Have you thought about hosting websites in places that have very slow internet or might not even have internet? Satellite internet such as Starlink and OneWeb are changing that. These satellites do not just help people stream videos, they help hosting providers connect users across the globe, even in remote areas.
Satellite internet allows hosting providers to service customers in remote areas without the need for cumbersome miles of fiber cabling. Thereby allowing more people to access web sites with ease!
Keeps Websites Online
It can serve as a backup internet connection. If there is damage to the cable or a storm takes out the networks, satellite internet can keep websites up and running.
Enables Edge Hosting
Providers can place servers close to the user in remote areas and avoid the costly local infrastructure requirements. The website will load faster for the user who does not live in close proximity to a city.
• Universal Coverage - Works anywhere, in cities, villages, or islands
• Natural Disaster Resiliency - Keeps websites online during storms
• Flexible - Easy to install and setup in remote areas
Disadvantages
• Slightly Higher Latency - Consistent with the rest of the world but may be slower than fiber.
• Higher Fees - Equipment and subscription fees can be expensive, but the fees are not invariant to the length of a subscription.
• Not Suitable for Large Traffic - Satellite Hosting is still not beneficial for very large websites.
The next time your website loads quickly in a rural or island location, there is a good chance that a satellite is involved; this is really amazing!
What Is Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet uses satellites in the sky rather than cables in the ground for an internet connection.- Starlink has thousands of satellites in low orbit to provide fast and reliable internet around the earth.
- OneWeb is creating a network of satellites to provide internet in areas with limited coverage.
How It Helps Hosting Providers
Reach More PeopleSatellite internet allows hosting providers to service customers in remote areas without the need for cumbersome miles of fiber cabling. Thereby allowing more people to access web sites with ease!
Keeps Websites Online
It can serve as a backup internet connection. If there is damage to the cable or a storm takes out the networks, satellite internet can keep websites up and running.
Enables Edge Hosting
Providers can place servers close to the user in remote areas and avoid the costly local infrastructure requirements. The website will load faster for the user who does not live in close proximity to a city.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantage• Universal Coverage - Works anywhere, in cities, villages, or islands
• Natural Disaster Resiliency - Keeps websites online during storms
• Flexible - Easy to install and setup in remote areas
Disadvantages
• Slightly Higher Latency - Consistent with the rest of the world but may be slower than fiber.
• Higher Fees - Equipment and subscription fees can be expensive, but the fees are not invariant to the length of a subscription.
• Not Suitable for Large Traffic - Satellite Hosting is still not beneficial for very large websites.
Real Life Examples
Some hosting providers located outside the urban areas used Starlink to keep their websites online during storms, etc. The outcome is clear: the websites stayed online and clients maintained a much more stable connection. Starlink is not feasible as yet for hosting mega-sized websites, but it is a notable improvement over current service for local providers.Final Thoughts
Satellites, via Starlink and OneWeb, are contributing to hosting providers delivering speed and maintaining user connections during outages in rural and shore-based areas. The outcomes are quicker websites, reliable connections, and potential to reach clients in remote areas (possibly connecting to a satellite!)The next time your website loads quickly in a rural or island location, there is a good chance that a satellite is involved; this is really amazing!