the
Internet is of utmost importance. Make sure that you have
Anti-Virus software installed on every computer you use to access
the Internet.
The Pro-Plus Service Plan
(offers at additional charge) a never-changing IP address visible to
the world, a firewall is highly recommended for users of this
service plan. Be aware that many wireless routers usually include
the firewall software/firmware to protect your network.
The HN7000S (Pro-Plus Service)
and Wireless Networking Basics
Wireless networking is the
easiest way to get started because you don't have to run wires
throughout your house or office. You'll need a Wireless Router
which will allow you to share your HUGHESNET connection. The
Ethernet output on your HN7000S will plug directly into the wireless
router. Then you'll need a wireless device for each computer you
want to share your connection with. Laptops use PC cards,
which can easily be installed and removed.
Desktop computers can use either a PCI or USB adapter. To
install the PCI adapter, you'd need to open your computer whereas
the USB adapter can be plugged into any open USB port. Even if
you're not comfortable opening up your computer, wireless networking
is not difficult to install or use.
The key to a good wireless
network is placement of your wireless router and your computers. The
wireless router will be the link between your networked computers
and your HUGHESNET service, so it is important to establish a strong
signal between the router and you computers. A poor wireless signal
will negatively impact your Internet performance over the network.
Finding the best placement of your wireless router for maximum range
is a trial and error process.
This is what your wireless
network would look like with HN7000S Pro-Plus Service.
The HN7000S (Pro-Plus Service Plan)
with a Wired Network
With a wired network, you will
have no concerns about signal strength like with a wireless
network. However, the tradeoff is you'll have to run wires to every
computer you want to share your HUGHESNET connection with.
You'll need a router, which you'll connect to your HN7000S
with an Ethernet cable. A multi-port router is recommended. If
your router has only one port, you'll also need the hub or a
switch (one port per computer) shown in the graphic below.
Then you'll connect each computer to the hub/switch using an
Ethernet cable. Each computer needs an Ethernet port. Almost all
newer computers come equipped with a Network Interface Card (NIC),
but if yours does not have one, you'll have to install one.
This is what your
wire network would look like with HN7000S Pro-Plus Service.
|