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Internet Access on Private Islands
By Islomaniac | July 8, 2007
The internet, certainly not a topic that I am qualified to talk about. About 2 years ago my son set up the internet for me on the island. I was so busy trying to figure out how to use the computer that I never bothered to ask how I was actually connected to the internet. I None the less the other day when someone asked me how I access the internet on my island I was determined to figure out exactly how one gets access to the internet on the island. Click below to read more
On the mainland internet access is a given, most people can set up a home internet connection on their own. However, setting up an internet connection on a private island can be more challenging. Unfortunately for island owners there are no cables running under the water able to carry an internet signal. The most common option for private island dwellers to get access to the internet is through satellites. Satellite Internet services are used in locations where terrestrial Internet access is not available and in locations which move frequently. Internet access via satellite is available worldwide, including vessels at sea and mobile land vehicles. To access the internet a satellite dish is mounted on or near your home. The dish must have a clear unobstructed view of its host satellite (which are usually located 22,300 miles up over the Equator in the southern sky). Two standard coaxial cables connect the satellite dish antenna to the satellite modem connected to your computer via an Ethernet connection. This allows signals to be transmitted to and from the satellite which in turn can be broadcast to the satellite companies hub facility, which is connected directly to the internet. A major problem with satellite internet is that their tends to be delays in sending and receiving information.
A theoretical alternative to satellites that is being explored is the use of ultra-light solar powered airplane that could fly in a continuous a circling path perhaps 70,000 feet (20 km) high or an airship. These would act as flying satellites, providing high-speed service to customers below the aircraft. Since the roundtrip signal distance would only be 30 miles, the latency caused by the speed of light would be almost insignificant Such service via aircraft is still in the experimental stages as of 2006.
I realize there may be some errors in this article. If anyone has more information I would be happy to hear it and revise this post. Its all about being informed!
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July 8th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
Interesting stuff, Mark. I didn’t know the satellites are that far away!
The airship idea was featured on a cable TV program not long ago. That’ll solve a challenge for guys like me who need a high-performance web connection but can’t get it in rural or remote locations.
Do you have cell service on the island?