Does skyDSL use the satellite in both directions?
skyDSL uses the satellite uni-directional. The satellite dish can only receive data. Requests and data that have to be dispatched towards the internet, cannot be send to the satellite directly. That’s why skyDSL requires a telephone connection to the internet (analogue, ISDN, DSL, or mobile). Various providers offer bi-directional satellite connections. This solution offers direct communication via satellite in both directions. On the downside, it must be mentioned that costs for both, the acquisition of the necessary hardware and the data transfer between user and satellite, are considerably higher. In other words: skyDSL and taking advantage of existing telephone lines for linking up to the internet is a cheap alternative to bi-directional solutions. skyDSL harnesses the advantages of the satellite connection, namely the fast download of internet pages. In comparison, the amount of data that has to be uploaded is only a fraction of the downloaded volume for most users. Hence, reduced
