Your HughesNet® HN7000S Satellite Internet System!

Since many homes now have more than one computer in the 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.

1. Consumer (Home) Plan for Wireless Networking
2. Consumer (Home) Plan for Wired (Cabled) Networking
3. Professional Service Plan for Wireless Networking
4. Professional Service Plan for Wired Networking

The HN7000S is self-hosted, which means there is no software to load on you computer and therefore, no "host"; 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 Professional Service Plan
 

HughesNet Professional service comes 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.

Because the Professional Service Plan uses 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 (Professional 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 Professional Service.

The HN7000S (Professional 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 Professional Service.