How Do I Fix Buffering Problems with Hughesnet?

HughesNet is a superior satellite internet service offered by Hughes Network Systems LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar. With more than 1.3 million active subscribers, the service is arguably the largest within the Americas. In terms of how it works, HughesNet follows the conventional satellite internet access process. It begins with the user requesting access to a particular website via their computer. Once the request has been made, it's sent to a satellite that could be well over 22,000 feet above the ground.

After that, the request reaches the Hughes Network Operations Center, where the specific website will be located. The website then reflects the information to your computer following the same route, with your satellite dish and modem's help. The process may seem time-consuming, but actually, the contrary is true. Throughout the relay of information, only a fraction of a second is lost for you to gain access to the website of your choice.

With that in mind, you may then wonder what buffering is. Buffering refers to when your computer preloads chunks of data, especially during video streaming, to guarantee a seamless video streaming experience. Video streaming platforms such as YouTube integrate their websites with strong buffering features, which allow you to readily watch a video at any given point without having to wait for it to load.

Buffering issues may occur from time to time, and streaming using even reputable internet service providers such as HughesNet doesn't guarantee that it won't happen. The majority of buffering problems originate from low connectivity speeds and poor internet performance. Luckily, you can use the information below to guide you when attempting to fix buffering problems, particularly with HughesNet.

How do I fix buffering problems with Hughesnet?

To have a clear sense of direction on how to fix buffering problems with HughesNet, you may need to understand some of the factors that affect your HughesNet internet service's speed and performance. They're detailed as follows with complementary solutions to any related connectivity problems.

• Fair Access Policy: This is a policy created by most satellite internet service providers limiting your monthly or daily data usage to prevent bandwidth hogging or server overloads. Once you've surpassed that limit, your internet connection may slow down, thereby resulting in poor buffering. To avoid this situation, you can constantly check your FAP status by logging in to your modem at http://192.168.0.1/ and clicking on the green button.
  
• Antenna pointing and peaking: Improper peaking and pointing of the antenna results in reduced transmission rates as the transmitter struggles to relay information to the satellite. This, in turn, may cause buffering problems. To resolve the matter, you can have the antenna repeaked to increase your internet service's speed and reliability.
• Feedhorn or transmitter issues: Feedhorn issues can be identified by checking the clear lens that faces the dish for cracks or moisture intrusion. If any are present, they could cause buffering problems since the feedhorn is crucial in the network transmission process. Calling an internet service retail company for feedhorn replacement could be the only efficient solution.
• Power source problems: HughesNet modems do not work optimally with modified sine wave generators or inverters, or inexpensive surge protectors. This is because their inadequate or unstable power may result in slow connectivity issues, giving rise to buffering problems. To avoid such conundrums, you can consider switching to pure sine wave inverters and generators or using quality power backup systems.
• Cabling and connections: Your internet service's cabling network also negatively affects its speed and performance, whose effect eventually trickles down to the buffering speed. If your home has corroded connections, substandard connectors or cables, and damaged connectors between the modem and antenna, slow speeds may be inevitable. Luckily, this problem can be fixed by purchasing quality ground blocks, fittings, couplers, connectors, and cables from a trusted supplier.

Alternatively;

You can contact HughesNet's customer care representatives, who are always ready to help customers obtain effective solutions to connectivity problems. If the connectivity problems stem from a region-wide internet outage, they'll be sure to inform you.