Satellite Internet Speed Vs. T1 Line

Download speeds determine how fast data is transferred from the Internet to your computer. The speed of large file transfers, the smoothness of streaming video and the speed at which pages load are all determined by the download speed. Satellite download speeds range between .5 Mbps, or megabits per second, and 2 Mbps. T1 lines have 1.544 Mbps download speeds. In comparison, dial-up speeds are 56 Kpbs, or kilobits per second -- about one-ninth of the lower satellite download speed of .5 Mpbs and about one-27th the speed of a T1.

Upload speeds determine how fast the data is transferred from your computer across the Internet. Upload speed determines how fast your are able to sending email, upload pictures to websites and transfer files is to servers. One-way satellite requires a dial-up connection, at a maximum of .054 Mbps -- or about one tenth the minimum satellite download speed -- for data uploads, whereas two-way satellite utilizes a direct connection to the satellite with speeds ranging from .125 Mbps to .5 Mbps. T1 lines have 1.544 Mbps upload speed, the same as the download speed.

Latency is the speed at which data requests are answered. Latency is also referred to as "lag" or "ping time." Low latency is required for face-paced on-line games, video conferencing, and many Internet-based phone services to avoid time-delays between the sending and receipt of data requests. Satellite has high latency -- considered poor -- due to the distance the signal must travel to and from the satellite before being routed. T1 lines have low latency, due to the speed at which light is transmitted across the fiber-optic lines.

The processing speed, memory, operating systems and quality of construction of modems, routers, PCs and other connected devices may directly affect the quality of service received. Outdated, damaged, or low quality devices perform poorly even with high-speed Internet connections. Ensure best results by selecting high quality devices and keeping the software and firmware up to date.

T1 lines require installation of fiber-optic cable to within several thousand feet of a connected residence. Satellite connectivity requires a clear line of sight to the satellite from the installed satellite receiver. Satellite connectivity degrades in extreme weather conditions. T1 lines, as with other utilities, are subject to power outages and line breakage.