Technical Information
How fast is this service? How does it compare to cable modems and DSL?
What is the impact of latency? Can I play real-time internet games or make internet phone calls on your service?
What if my computer did not come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)? What can I do?
Will my WildBlue service be affected by weather?
What operating systems are compatible with the WildBlue service?
Will WildBlue work with Macintosh computers?
What Web browser and email clients does WildBlue support?
Will I be able to use a virtual private network (VPN) with the WildBlue service?
Does WildBlue support VoIP?
How fast is this service? How does it compare to cable modems and DSL?
WildBlue's always-on broadband Internet connection provides a user experience similar to most DSL services. We offer download speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps - more than 30 times faster than today's dial-up speeds. We offer upload speeds up to 356 Kbps. WildBlue's high bandwidth opens up a window to a world of rich content that is largely unavailable through dial-up modems.
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What is the impact of latency? Can I play real-time internet games or make internet phone calls on your service?
The WildBlue system is engineered to help offset the impact of latency, which is the delay caused by sending signals from the earth to the satellite and back again. However, there is a delay of about a half second as the signal travels up to the satellite, back down to the gateway, up to the satellite and back down to your modem. For most applications this latency does not affect performance, however, there are some applications like voice over IP (telephone service delivered over the Internet, also known as VoIP), or real-time interactive gaming, where latency will have a noticeable effect on performance over the WildBlue network, as it would on any satellite-delivered service.
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What if my computer did not come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)? What can I do?
Many computers can be upgraded with a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) - which you can find at almost any consumer electronics store, or at an online store. If you are comfortable with opening your computer and installing hardware, most Ethernet NICs can be self-installed. Otherwise you may want to hire a computer professional. Check with your computer manufacturer for more information on the right Ethernet NIC for your system.
Also, if you have an available USB port on your computer, you can purchase a USB Ethernet adapter (available at almost any consumer electronics store, or online). This may be easier to install than PCI card in your computer. For a laptop, you can purchase a standard PCMCIA card that provides an Ethernet connection, or you can purchase a USB Ethernet adapter as well. We recommend that you upgrade your computer to meet all the requirements listed above to get he most out of your Internet experience.
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Will my WildBlue service be affected by weather?
The WildBlue service is only minimally affected by weather, and only under extreme conditions. The WildBlue service will offer availability equal to that of satellite TV. Like satellite TV services, during a very heavy rainstorm, you may notice slower WildBlue speeds, but this should normally only last a few minutes.
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What operating systems are compatible with the WildBlue service?
Windows/P: Windows 2000 or XP
Mac: OS 10.2 or higher
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Will WildBlue work with Macintosh computers?
Yes. The WildBlue service is compatible with Macintosh computers.
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What Web browser and email clients does WildBlue support?
Web Browsers
Windows/PC: Internet Explorer 5.5 & 6, Netscape 6 & 7.x, firefox 1.x
Mac: Netscape 7.x, Safari 1.x, Firefox 1.x
Email Clients
Windows/PC: WildBlue Webmail, Outlook Express 5 & 6, Outlook XP & 2003, Netscape Mail 6 & 7, Thunderbird
Mac: WildBlue Webmail, Outlook Express 5, OUtlookk 2001, Outlook 2004, Netscape Mail 6 & 7, Apple Mail, Thunderbird
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Will I be able to use a virtual private network (VPN) with the WildBlue service?
Yes. WildBlue recommends the use of SSL-based VPNs. They work well on the WildBlue network because they work efficiently over a satellite connection. IP Sec-based BPNs may work over the WildBlue network, but will likely be much slower (and perhaps not useable) due to the effects of latelcy.
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Does WildBlue support VoIP?
At this time, WildBlue does not support VoIP.
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