Satellite Internet Signal Comparison Between Ka Band And Ku Band Satellite Signal

I read a lot of discussion about whether Ka or Ku band is the better satellite internet technology.  The two major satellite internet companies in the United States are Hughesnet and WildBlue.  Hughesnet is based on Ku-band satellite technology and WildBlue is based on Ka-band satellite technology.  There are several advantages and disadvantages to the service provider of using either of these technologies.  However, in this article we will focus on these technologies’ performance in relation to the users.  I have put together some advantages and disadvantages of both types of technologies that will hopefully help you decide which might be the best for you.

Ka Band Advantages

- Generally higher frequency
- Smaller dish
- Generally lower latency
- Less Expensive Equipment
- Uses Spot Beam Technology

Ka Disadvantages

- More susceptible to rain fade
- More complicated instillation

Ku Band Advantages

- Less susceptible to rain fade
- Slightly easier to install
- US carriers offer higher bandwidth, but also cost more
- Available to more areas

Ku Band Disadvantages

- Larger Dish
- Equipment is more expensive
- Slightly higher latency

Although, there are clear advantages and disadvantages of each, in most cases they are not substantial enough to warrant basing a decision on.  When considering a satellite internet service it will prove to be much more beneficial to base the selection on the provider’s service plans, customer support, and monthly service costs.  However, there may be situations in which you should pay particularly close to the benefits of each of these satellite technologies.  The first is to check your location to see if you are able to get Ka band satellite internet service.  This service is available in most places, but because it uses spot beam technology, which is definitely a benefit, you might fall just in between two spot beams.  This happens very seldom, but it does happen.  In this case your only option would be Ku band technology.

Tags: Ka Band Satellte Internet, Ku Band Satellite Internet, wildblue satellite internet

This entry was posted on Monday, July 26th, 2010 at 4:00 am and is filed under satellite internet. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.